The Surface Transportation Board is an independent federal agency responsible for the economic oversight of the nation's freight rail system. This position is located in the Surface Transportation Board's Office of Economics. As a Computer Scientist, the position will be responsible for applying expert knowledge of computer science to develop methods, requirements, and code to develop, test, and maintain business workflows that support the Uniform Railroad Costing System.

Duties

THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT has an applicant limit of 50. Therefore, the announcement will close the day 50 applicants have been received, which may be before the date listed above. As a Computer Scientist in the Office of Economics, you will perform the following duties: Applying and adapting advanced computer science methods and techniques to solve complex problems in data loading, transformation, and dissemination. Applying advanced computing, scientific and/or statistical techniques, and methods to enhance the efficiency or quality of STB products or procedures. Evaluating and providing recommendations to the Board's leadership on the advantages and disadvantages of new computer science methods or technologies, including applications of analytic tools, computer languages, data schemas, and platforms. Utilizing structured development lifecycles to analyze system requirements, perform application design, develop prototypes, and conduct testing. Providing informal and formal training sessions to internal and/or external audiences on topics related to the Board's railroad costing system and the technical requirements for redesigning the legacy system.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify at the GS-14 level, you must meet the following qualification requirements: Basic Requirements: You must have a bachelor's degree in computer science; OR A Bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. AND GS-14 You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following: 1) Experience managing software/application development projects resulting in measurable improvements in processes and outcomes. 2) Experience with application design and development, automating manual processes and maintaining systems. 3)Proficient in testing and documenting new and existing applications. 4)Experience with soliciting requirements, developing guidance, and working on cross-functional teams. 5) Responsibility for independently analyzing and resolving a wide variety of user problems and technical challenges. Specialized Experience: To further determine eligibility, review the following grade-specific details. You will be asked a few questions as part of your application but make sure to verify how you meet these grade levels in your resume. You must meet the Mandatory Education Requirements listed in the "Education Requirements" section and the "Specialized Experience" to qualify for this series as described below. All applicants are required to submit a resume with your application. To receive full consideration for relevant and specialized experience, please utilize the following date format MM/YY to MM/YY - or - MM/YY to present and the number of hours worked per week for each period of employment/experience listed in your resume. Your responses to the questionnaire must be supported/demonstrated in your resume. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience or education. Read more about what should I include in my federal resume below: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/ Specialized experience must meet 52 weeks equivalent to the next lower grade level. A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must clearly indicate the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Specialized Experience is defined as the experience that has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position of the Computer Scientist, 1550 series. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies Computer SciencePlanningProject ManagementSoftware Testing and EvaluationStrategic ThinkingTechnical Competence *Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (i.e, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. 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.

Education

This position has a basic education requirement.

You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

You must provide your transcripts to support your educational claims. Transcripts may be unofficial copies, but they must come from an accredited college or university, and they also must include the courses' names and number of credit hours. To search the database of accredited institutions visit: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at U.S. accredited college or university. For further information visit: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Contacts

• Address Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street SW Washington, DC 20423 US
• Name: Tara Rauch
• Phone: 202-934-0302
• Email: [email protected]