This position is located in the Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) and serves as a Survey Methodologist. The incumbent is responsible for leading IMLS's execution of statistical practices for its national data collections, program evaluations, and policy research. The incumbent conducts or directs studies using survey, research, evaluation, statistical and social science methods, and techniques.
Summary
This position is located in the Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) and serves as a Survey Methodologist. The incumbent is responsible for leading IMLS's execution of statistical practices for its national data collections, program evaluations, and policy research. The incumbent conducts or directs studies using survey, research, evaluation, statistical and social science methods, and techniques.
All current and/or former Federal employees that are/were in permanent competitive service positions (status candidates). Well-qualified surplus/displaced Federal employees (CTAP/ICTAP) in the local area; eligibles based on special hiring authority (e.g., Military Spouses, former Overseas employees, VISTA/Peace Corps, etc.), and those eligible for Excepted Service Appointment (i.e., Individuals with Disabilities, etc.) and certain veterans (e.g., VEOA, VRA eligibles). See "Required Documents".
Due to the Pandemic and individual states with different phases of reopening, the selectee's report date to the official duty station (Washington, DC) may be delayed until such time as employees are allowed to report to the workplace. The person selected may telework up to the maximum extent possible, up to and including full time, until it is determined by state and Federal officials that employees are allowed to report to the workplace (Washington, DC) where this position is located, on a regular basis.
If selected for the Survey Methodologist position, the incumbent conducts or directs studies using survey, research, evaluation, statistical and social science methods, and techniques. Also the incumbent directly produces independent social science research involving statistics for multiple audiences, oversees work done by third parties, and serves as the lead survey methodologist. Additionally, the incumbent works with diverse internal and external stakeholders in appropriate uses of IMLS statistical collections, data resources, and survey methods to enable the utilization of these data to enhance greater understanding as well as informing agency, administrative, and policy decision.
At the full performance level, typical work assignments will include but are not limited to the following:
Lead the design and oversight of survey instruments and survey methodology, including questionnaire construction, sample design, mode of data collection, piloting, non-response reduction.
Conducts and presents analyses on statistical methodology in response to inquiries from internal and external stakeholders.
Provides technical assistance and training to Agency colleagues and other key audiences to enable their better utilization of administrative and statistical data sets.
Plan and facilitate issues associated with Agency statistical collections with members of the various Statistical Working Groups and other advisory bodies and external stakeholders (e.g. library and museum sectors).
Stays current with of cross-cutting advances and maintains an presence in policy discussions and research developments in survey and statistical methods by engaging with peer social scientists in and outside federal government.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
If not previously completed, a background security investigation will be required for all appointees. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
Documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System.
Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Status candidates must meet all qualification requirements, to include time-in-grade, time after competitive appointment, and specialized experience by the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.
Resume and supporting documents (See Required Documents).
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Your resume must include detailed information as it relates to the responsibilities and specialized experience for this position. Evidence of copying and pasting directly from the vacancy announcement without clearly documenting supplemental information to describe your experience will result in an ineligible rating. This will prevent you from receiving further consideration.
In order to minimally qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must meet the below educational and experience requirements:
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Degree: A bachelor's or higher-level degree in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. The following are qualifying educational fields: education, engineering, demography, history, economics, social welfare, geography, international relations, social or cultural anthropology, health sociology, political science, public administration, psychology, and statistics.
OR
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field courses reflected above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
OR
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
AND
In addition to meeting the educational requirements, applicants must also demonstrate in their resume at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or equivalent pay band. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.in the Federal government or obtained in either the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as: (1) recommending suggestions and providing technical advice, instruction, and/or training to various audiences; (2) reviewing, analyzing, and/or approving data from large-scale social science or demographic surveys; (3) ability to communicate orally and in writing to engage in social and statistical policy-level conversations with internal and external stakeholders, peers in other federal agencies, and practitioners in state agencies and professional associations.
A copy of applicant's TRANSCRIPTS are required to verify satisfactory completion of the educational requirement listed above. Please see "Required Documents" section below for what documentation is required at the time of application.
Note: 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.
Combining Education and Experience: The number of semester hours required to constitute a major field of study is the amount specified by the college or university attended. If this number cannot be obtained, 24 semester hours will be considered as equivalent to a major field of study. The nature and quality of this required course work must have been such that it would serve as a prerequisite for more advanced study in the field or subject-matter area. Related course work generally refers to courses that may be accepted as part of the program major. The combination of education and experience must equate to a minimum of 4 years.
Education
Education is not a substitute for specialized experience at this grade level.
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUDCATION TO QUALIFY?
You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see the Department of Education website at www.ed.gov.
PASS/FAIL COURSES:
If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION:
One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
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 interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
Status candidates must meet all qualification requirements, to include time-in-grade, time after competitive appointment, and specialized experience by the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.
Career Transition Assistance Programs:
These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp .
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, you must be a preference eligible or a Veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. For more information, click on this link: VEOA.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under IMLS's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If it is determined you meet all qualification requirements, your application will then be placed in one of three categories:
Best Qualified
Highly Qualified
Qualified
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet all qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher). If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Within these categories, applicants eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles.
All applicants' qualifications will be evaluated on the below-listed competencies, which are required for this position. Please outline experience/ education for these competencies in your resume. The required competencies for this position are as follows:
Compliance: Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance. Oral Communications: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Planning and Evaluating: Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes. Reasoning: Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions. Research: Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results. Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material that is appropriate for the intended audience.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Required: Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire (This is completed automatically during the apply online process). 2. Required: Your resume showing relevant experience and dates (month/year) of employment and work schedule for each (e.g., part-time XX hours per week or full-time) (cover letter optional). Please limit your resume to 5 pages and include only information that demonstrates you meet the eligibility for this position. 3. Required: An unofficial college transcript. (Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcript will be required prior to your first day.) 4. Required, (current/former federal employees ONLY): A copy of your most recent performance appraisal. 5. Required, if you are a current or former Federal employee: the most recent copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing title, series, grade, and full performance level (FPL). Please note your SF-50 must include your FPL in the remark section (e.g., appointment, reassignment, promotion actions), pay adjustments and awards do not include this information so they are not acceptable. 6. Required, if applicable: Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Inter-agency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? If so, submit:
A copy of your Reduction In-Force (RIF) separation notice; OR notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; OR notice of disability annuity termination or certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a work-related (OWCP) compensable injury; OR certification that you are eligible for Special Disability Retirement as a Former Military Reserve/National Guard Technician.
A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action'', documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification letter of inability to place you through the Reemployed Priority Listing (RPL), etc.
A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
7.Required, if you are applying as a Schedule (A) applicant: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing your eligibility and job readiness under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u). See Persons with Disabilities-Schedule A for more details. 8. Required, if you are applying as a Veteran (e.g., VEOA/VRA): DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities. 9. Required, if you are eligible under Certain Family Members Eligible under E.O. 12721: Your most recent non-award SF-50 and performance appraisal. 10. Required, if you are eligible under Certain Military Spouses Eligible under E.O. 13473: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, issued within the last 2 years, that lists you as authorized to accompany the Military member to the new duty permanent station; OR verification of the member's 100% disability (VA Letter); and/or verification of the member's death while on active duty (DD-1300 and Death Certificate) AND verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage). 11. Required, if you are eligible under the Interchange Agreement with Other Merit Systems: Documentation of eligibility as listed in each individual interchange agreement. Note: See Other Special Appointment Authorities for more details. 12. Required, if you are eligible under Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act: Must provide all required documentation to verify eligibility, prior performance, and qualifications for the target position. Click on the link for information and eligibility requirements under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act: Land Management Workforce Eligibility Act. Land Management Eligibles must compete under competitive merit promotion procedures and meet all applicable requirements as such. 13. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Beginning and ending dates of appointment
Agency; and Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login ). All of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/ .
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact IMLSatrecruiting@imls.gov or202-653-4676 to obtain an alternative application.
NOTE: Please review the "Required Documents Section" to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information.
Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted. If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.
IMLS
955 L'ENFANT PLAZA NORTH, SW
SUITE 4000
WASHINGTON, DC 20024
US
Next steps
After you submit your complete application package, you will receive a notification informing you that the application you submitted has been received. Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet all of the qualification eligibility requirements listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience and referral to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews.
If after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) will be issued, and applicants will be notified of their status by email. If selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly by a hiring manager via the contact information provided in your application.
We expect to make a job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a preliminary suitability/security background investigation to determine entry on duty pending the completion of a full-field background investigation. This public notice may be used to fill one or more vacancies at any time without notification.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Required: Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire (This is completed automatically during the apply online process). 2. Required: Your resume showing relevant experience and dates (month/year) of employment and work schedule for each (e.g., part-time XX hours per week or full-time) (cover letter optional). Please limit your resume to 5 pages and include only information that demonstrates you meet the eligibility for this position. 3. Required: An unofficial college transcript. (Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcript will be required prior to your first day.) 4. Required, (current/former federal employees ONLY): A copy of your most recent performance appraisal. 5. Required, if you are a current or former Federal employee: the most recent copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing title, series, grade, and full performance level (FPL). Please note your SF-50 must include your FPL in the remark section (e.g., appointment, reassignment, promotion actions), pay adjustments and awards do not include this information so they are not acceptable. 6. Required, if applicable: Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Inter-agency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? If so, submit:
A copy of your Reduction In-Force (RIF) separation notice; OR notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; OR notice of disability annuity termination or certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a work-related (OWCP) compensable injury; OR certification that you are eligible for Special Disability Retirement as a Former Military Reserve/National Guard Technician.
A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action'', documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification letter of inability to place you through the Reemployed Priority Listing (RPL), etc.
A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
7.Required, if you are applying as a Schedule (A) applicant: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing your eligibility and job readiness under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u). See Persons with Disabilities-Schedule A for more details. 8. Required, if you are applying as a Veteran (e.g., VEOA/VRA): DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities. 9. Required, if you are eligible under Certain Family Members Eligible under E.O. 12721: Your most recent non-award SF-50 and performance appraisal. 10. Required, if you are eligible under Certain Military Spouses Eligible under E.O. 13473: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, issued within the last 2 years, that lists you as authorized to accompany the Military member to the new duty permanent station; OR verification of the member's 100% disability (VA Letter); and/or verification of the member's death while on active duty (DD-1300 and Death Certificate) AND verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage). 11. Required, if you are eligible under the Interchange Agreement with Other Merit Systems: Documentation of eligibility as listed in each individual interchange agreement. Note: See Other Special Appointment Authorities for more details. 12. Required, if you are eligible under Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act: Must provide all required documentation to verify eligibility, prior performance, and qualifications for the target position. Click on the link for information and eligibility requirements under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act: Land Management Workforce Eligibility Act. Land Management Eligibles must compete under competitive merit promotion procedures and meet all applicable requirements as such. 13. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Beginning and ending dates of appointment
Agency; and Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login ). All of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/ .
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact IMLSatrecruiting@imls.gov or202-653-4676 to obtain an alternative application.
NOTE: Please review the "Required Documents Section" to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information.
Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted. If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.
IMLS
955 L'ENFANT PLAZA NORTH, SW
SUITE 4000
WASHINGTON, DC 20024
US
Next steps
After you submit your complete application package, you will receive a notification informing you that the application you submitted has been received. Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet all of the qualification eligibility requirements listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience and referral to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews.
If after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) will be issued, and applicants will be notified of their status by email. If selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly by a hiring manager via the contact information provided in your application.
We expect to make a job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a preliminary suitability/security background investigation to determine entry on duty pending the completion of a full-field background investigation. This public notice may be used to fill one or more vacancies at any time without notification.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
