Thursday, February 4, 2016

Operations Research Analyst Position at ATF - Open for Graduating Seniors

Image result for atfFull time employee opportunity for graduating seniors with the federal government as an Operations Research Analyst at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Office of Strategic Management:  

The position is located in Washington, DC.  The position is being filled at the GS-7 level (currently $43,684 per year) with promotion potential to the GS-12 level.  This position has been designed for and is tailored to undergraduate and graduate students with a concentration in criminology and statistical research who have completed their degrees and are ready to enter the workforce.  

The primary work of the position will be the generation of analytical products derived from our data warehouse that incorporates all data from our criminal and regulatory case management systems and licensing systems to generate performance data, provide oversight of operations, and develop management tools to “help run the business.”  

We are specifically looking for individuals who are proficient in developing queries and reports using Oracle Business Intelligence or similar analytical tools.  This is a full time paid position with the federal government.  Applicants will be required to pass a full background investigation and obtain a Secret clearance.  Applicants will need to meet ATF’s drug policy (summarized below).

The position is located in ATF’s Office of Strategic Management.  OSM serves as the strategic planning and performance management staff for the Bureau and is responsible for facilitating the development and communication of the Bureau's strategic plan and strategic priorities.  OSM serves as the analysis staff and liaison to directorates for coordinating and implementing the Office of the Director's priorities and initiatives.  OSM also performs administrative and budgetary functions and manages special projects for the Office of the Director.  OSM tracks and analyzes the Bureau's performance data and is responsible for all external performance reporting.  OSM supports directorate-level program analysis and evaluation activities, the results of which will inform Bureau-wide strategic planning. 

The position is being filled through the Pathways Program – Recent Graduates Program. For additional information on Pathways see: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-authorities/students-recent-graduates/#url=Overview

The position will be posted on USAJobs later today as an Operations Research Analyst (Recent Graduate).  The link to the site is:  https://www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads


The application period opens February 3, 2016 and closes February 17, 2016.

Drug Policy for ATF Applicants
ATF is firmly committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace.  Individuals applying for ATF employment who are currently involved in illegal drug activities or substance abuse are ineligible for hiring.  In addition, past involvement in illegal drug activities or misuse or abuse of substances also may disqualify an applicant from consideration for hiring.  However, ATF recognizes qualified applicants may previously have participated in minimal and limited illegal drug activities or substance misuse or abuse at some point during their lifetimes.

During the background investigation process, applicants are required to disclose their current and past illegal drug activities.  ATF will initially review this information and apply established internal guidelines to determine whether an applicant’s past drug activities disqualify him/her from hiring consideration.  Minimal and limited previous drug activity or substance misuse or abuse that does not initially disqualify an applicant from consideration for hiring under the ATF drug policy guidelines may still be considered as unfavorable information for purposes of favorably adjudicating the applicant’s background investigation.

An applicant for an ATF position may not intentionally misrepresent his/her illegal drug activities.

Recent Graduates Program
The Recent Graduates Program affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs.  To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who have up to six years after degree completion to apply).  Successful applicants are placed in a dynamic, developmental program with the potential to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government. The program lasts for 1 year (unless the training requirements of the position warrant a longer and more structured training program).  Here are some key provisions of the Recent Graduates Program.

Eligibility
  • Recent graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution.
  • Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have as much as six years after degree completion to apply.

Program Administration
  • The Recent Graduates Program is administered primarily by each hiring agency.
  • Each agency must sign a Participant Agreement with the Recent Graduate that sets forth the expectations for the program.
  • Agencies provide OPM with information regarding their opportunities and post information publicly on USAJOBS (external link) about how to apply for specific positions.

Training and Development
  • Orientation program for Recent Graduates hired for the program.
  • Mentorship throughout the program.
  • Individual Development Plan to create and track Recent Graduates' career planning, professional development, and training activities.
  • At least 40 hours of formal, interactive training each year of the program.
  • Positions offer opportunity for career advancement.


After Program Completion
  • Recent Graduates may be converted to a permanent position (or, in some limited circumstances, a term appointment lasting 1-4 years).
  • To be eligible for conversion, Recent Graduates must have:
    • Successfully completed at least 1-year of continuous service in addition to all requirements of the Program.
    • Demonstrated successful job performance.
    • Met the qualifications for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted.