About this role
Job SummaryThis 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.
QualificationsThis 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.
Major DutiesAPPLICATION 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.RequirementsCondition 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.