Summary This position is with the Federal Student Aid (FSA), located in Washington, DC. FSA is the Principal Office of the United States Department of Education responsible for awarding billions of dollars in federal student aid funds. Our vision is to be the most trusted and reliable source of student financial aid, information and services in the nation. Our core values include integrity, customer service, excellence, respect, stewardship and teamwork. Responsibilities APPLICATION LIMIT: This vacancy announcement will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the listed closing date July 24, 2026. We encourage you to read this entire vacancy announcement prior to submitting your application. As a Data Scientist, GS-1560-12, you will be responsible for: Develops and administers data analysis and visualization products used to analyze datasets for mission-critical reporting requirements. Performs analysis and evaluation of business requirements and user needs during the planning and design phases. Performing analysis and evaluation of business requirements and user needs during planning and design phases. Conducts data extraction utilizing computer programming techniques without preset specifications. Utilizes Structured Query Language (SQL) to read, write, and modify queries involved in data extraction. Develops plans for and trains others on assembling, evaluating, analyzing, and visually representing data. Develops an intermediate level of skill in most agency data competencies and an advanced level of skills in competencies relevant to the position. Requirements Conditions of Employment Relocation will not be paid. You may be subject to serve a one-year probationary period. Males 18 and over must be registered with the Selective Service. Must be a US Citizen. Must complete a background investigation and fingerprint check. Condition of Employment: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a probationary period or trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period OR trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. 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. We will consider all qualifying experience, including any volunteer experience. Qualifications This is an open-continuous announcement with cutoff dates. Applications will be referred based on receipt of application and established cutoff dates as follows: 1st cutoff date: 06/29/2026 2nd cutoff date: 07/10/2026 Last cutoff date: 07/24/2026 Minimum Qualification Requirements You may meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-12, if you possess the specialize experience. Specialized Experience for the GS-12 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-11 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: 1. Experience reviewing and analyzes data trends to supporting mission goals and provided recommendation based on findings. 2. Experience developing plans and training others on assembling, evaluating, analyzing, and visually representing data. 3. Experience using a range of operations research analyses and data science tools to perform advanced professional and scientific analyst work. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement). 1. Ability to apply data visualization and integration services and techniques. 2. Knowledge of data analyses, mathematics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, or other scientific concepts 3. Knowledge of concepts, principles, and practices related to data management, data reliability, data validity, and statistical analysis 4. Knowledge of higher education processes, industry best practices, and compliance requirements related to the administration of Federal Student Aid programs. Education This position has a positive education requirement. Basic Requirements: A. 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 B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major field of study (30 semester hours) aas shown in paragraph A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience. Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must submit a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, please click Foreign Education. Additional Information Veterans' Career Counseling: If you are a veteran interested in receiving tips on preparing a Federal resume and/or how to prepare for an interview, you may email careers@ed.gov to schedule a session with a career counselor ("Veterans Counseling Session" should be placed in the subject line of the email). Student Loan Default: If selected for this position, we will verify that you have not defaulted on any loan funded or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are found to be in default, we will contact you to make arrangements for repayment prior to making an official offer of employment. Suitability and Investigation: If selected for this position, you will be required to complete the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) to determine your suitability for federal employment and successfully complete a pre-appointment investigation/background check. Essential/Non-Essential: This position is considered non-essential for purposes of reporting to work during federal government closures. Financial Disclosure: This position does not require financial disclosure. Bargaining Unit: This position is included in the bargaining unit (American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 252). Selections: Agencies have broad authority under law to hire from any appropriate source of eligibles and may fill a vacancy in the competitive service by any method authorized. We may make additional selections from this vacancy announcement within 90 days from the date the selection certificates are issued, should vacancies occur. We may also share selection certificates amongst program offices across the agency.
