Job Title: Interdisciplinary (Physical Scientist/Operations Research Analyst/Economist)

Summary

Who May Be Considered: Status Candidates Veterans Land Management Eligibles under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement.
Learn more about this agency

Overview
Accepting applications

Open & closing dates
11/09/2023 to 11/20/2023

This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more

Salary
$59,319 - $109,908 per year The salary range listed does not include locality. The salary will be adjusted to include the locality pay for the selected duty location.

Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 13

Location
2 vacancies in the following location:

Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job) Remote job
Yes

Telework eligible
Not applicable, this is a remote position.

Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Relocation expenses reimbursed
No

Appointment type
Permanent -

Work schedule
Full-time -

Service
Competitive

Promotion potential
13

Job family (Series)
0110 Economist
1301 General Physical Science
1515 Operations Research

Supervisory status
No

Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information

Drug test
Yes

Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk

Trust determination process
Credentialing
Suitability/Fitness
National security

Announcement number
NRMC-MP-12200501-24-AW

Control number
760179400

This job is open to

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

Federal employees - Competitive service
Current or former competitive service federal employees.

Individuals with disabilities

Land & base management
Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.

Military spouses

Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

Special authorities
Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.

Veterans

Clarification from the agency
Status Candidates (this includes current or former Federal employees with career or career-conditional tenure in the competitive service, Former Overseas Employees, CTAP, ICTAP, VRA, VEOA, 30% or More Disabled Veterans, Schedule A, Military Spouses, Americorps, Peace Corps, Vista, Land Management, and Interchange Agreement Eligibles)

Videos

Duties
This position is remote work (long distance remote) and telework eligible consistent with the Agency's telework and remote work program policy. Applicants who live within the local commuting area (i.e., a 50-mile or less radius from Glebe Road, Arlington VA (not driving distance)) are ineligible for local remote work and are expected to perform work onsite and may be eligible for telework in accordance with agency policy.

Within CISA, the National Risk Management Center (NRMC) is a risk-driven analysis and planning center focused on addressing significant risks to our national critical functions. NRMC works with partners to generate solutions to the most complex, strategic risks to critical infrastructure. To accomplish this mission, NRMC operates using a collaborative model that relies on close integration with Federal, State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) government partners, and diverse private sector partners.

In this position, you will serve as a/an Physical Scientist, Operations Research Analyst, or Economist. Typical work assignments include: Overseeing the research and development projects that support the NRMC's Technology Development and Deployment (TDDP) research and development program; including managing the cost, scope and schedule of high priority projects. Conducting stakeholder outreach to gather and scope analytic requirements. Assisting the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center (NISAC) Program Management Office with portfolio management and analytic tool integration. Conducting a variety of authoritative, comprehensive, complex, and sensitive/classified projects and studies that encompass the analysis and evaluation of strategies, plans, and analysis in support of CISA priorities and NRMC portfolios and task forces. Gathering information, identifying, and analyzing issues, and developing recommendations to resolve substantive risk management challenges. Adapting analytical techniques and evaluation criteria to measure and improve program implementation and organizational productivity. Leading the development of new plans, programs, and initiatives. Establishing and monitoring the scientific and development initiatives for projects assigned which include exploratory, advanced, or full-scale development programs.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment
You must be a U.S. citizen. Selective Service - Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service see http://www.sss.gov/ All Federal employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments. DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. This position has been identified as a drug testing designated position (TDP) for purposes of the CISA's Drug-Free Workplace Program. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to a drug test to screen for illicit/illegal drug use prior to receiving a final offer of employment. A final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result. After appointment, you may be subject to periodic random drug testing. You must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements. One-year probationary period may be required. This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C. 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable).

Qualifications

To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required education and experience for the respective grade level in which you are applying.

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirements AND Minimum Qualification requirements as listed below.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS ECONOMIC SERIES (0110):
A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE SERIES (1301):
A. Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to one of the majors shown above, that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS OPERATIONS RESEARCH SERIES (1515):
Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in operations research; or a degree with 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.

IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ABOVE, YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

You qualify for the GS-11 grade level, if you have:
EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level (or equivalent) performing the following duties: Collecting and implementing research and development requirements for projects; Analyzing risk management challenges and issues and assisting in developing resolutions; Providing support to develop critical infrastructure plans, programs, or initiatives; and Preparing reports and briefings based on cyber research and analysis. OR
EDUCATION:
A. Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited institution that included major study in fields directly related to the position.
OR
B. Three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree from an accredited institution that included major study in the field of study described in statement "A" above.
OR
C. LL.M. (Master of Laws) degree, if related
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: To combine education and experience, determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage by dividing your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then determine your education as a percentage by dividing the total number of completed graduate education beyond the second year (total graduate education minus 36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours) by 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours. Finally, add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify at this grade level.

You qualify for the GS-12 grade level, if you have:
EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level (or equivalent) performing the following duties: Supporting the successful completion and implementation of research and development projects; Identifying and analyzing risk management challenges and developing solutions; Monitoring scientific initiatives for critical infrastructure plans and programs; and Determining new approaches to achieve mission objectives. You qualify for the GS-13 grade level, if you have:
EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level (or equivalent) performing the following duties: Coordinating and directing complex and comprehensive research to analyze and evaluate cyber plans, strategies, and policies; Using analytical techniques to evaluate risk management challenges and coordinate the implementation of solutions; Leading in the establishment and monitoring of scientific initiatives for critical infrastructure plans and programs; and Determining new approaches and identifying specific scientific steps to achieve mission objectives.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying).

Time After Competitive Appointment: By the closing date specified in this job announcement, current Federal civilian employees must wait at least 90 days after their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive service referral certificate before promotion, transfer, reinstatement, reassignment, or detail.

All qualification requirements, including Time-in-Grade, must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification AND Time-in-Grade claims will be subject to verification.

Education
For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for a position by substituting education or training for experience, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

Education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the qualification requirements. You must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.

Additional information

Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid. Other incentives may be authorized. If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. This position has been designated excluded from bargaining unit representation under the national security provision of 5 U.S.C. 7112(B)(6). The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the minimum base pay up to maximum base pay. The salary will be adjusted to include the locality pay for the selected duty location. General Schedule (GS) locality pay tables for all areas may be found on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website at: Salaries & Wages. When entering a federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses. NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, contact the CISA Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (OEDIA) by sending an email to CISAOEDIAFO@cisa.dhs.gov and accommodations@hq.dhs.gov with the subject line, "Reasonable Accommodation Request @CISA." In the email itself, you must include your name, vacancy announcement number(s), and state your intent to seek a reasonable accommodation. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please go to the Reasonable Accommodations at DHS website.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Shared Certificate: When CISA completes their selections, the remaining list of qualified candidates may be shared with other DHS Component agencies who are hiring for similar positions. You will have an opportunity to opt-in if you would like your name, application materials, and assessment results shared to be considered for employment with other DHS Component agencies. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job opportunity announcements.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and the responses you provide on the application questionnaire. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Customer ServiceOral CommunicationProblem SolvingTeamworkTechnical CompetenceWriting

For Competitive Merit Promotion and Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) Applicants: The highest rated candidates will be referred to the hiring agency.

For Non-competitive Appointment Eligibles: All qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring agency.

Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (I/CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not I/CTAP eligible. View information about I/CTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered for a well-qualified category under I/CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran's preference does not apply under Merit Promotion procedures.)

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

To preview the application questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12200501

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.

1. RESUME: Your resume MUST show a detailed description of your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates with the month and year and hours worked per week (if less than 40) for each job title listed. If including Federal civilian service experience, provide your pay plan/band, series, and grade (e.g., GS-0201-09). Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate content, or other personal or sensitive information such as date of birth, social security number, gender, religious affiliation. Please view Resume & Application Tips.

2. COVER LETTER (OPTIONAL): Your cover letter will not be used to determine your qualifications but will be included with your resume if you are referred.

3. OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ( only submit if applicable ): CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action which shows the grade, step, tenure code "1" (Career) or "2" (Career-Conditional), and type of position occupied. Provide proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an Interchange Agreement. If applying for a higher grade, provide a SF-50 which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade or promotion potential held (examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointment/conversion, with-in grade/range increases and promotion actions). NOTE: Pay adjustments and awards are NOT acceptable. You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards. QUALIFYING BASED ON EDUCATION: Submit a copy of your transcripts from an accredited institution. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, name of the educational institution, declared degree program, course title(s), credits completed, grade, date of completion, Grade Point Average (GPA), and date of degree conferral. If selected, an official transcript will be required. VETERAN DOCUMENTATION: Submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 or equivalent). ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of active service, rank/grade, expected character of service (i.e., honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e., separation or retirement). NOTE: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If selected, a DD-214 must be provided prior to appointment. 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference, you will need to submit a SF-15 and provide an official document from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying your overall compensable service-connected disability rating (NOTE: Your overall percentage must be clearly shown), and/or any other associated documentation based on your preference. INTERAGENCY/CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (I/CTAP): Submit a copy of the following: Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of disability annuity termination, or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement; SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action'', documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through reemployment priority list (RPL), etc.; Latest performance appraisal including your rating; AND Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential. NONCOMPETITIVE OR SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITIES: (e.g.,Military Spouses, Individuals with disabilities, Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA, Land Management, etc.) Submit documentation of proof that supports your eligibility. CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL SCHEDULE A, SCHEDULE C, NON-CAREER SES OR PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title; Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee); Agency; AND Beginning and ending dates of appointment. If you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, your application will be determined incomplete, and you will not be considered for a position.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.