Data Scientist

Role overview

This role sits within the Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration, specifically in the Office of the Chief Data Officer. The office is focused on turning FTA data into a strategic asset by strengthening data governance, supporting a strong data culture, and applying advanced analytics and AI to improve mission outcomes, operational effectiveness, and decision-making.

What you will do

• Work closely with analysts and internal stakeholders to understand business workflows, collect requirements, define analysis methods, and help deliver data products.
• Analyze multiple data sources to generate actionable insights and recommendations that simplify processes and improve program performance.
• Present analytical results to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leaders.
• Create, document, and apply statistically sound approaches so the information used for management decisions is accurate and dependable.
• Run data-quality and policy-compliance checks, clean and transform messy data, and recommend practical ways to handle data issues.
• Help develop scientific and technical capability across the organization so current and future analytics work can be supported, and coach others on tools, methods, and best practices.

What the agency is looking for

The preferred candidate brings experience using data to improve business processes and support operational decisions. Strong analytical thinking, solid problem-solving ability, advanced data analysis skills, and the ability to build clear visualizations are especially important.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen and meet the specialized experience requirements.
• Your application and resume must be submitted online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
• All required documents must be uploaded by the closing date.
• This position will be filled using Direct Hire Authority/SME.
• You will be required to complete a one-year probationary period during which your fitness and continued service will be assessed against public-interest considerations.
• During probation, performance, conduct, agency needs, organizational goals, and the efficiency of federal service may be considered.
• At the end of the probationary period, employment ends unless you receive written certification that continued employment serves the public interest.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• You may be required to complete a background or security investigation and meet onboarding prerequisites.
• You may also be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period if it has not already been completed.

Qualifications

To be considered, you must satisfy the education requirement for the series, submit transcripts for verification, and qualify through either education or experience for the grade level you seek.

GS-11 through experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to GS-09, including interpreting datasets and using statistical or analytical methods to find patterns that support decisions or improve operations; using Python, R, SQL, or similar tools to build analyses, reports, or data products; and turning business issues into measurable problem statements while communicating results clearly through writing and visualizations.

GS-11 through education: Three years of progressively advanced graduate study leading to a Ph.D., or a Ph.D., or an equivalent doctoral degree.

A combination of advanced graduate education and experience may also qualify if fully supported by your resume and transcripts.

GS-12 through experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to GS-11, including work that supports stronger data governance, better data management, and broader organizational use of data through coordination with internal or external stakeholders.

Education cannot be used to qualify at the GS-12 level; experience is required.

GS-13 through experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to GS-12, including leading advanced data science and AI efforts from concept through deployment, advising on classification or predictive models, building machine learning algorithms, and evaluating models that were implemented in production.

Education cannot be used to qualify at the GS-13 level; experience is required.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Data analysis and analytics: ability to work with internal and external structured and unstructured data to support organizational goals.
• Data management: familiarity with data modeling, backup and recovery, dictionaries, warehousing, mining, archiving, disposal, and standardization.
• Data visualization and communication: ability to create reports and visuals that explain findings, limitations, uncertainty, and possible bias in plain language.
• Service delivery: ability to anticipate customer needs, use feedback to improve services, and consistently deliver quality work with a focus on continuous improvement.

Education requirement

A qualifying degree should be in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science, or another field directly related to the position at the bachelor’s level or above. Alternatively, you may qualify with courses equivalent to a related major field of study (30 semester hours), plus additional education or appropriate experience.

Additional information

The Department of Transportation and its operating administrations generally may not request criminal history information before making a conditional offer, under the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act. Some roles are exempt from this rule. If you believe your rights under the Act were violated, you may file a written complaint with DOT at FairChanceAct@dot.gov. More information is available through the Department of Transportation’s Fair Chance to Compete Act resources.

Candidates are expected to be committed to improving federal government efficiency, supportive of American republican ideals, and dedicated to the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

Federal employees receive a benefits package that may include a broad range of coverage and support. Eligibility depends on the position type and schedule, and the hiring agency can provide details on specific benefits.

Eligibility

This role is open to applicants who are U.S. citizens and who can meet the stated education and/or experience requirements. Federal experience, including qualifying volunteer service, may count if it aligns with the required competencies.