Mathematical Statistician Job in Suitland - 91901171 - ZATWWQUKBSJAA

Job Title:
Mathematical Statistician

Department:
Department Of Commerce

Agency:
Bureau of the Census

Job Announcement Number:
WA401562

SALARY RANGE:
$41,421.00 - $97,333.00 /year

OPEN PERIOD:
Monday, November 08, 2010 to Friday, September 30, 2011
SERIES & GRADE:GS-1529-05/12

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full Time Career/Career Conditional

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
12

DUTY LOCATIONS:
Many vacancies - SUITLAND, MD

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
United States Citizens

JOB SUMMARY:Come join the Census Team, where every one counts! The Census Bureau produces quality data that helps Americans better understand our country - its population, resources, economy, society and culture.

This announcement will be used to establish a standing inventory. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for vacancies as positions become available with the various offices at the Census Bureau. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for vacancies until selected or their eligibility expires. For information concerning the period of eligibility, please see the "What To Expect Next" section of this announcement.

Within certain constraints, the agency may be able to match written offers or salaries of currently employed applicants.

Payment of relocation expenses MAY be authorized.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• You must be a U.S. Citizen
• Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply section)
• Registration for Selective Service
• Basic Education Requirements for Mathematical Statistician

Additional Duty Location Info:
Many vacancies - SUITLAND, MD

• Analyze the accuracy and validity of statistical data
• Determine whether processes and operations are appropriate
• Recommend improvements to the collection and analysis of statistical data
• Prepare and disseminate technical documentation of work

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

A. You have (or within 9 months will have) a bachelor's or higher degree; AND

B. You have (or within 9 months will have) 24 semester hours of mathematics and statistics, of which at least 15 semester hours were in mathematics and 6 semester hours were in statistics; AND

C. You have (or within 9 months will have) at least 6 semester hours of statistics with a calculus prerequisite AND the following mathematics courses:

• Calculus I, Calculus II, and Calculus III (or Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, and Multivariate Calculus),
• Linear Algebra
• One additional junior or senior level mathematics course; OR

D. You do not have a bachelor's or higher degree but do have the education specified in “B” and “C” above and also have additional education or experience performing duties such as sampling, collecting, computing and analyzing statistical data; applying known statistical techniques such as measurement of central tendency, dispersion, skewness, sampling error, simple and multiple correlations, conducting analysis of variance, and conducting tests of significance. Your combination of education and experience must total at least four years.

Notes Regarding Qualifying Education:

1. If you will meet any of the above education requirements within 9 months, you must submit documentation that includes specific information on the classes you will complete within the next 9 months. List the title and course number of the class, the department and college or university offering the class, the number of semester or quarter hours credit given for the class, and the date you expect to complete the class.
2. Credit toward meeting statistical course requirements will be given for courses in which 50 percent of the course content appears to be statistical methods. If the statistical content of a course cannot be determined based on the course title, you must submit an official course description for the course, or written documentation (documentation must be on official school letterhead) from a professor or other school official verifying that the content of the course is at least 50 percent statistical methods.

Applicants applying for the GS-07 grade level must meet one of the following requirements (in addition to the requirements for all applicants described above):

A. You have (or within 9 months will have) a bachelor's degree and superior academic achievement. Superior academic achievement is generally defined by an earned grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0. For information on additional ways to meet the superior academic achievement provision, see http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e5.asp#e4fOR

B. You have (or within 9 months will have) completed at least one year of graduate education; OR

C. You have had at least one year of professional work experience, equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service, where your assignments and the steps to follow usually were defined by your supervisor or by standard operating procedures, and your work was checked closely for accuracy and adequacy. Generally, any deviation from standard procedures required prior approval of your supervisor. Your assignments included performing one or more statistical or analytical tasks: 1) applying or using standard statistical methods and analyses found in college textbooks; 2) using statistical analysis software to help a senior colleague or supervisor analyze data; 3) helping plan surveys; or 4) assisting in developing a portion of a report on statistical analysis; OR

D. You have a combination of graduate education described in “B” and experience described in “A” that when combined meets 100% of the qualifications requirements of this position. To calculate your percentage of graduate education, divide the number of graduate semester hours by 18. To determine your percentage of qualifying experience, divide your total number of months of qualifying experience, as described in “C” above, by 12. The two percentages must total at least 100% for you to qualify under the combination of education and experience.

Applicants applying for the GS-09 grade level must meet one of the following requirements (in addition to the requirements for all applicants described above):

A. You have (or within 9 months will have) a master’s degree, or completed two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s degree, in Mathematics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Economics, Operations Research, or other field with a major emphasis in statistics; OR

B. You have had at least one year of professional work experience, equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, where your assignments were most often defined by your supervisor or by standard operating procedures, but you used some judgment in selecting the statistical methods and, when necessary, made minor changes to adapt the methods to your specific work situations. Your analytical methods and results, written documents, and reports were closely reviewed for technical and analytical adequacy. Your assignments should indicate evidence of statistical work such as (a) sample design and estimation for finite populations, (b) design of data collection, processing, and analysis methods, (c) applying known statistical inference techniques to real data, and (d) development of new statistical methods; OR

C. You have a combination of graduate education described in “B” and experience described in “A” that when combined meets 100% of the qualifications requirements of this position. To calculate your percentage of graduate education, divide the number of graduate semester hours by 18. To determine your percentage of qualifying experience, divide your total number of months of qualifying experience, as described in “C” above, by 12. The two percentages must total at least 100% for you to qualify under the combination of education and experience.

Applicants applying for the GS-11 grade level must meet one of the following requirements (in addition to the requirements for all applicants described above):

A. You have (or within 9 months will have) a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, in Mathematics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Economics, Operations Research, or other field with a major emphasis in statistics; OR

B. You have had at least one year of professional work experience, equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service, where your assignments required that you select and adapt standard statistical techniques from text books, handbooks, or other professional literature for a variety of problems when related precedents were available. Your analytical approaches and results were very generally reviewed for technical and professional adequacy. Your assignments involved applying statistical methods to carry out statistical analyses, or assisting in the development of technical reports or professional papers dealing with socio/economic or demographic data or socio/economic or demographic administrative records or record systems. Your assignments should include statistical work such as (a) sample design and estimation for finite populations, (b) design of data collection, processing, and analysis methods, (c) applying known statistical inference techniques to real data, and (d) development of new statistical methods; OR

C. You have a combination of graduate education described in “B” and experience described in “A” that when combined meets 100% of the qualifications requirements of this position. To calculate your percentage of graduate education, divide the number of graduate semester hours by 18. To determine your percentage of qualifying experience, divide your total number of months of qualifying experience, as described in “C” above, by 12. The two percentages must total at least 100% for you to qualify under the combination of education and experience.

Applicants applying for the GS-12 grade level (Non-Research) must meet the following specialized experience requirement (in addition to the requirements for all applicants described above):

You have had at least one year of professional work experience, equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service, where your work was generally reviewed only for adherence to accepted professional standards. Your work included applying statistical methods to carry out statistical analyses, or developing technical reports or professional papers dealing with socioeconomic or demographic data or socioeconomic or demographic administrative records or record systems. Your assignments regularly required that you develop solutions to difficult statistical problems that did not have readily available precedents, establish statistical and analytical methodology, design sampling and estimation procedures for surveys, document work results and findings in survey specifications, and prepare oral and written technical reports to colleagues or at professional meetings. Your assignments should include statistical work such as (a) sample design and estimation for finite populations, (b) design of data collection, processing, and analysis methods, (c) applying known statistical inference techniques to real data, and (d) development of new statistical methods.

Applicants applying for the GS-11 grade level (Research) must meet one of the following requirements (in addition to the requirements for all applicants described above):

A. You have (or within 9 months will have) a master’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Economics, Operations Research, or other field with a major emphasis in statistics; OR

B. You have at least one year of professional research experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. In order to qualify the work must have required advanced knowledge in calculus (differential, integral, and multivariate calculus and linear algebra) and calculus-based statistics. This experience must have included the application of survey sampling techniques, experimental design, time series analysis, regression analysis, linear models, statistical inference, statistical computing, and applied probability. The level and scope of knowledge required to perform these duties is comparable to that of a master's or equivalent degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Economics, Operations Research or other field with a major emphasis in statistics.

Applicants applying for the GS-12 grade level (Research) must meet one of the following requirements (in addition to the requirements for all applicants described above):

A. You have (or within 9 months will have) a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Economics, Operations Research, or other field with a major emphasis in statistics; OR

B. You have at least one year of professional research experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. In order to qualify the work must have required advanced knowledge in calculus (differential, integral, and multivariate calculus and linear algebra) and calculus-based statistics. This experience must have included the application of survey sampling techniques, experimental design, time series analysis, regression analysis, linear models, statistical inference, statistical computing, and applied probability. Some examples of duties at this level would be solving difficult statistical problems with little precedent; adapting statistical methods from textbooks or professional journals; establishing methodology from previous studies on related areas; designing sampling and estimation procedures for surveys; selecting and adapting statistical techniques for a variety of problems; documenting work results and findings in oral reports and specifications, technical reports, or professional papers; giving formal presentations at work or at professional meetings, and using statistical analysis software. The level and scope of knowledge required to perform these duties is comparable to that of a Ph.D. in Mathematics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Economics, Operations Research, or other field with a major emphasis in statistics.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made to verify that minimum qualification requirements are met. After this review is complete, you will receive a notice indicating your eligibility for the grade level(s) to which you applied. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Statistical Methods and Concepts, Survey Topics, Computer Experience, Communication, and Organizational Skills.

Once the hiring agency submits a request to fill a position, you will be placed in one of three pre-defined quality categories. The three categories are:

• Gold - Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a superior level of possession of all evaluation criteria.
• Silver - Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a satisfactory level of possession of the evaluation criteria.
• Bronze - Applicants possessing the specialized experience described above.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documents, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.

Application of Veterans' Preference: Category rating and selection procedures place those with veterans’ preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher.

BENEFITS:

The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees at http://www.usajobs.gov/EI/benefits.asp.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov).

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) candidates will be eligible if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining a rating of at least 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility can be found at http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp. CTAP/ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:

1. A copy of your specific Reduction In Force (RIF) notice, written notice of your expected separation or other documentation of priority consideration status;
2. A copy of your latest SF-50 - noting current position, grade level, and duty location;
3. A copy of your last performance appraisal including your rating; and
4. Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your Resume
2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire
3. Other supporting documents:
   - College transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
   - Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable. Please indicate on your resume the type of veterans' preference you are claiming and provide the appropriate supporting documentation (DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service, VA letter, SF-15 (revised December 2004 or later), etc.) to validate your claim. For more information regarding eligibility requirements please visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Friday, September 30, 2011.

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button at the bottom of this screen to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.

Note: To return to a previously Saved or Incomplete application you may use the following link: https://applicationmanager.gov/

To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload, complete this cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf using the following Vacancy ID: WA401562. Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144.

If you cannot apply online:

1. Click the following link to view and print the assessment questionnaire: View Occupational Questionnaire, and
2. Print this 1203FX form to provide your response to the assessment questionnaire http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/opm1203fx.pdf and
3. Fax the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1-478-757-3144. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

The following documents are required and must be received by the closing date of this announcement:

1. Your Resume
2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire
3. Other supporting documents:
   - College transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
   - Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable. Please indicate on your resume the type of veterans' preference you are claiming and provide the appropriate supporting documentation (DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service, VA letter, SF-15 (revised December 2004 or later), etc.) to validate your claim. For more information regarding eligibility requirements please visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Washington Services Branch
Phone: (202)606-2575
Email: WASHINGTON@OPM.GOV Agency Information:
COMMERCE Bureau of Census
Please do not send mail
Please call with questions
Washington, DC 00000

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your eligibility and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.

PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATION: Qualified applicants will receive employment consideration for a period of three months from the date their name is entered on the inventory. Applicants may request an extension of their eligibility by submitting a written request within two weeks of their expiration date to OPM's email address: washington@opm.gov. Only ONE extension will be granted. Applicants who would like consideration beyond the six months period MUST reapply.