Volunteer Data Science Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Summary
As a Data Scientist at the GS-1560-13, you will be part of HRS Federal Staffing Center, Office of Personnel Management. The individual in this position serves as a data scientist focused on research, data analysis, and machine learning application development.
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Duties
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• Use SQL and programming languages (e.g., Python, R) to retrieve, transform, and process structured and unstructured data.
• Apply artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including generative AI, LLMs, and agentic AI, to support data analysis and automate workflows.
• Build and maintain analytical applications such as dashboards and natural language querying tools, including supporting data pipelines.
• Develop statistical methods and machine learning models to answer research and business questions.
• Respond to data requests and communicate findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver data-driven solutions and advise on data science methods and emerging technologies.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
• Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin
• Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required
• You will be required to report to an OPM assigned office.
• This position is eligible for inclusion in the bargaining unit.
  
  • if the duty station is finalized in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, employees in this position will be represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 32. (BU Code - 1131)
  • if the duty station is finalized outside of the Washington, DC metropolitan area, this position will not be represented by a bargaining unit. (BU Code - 7777)

Qualifications
Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirements AND Specialized Experience Requirements as noted below.
Basic Requirements:
This position has an education requirement. All applicants must provide official or unofficial transcripts from an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to demonstrate they meet the Basic Requirements.
A. 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. Majors that provide a theoretical basis in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or data science, including science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), finance, economics, and other fields.
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B. 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. Majors that provide a theoretical basis in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or data science, including science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), finance, economics, and other fields.
Specialized Experience Requirements: For the GS13: You must have one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience that is at least equivalent in difficulty and complexity to work performed at the GS-12 grade level. You must include evidence of this specialized experience in your resume, including dates of experience (month/year), to be considered qualified for this position. Specialized experience for this position must have included ALL of the following:

1. Conducting analyses using advanced statistical methods to answer a business or research question;
2. Using SQL and programming languages (e.g., Python, R) to collect and transform data for analytical purposes; AND
3. Applying AI tools (e.g., generative AI, large language models, agentic AI) to support data analysis or develop analytical applications.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this 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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
This position has a basic education requirement listed under the Qualifications section of this announcement.
Additional information
This announcement will be used to fill vacancies through OPM-authorized Direct Hire Authority due to Critical Hiring Need/Severe Shortage of Candidates. Veteran preference and traditional rating/raking of applicants do not apply. For more information on OPM's authorization of Direct Hire Authority, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/
Relocation assistance and/or incentives may be offered at the discretion of the supervisor.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM.
If you are unable to apply online and would like to request information about the Alternate Application process, please use the contact information at the bottom of this announcement.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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 your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.