Summary Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an Operations Research Analyst performing professional and scientific work requiring systematic, critical, intensive investigation into a subject in order to develop the principles, criteria, methods, and data to be used In support projects or problem solving studies. Responsibilities Perform complete weapons systems studies of limited scope or portions of larger projects, modifying/ adapting techniques to fit situations, some requiring Innovative approaches. Utilize scientific inquiry in the development of mathematical models and computer programs to evaluate and predict the ability to support assigned projects, studies, or problems. Provide technical guidance, advisory support, and assistance. Attend meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to program planning, advanced technologies, and support system concepts. Accomplish professional development and maintains technical proficiency through professional interaction. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS: IOR for 1515 positions and Group Standard for Professional and Scientific Series. Click on the following link to view occupational requirements for this position: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1500/1515 BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: Degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. MUST PROVIDE TRANSCRIPT(S). AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-12: I have, or within 120 days, will have 52 weeks (one year) of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service Includes Professional knowledge of weapons systems and a wide range of complex methods and techniques used in operations research studies to recommend those suitable for producing explicit findings and discriminating evaluations. Professional knowledge of and skill in applying and adapting standard approaches to gather, analyze, and evaluate information concerning complex processes, operations, or questions typified by conventional relationships. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with customers, information sources, and project team members. Ability to design, build, and use models and simulation techniques. Ability to use standard-type models to simulate real-world environments. Skill in articulating and negotiating complex issues. Note: You must submit a copy of transcripts. It may have been gained in the private sector, volunteer service, military service, and/or government service, etc. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-11: I meet the basic education requirements for the GS-1515-11, and I have one year of specialized experience or will have within 120 days at the next lower grade GS-09 or equivalent in the Federal Service. Specialized experience includes professional knowledge of weapons systems and a wide range of complex methods and techniques used in operations research studies to recommend those suitable for producing explicit findings and discriminating evaluations. Professional knowledge of and skill in applying and adapting standard approaches to gather, analyze, and evaluate information concerning complex processes, operations, or questions typified by conventional relationships. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with customers, information sources, and project team members. Ability to design, build, and use models and simulation techniques. Ability to use standard-type models to simulate real-world environments. Skill in articulating and negotiating complex issues. Or: I meet the basic education requirements for the GS-1515-11, and I have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. Or: I meet the basic education requirement for the GS-1515-11, and I have less than the full amount of specialized experience required but I have more than 2 years of graduate level education with a major or subject area related to the position to be filled. Therefore, I have a combination of experience and education. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your official transcripts. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-09: I meet the basic education requirements for the GS-1515-09 and I have one year of specialized experience or will have within 120 days at the next lower grade GS-7 or equivalent in the Federal Service. Specialized experience includes knowledge of the principles, concepts, and theories of the classified title, and the standard practices, methods, and techniques of the occupation sufficient to perform difficult, but well-precedented assignments. Knowledge of analysis, evaluation, fact-finding, and investigative techniques in order to gather data, identify significant factors, and recommend a solution from a number of possible alternatives. Knowledge of the occupation to perform studies and prepare reports, documentation, and correspondence to communicate factual and procedural information clearly. Skill in applying the principles, concepts, and practices of the occupation sufficient to perform moderately difficult assignments. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy, both orally and in writing, as well as work in an appropriate manner with peers and management. Ability to learn and apply analytical investigative techniques to accomplish work in the subject-matter field. Note: You must submit a copy of official transcripts. Or: I meet the basic education requirements for the GS-1515-09 and completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. Or: I meet the basic education requirements for the GS-1515-09 but I have less than the full amount of specialized experience described in the job opportunity announcement; however, and I have at least one year of progressively higher-level graduate education but have not obtained a master's or equivalent graduate degree. Therefore, I have a combination of experience and education. Note: You must submit a copy of official transcripts. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-07: I meet the basic education requirements for the GS-1515-07, Operations Research Analyst and I have at least one year or will have within 120 days of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-05 or equivalent in the Federal Service. Specialized experience includes knowledge of the principles, concepts, and theories of the classified title, and the standard practices, methods, and techniques of the occupation sufficient to perform difficult, but well-precedented assignments. Knowledge of analysis, evaluation, fact-finding, and investigative techniques in order to gather data, identify significant factors, and recommend a solution from a number of possible alternatives. Knowledge of the occupation to perform studies and prepare reports, documentation, and correspondence to communicate factual and procedural information clearly. Skill in applying the principles, concepts, and practices of the occupation sufficient to perform moderately difficult assignments. Or: I have one year of graduate-level of education or superior academic achievement in a field directly related to the work of the position. You must provide supporting transcripts. Or: I have a combination of specialized experience as and graduate education to qualify for this position. You must provide supporting transcripts. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-­grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Evaluation of Education: The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem. Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis. In addition, some positions may require knowledge of a specific subject area. Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science. The following are illustrative of acceptable courses: optimization; mathematical modeling; queueing theory; engineering; physics (except descriptive or survey courses); econometrics; psychometrics; biometrics; experimental psychology; physical chemistry; industrial process analysis; managerial economics; computer science; measurement for management; mathematical models in social phenomena; and courses that involved application of operations research techniques and methodologies to problems of management, marketing, systems design, and other specialized fields; or other comparable quantitative analysis courses for which college-level mathematics or statistics is a prerequisite. Courses in theory of probability and statistics are highly desirable but are not specified as minimum educational requirements because to do so would possibly exclude some applicants who would otherwise be well qualified. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of weapons systems and a wide range of methods and techniques used in operations research studies and possession of analytical abilities. Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions. Ability to participate in study teams; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/ time constraints. Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques. Ability to design, build, and use models and simulation techniques. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relations. Additional Information Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse Preference applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected at the full performance level and placed at the full performance level. You must include a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.