Data Scientist; Branch Chief

This position is located within the Office of Planning, Analysis, and Risk Management (OPARM). OPARM is the FSIS centralized analytics group and tasked with integrating and analyzing relational data. The program also provides data visualization and analytics services to support FSIS decision‑making, policy development, risk management, and strategic planning.

• Responsible for the overall direction and accomplishment of Branch analytical assignments and functions.
• Develops, exhibits, and applies clear understanding of Branch analytical output and associated data.
• Assign work to Branch members, ensures the development of project plans with necessary and realistic milestones and deliverables.
• Assists in the development of performance standards and uses them to fairly evaluate the performance of subordinate employees.
• Holds employees accountable for accurate and timely completion of tasks.
• Identifies training needs, resolves complaints and grievances fairly at the lowest possible level.
• Utilizes a variety of languages and tools (e.g., R, Python, SQL) to build data pipelines to pull together information from different source systems.
• Coordinates with staff and members of other organizational areas to understand project requirements and facilitate improved customer service.
• Collaborates with specialists in diverse fields to fulfill operational data and analytical needs.
• Provides directions to subordinates on appropriate coding and statistical techniques to solve specific problems.

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
• Subject to one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
• Direct Deposit:
  Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
• False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
• If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of an OGE-450 Financial Disclosure.