Job Information
Federal Aviation Administration Operations Research Analyst in United States
Summary The Operations Research Analyst is the senior level analyst responsible for the development of mathematical, statistical models, and methodologies for analyzing domestic and international aviation data using state of the art technologies. Incumbent has broad responsibilities for initiating, developing, and facilitating research and evaluation of programs with particular emphasis on the solution of complex aviation safety and regulatory issues. Responsibilities Incumbent is a senior level Analyst responsible for the development of mathematical, statistical models, and methodologies for analyzing aviation data using state of the art technologies to determine the effectiveness of aviation operations' productivity, and efficiency. The Analyst has broad responsibilities for initiating, developing, and facilitating research and evaluation of programs with particular emphasis on the solution of complex aviation operational issues. Work assignments include: Uses data to identify systemic operational issues; Develops hypotheses and defines criteria for testing hypotheses; Uses statistical/analytical tools to review and interpret data; Performs comparative analysis of various data to support development of conclusions; Determines the appropriate amount of data that would be needed to support conclusions with specific levels of statistical confidence; Identifies sources of data and coordinates access to those data systems with the appropriate offices; Supports the expansion and improvement of aviation analysis tools. Subjects data to mathematical analyses. Allocates resources to accomplish activities within established budgetary requirements. Identifies, plans, and organizes available resources to accomplish projects/programs/activities. The Operations Research Analyst applies experience and comprehensive technical knowledge of scientific methods, techniques and principles to analyze aviation data and provide insight about the probable effects of alternative solutions. The Analyst also, applies experience and technical background of aviation industry knowledge to the planning and organizing of programs for the investigation and resolution of problems concerning aviation operations. The incumbent uses innovative methods for gathering statistics, making estimates at a national level, and performing statistical analysis and modeling. The Analyst uses expertise to ensure that agency initiatives are technically sound and support Federal Aviation Administration goals. Contacts are internal and external. Works collaboratively with personnel across the offices, divisions, and lines of business to determine proactive approaches to eliminate or mitigate safety risks based on precursor data. Becomes familiar with external stakeholders to identify data and understand how said data and information may impact organizational goals. Has considerable discretion to ensure alignment with organizational goals, policies, and the requirements of the project or other work activity. Incumbent represents the Operations Control Directorate in matters of analytical performance methods and data for aviation operations and will be responsible for taking the steps to improve the timeliness, completeness, quality, and utilization of studies, and make and execute alternative plans, as necessary, to successfully complete analytic efforts. Independently plans time. Develops reports to present analytical data. Provides formal technical reports, informal written documents detailing successfully complete analytic efforts. Performs multiple, varying, and complex assignments under the minimal direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist. May acts as principal technical analyst or as a project manager or team leader for large work activities. Provides guidance to and reviews the work of lower-level analysts. Works with management to solve problems. Performs other duties as assigned. Broad policies and objectives provide general guidance for addressing issues, but allow considerable discretion to develop new and innovative approaches. Draws on experience to solve unusual problems and may create new solutions and policy interpretations as the situation requires. Provides policy guidance and instruction to others, both internally and externally. Requirements Conditions of Employment We are not accepting applications from noncitizens. Qualifications Basic 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. 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. AND To qualify for this FV-J (FG/GS-14) position you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-I (FG/GS-13) level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE includes experience determining the appropriate amount of data that would be needed to support conclusions with specific levels of statistical confidence; Experience using data collection systems to increase effectiveness of data management and analytics; Experience identifying sources of data and coordinates access to those data systems with the appropriate offices; Experience performing comparative analysis of various data to support development of conclusions; Experience using statistical/analytical tools to review and interpret data; Experience developing reports to present analytical data; Experience working collaboratively with personnel to determine proactive approaches to eliminate or mitigate safety risks based on precursor data; Experience developing hypotheses and defines criteria for testing hypothesis. Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Education This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page). Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration. Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation. Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered. See Qualifications Required. Information Regarding KSA’s: As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA. In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs), in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate. Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the KSAs and Other Factors listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration. Additional Information We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions. Position may be subject to a background investigation. A one-year probationary period may be required. The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family. NOTES: 1) Applicants must apply online to receive consideration for this vacancy announcement. Faxed, mailed or emailed applications cannot be accepted. 2) Please ensure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job. 3) Some, none, or all candidates may be interviewed. 4) Position to be filled at the J Band within AJF-5200, duty location of Warrenton, VA or Oklahoma City, OK. 5) This position has a positive education requirement. If you have never held a permanent 1515 series position with the FAA, you must UPLOAD a copy of your transcripts with your application in USAJOBS or to 9-AMC-AHF-S210@faa.gov. 6) This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about core compensation is available on the following website: https://www.faa.gov/jobs/working_here/benefits. 7) Additional information regarding living in Oklahoma can be found at https://www.abetterlifeokc.com. 8) To confirm receipt of documents, Please contact Jeff Westlake at Jeffrey.K.Westlake@faa.gov. This is not a bargaining unit position. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA