Summary Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Human Resources Management, People Analytics Division, in the following locations:
- Indianapolis, IN
- Minneapolis, MN
- Washington, D.C.
Salary: Salary listed reflects the rest of U.S. scale and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or cost of living expenses of the duty location upon selection.Duties As a Data Scientist you will serve as an expert analyst and 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 HRM related areas such as the recruiting, hiring, and retention of the workforce.
This position starts at a salary of $74,678.00 (GS-11, Step 1) to $138,370.00 (GS-13, Step 10).
Major Duties:
- Providing expertise to management through the application of advanced data science techniques including data extraction, transformation, cleaning, modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) to process and extract insights from structured and unstructured data and provide guidance for solutions to a variety of complex challenges to the Agency's Human Capital programs that have a significant impact on personnel decisions.
- Appling advanced quantitative, computer science, mathematical, and statistical skills to interpret extremely large and unstructured data sets, the results of which will be used for forecasting critical problems and making data-driven decisions regarding the administrative and programmatic aspects of HRM and CBP's operations and management.
- Advising and develops innovative strategies on measurement of the design, development, deployment, maintenance, and enhancement of large-scale projects to analyze programmatic data and forecast the effects of alternative courses of actions and programmatic gaps.
- Performing quantitative and qualitative analysis and data quality assurance using statistical, business intelligence, data analysis, and/or AI software and computer programs (e.g., R, Python, ChatGPT, PowerBI, Tableau, Cognos, SQL, Databricks).
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
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 in paragraph A above, plus additional education or appropriate experience.
AND
You qualify for this position if you meet the basic requirement listed above and possess the experience as described below:
Experience GS-11: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
- Participating in the use of data science techniques to assist in processing and extracting insights from structured and unstructured data using statistical software and programming languages such as R or Python.
- Assisting with identifying and addressing statistical problems in data collection and summarization processes by following established procedures.
- Supporting the creation of basic dashboards for analytical and data-related projects using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Qlik.
- Utilizing foundational data science concepts, including introductory machine learning or statistical algorithms, to assist in producing insights that inform organizational activities.
- Assisting in the preparation of briefings, presentations, and technical reports to communicate technical and analytical findings to audiences with varying technical backgrounds.
Experience GS-12: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
- Assisting in the application of data science techniques to process and extract insights from structured and unstructured data using statistical software and programming languages such as R or Python.
- Supporting the resolution of statistical problems encountered in data collection and summarization processes by applying established methods and recommending improvements.
- Contributing to the development and maintenance of dashboards for analytical and data related projects using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Qlik, with oversight from higher-level analysts.
- Applying established data science concepts, including basic machine learning or statistical algorithms, to generate insights that support organizational decision making.
- Preparing and delivering technical and analytical findings through briefings, presentations, and technical reports to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise, with review by senior staff.
Experience GS-13: 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:
- Applying data science techniques to process and extract insights from structured and unstructured data using statistical software and programming languages such as R or Python.
- Solving statistical problems that occur in data collection and summarization processes.- Creating dashboards, using solutions such as Power BI, Tableau, or Qlik, on analytical and data-related projects.
- Leveraging advanced data science concepts, including machine learning or statistical algorithms to produce insights that improve organizational outcomes and decision making.
- Communicating technical and analytical findings through briefings, presentations, and technical reports to individuals with varying levels of technical expertise.
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 11/16/2026.
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.
Requirements
- 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 position is not covered under the bargaining unit.
How you will be evaluated This position is being filled under a Direct Hire Authority. We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. All applicants who meet minimum qualifications and any basic requirements applicable to this position, will be forwarded to the hiring manager for consideration and may be contacted for an interview. As a part of the interview process, additional selection criteria may be administered by the hiring manager.
The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:
- Ability to apply statistical knowledge to automatic data processing principles and procedures and required statistical software packages to process and analyze data.
- Knowledge of exploratory data analysis techniques and hypothesis testing to make recommendations to improve operations and management systems.
- Knowledge of and ability to apply statistical knowledge and analytical tools and methodology for the development of project plans, creation of briefing and other executive summaries on analytical and data related initiatives, and the display of data and visualization dashboards for customers throughout HRM.
- Ability to communicate orally to act as an expert to explain information and principles (both to statisticians and data science professionals) in a manner that is easily understood and fit for decision making.
Veterans: Veterans preference does not apply to selections made using the Direct Hire Authority. Veteran applicants will be considered along with all other applicants who apply.
Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must have knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as defined above which clearly exceed the minimum qualification and any applicable basic requirements for the vacancy. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this job announcement. How to apply To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 11/16/2026.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date
Please upload your resume under the "Resume" document type. Any other relevant supporting documents should be uploaded under their appropriate document types as mentioned above. Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Do not submit documents as a PDF Portfolios. You may submit a curriculum vitae (CV) and attach in the "other document" option.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
After CBP completes its hiring, the resumes of the remaining candidates referred for selection consideration may be shared with other DHS Components and other federal agencies. During the application process, you may choose to opt-in if you would like your name, application material, and assessment results to be shared. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job opportunity announcements.
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to hc-recordsmgmt@cbp.dhs.gov.
View common definitions of terms in this announcement. Other information The vacancy questionnaire includes four short, free-response essay questions. This provides an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or Super Intelligence (SI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13107031
Telework Eligible: This position MAY be eligible for situational telework, consistent with Agency policy.
Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied.
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.
