Summary Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine Operations, Washington, D.C. Responsibilities In this Data Scientist position you will become a key team member of Homeland Security professionals involved in assisting more senior analysts in advising senior management, with a primary function of providing objectively based information derived from the use of advanced scientific, mathematical, and statistical work to support data-driven decision making across Air and Marine Operations. This position starts at a salary of $120,579.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $156,755.00 (GS-13, Step 10). Typical work assignments include: Gathers, processes, and converts raw and unstructured data from a variety of systems and databases into clean, organized information. Develops new methodologies that leverage various data sources to extract new information and convey that information in a manner that is appropriate to the technical knowledge of the audience. Establishes procedures for data storage and retrieval along with systems for data classification and coding. Follows and advises on proper data governance techniques and policies pertaining to their projects, in compliance with applicable CBP security policies and procedures. Performs quantitative and qualitative analysis and data quality assurance using statistical software and computer programs (e.g., R, Python). Uses various data sources to extract new information and conveys that information in a manner that is appropriate to the technical knowledge of the audience. Combines, analyzes, and interprets large and complex data sets to develop data-driven organizational solutions. Conducts exploratory analysis using visualization and statistical modeling techniques. Writes clean, maintainable, and annotated code and automations to streamline future adjustments and additions. Prepares reports using visualization and statistical modeling techniques, programming, and data visualization skills to present findings from partner organizations within AMO. Collaborate with stakeholders, including business users, program managers, and other nontechnical teams, to gather requirements and translate systems requirements into applications proto@types. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below) All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English You may be required to pass a background investigation CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link. 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. Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Treasury Employees Unions - NTEU. For local chapter contact information see Chapter Websites - National Treasury Employees Union - NTEU . Qualifications This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement: Applicants who meet the Individual Occupational Requirements described below are fully qualified for the specified entry grade and must also meet the specialized experience requirements. Basic Requirement: You must provide supporting documentation in your application to show you meet the basic requirement below: Degree: Mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to the position. The degree must be in a major field of study (at least at the baccalaureate level) that is appropriate for the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) as shown above, plus additional education or appropriate experience. In addition to the education requirement listed above, you must also meet the specialized experience below: Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Serving as an analyst applying advanced data science techniques including data extraction, transformation, cleaning, modeling, visualization and statistical modeling techniques, and artificial intelligence (AI) to process and extract insights from structured and unstructured data and developing guidance for solutions to a variety of complex challenges independently and without supervision. Utilizing data management concepts, operations, methodologies and approaches in designing, managing, and maintaining database systems. Supporting the implementation of applicable data governance techniques and policies pertaining to their projects to maintain data integrity and lineage. Employing data analysis techniques as well as hypothesis testing to effectively design recommendations that improve agency program operations and management systems, while ensuring adherence to data integrity, security protocols, and quality standards. Demonstrating an ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. The ability to assist in the preparation of reports and briefs for understanding and use by those who operate across a range of levels of scientific and statistical comprehension. The ability to communicate effectively in the explanation of information and principles in a manner that is easily understood and fit for decision-support. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. 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. You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 12/12/2025. 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. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period. Education Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position. Additional Information 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.
