Thread by @USGS_DataSci

Here’s the scoop on the #datascience #jobs @USGS_DataSci. We’ll soon be hiring for several:

- #MachineLearning Specialists (a few at the National Water Center in Tuscaloosa, AL, a few remote)

- Data Scientists (a few at the NWC, a few #remotework)

1/22

WHERE TO APPLY: The descriptions aren’t posted on USA Jobs quite yet, but we’ll post links to them here on Twitter and at our Data Science Blog as soon as they are. waterdata.usgs.gov/blog/water-dat…
2/22

GRADES: Federal jobs are ranked by “Grades,” aka levels. These positions will be Grades 11 or 12. That’s a high bar, usually meaning some combination of masters/doctorate degree and work experience. Learn more at usajobs.gov/Help/faq/pay/s…
3/22

QUALIFYING: We recognize that people with lots of different experiences will be able to excel in this job. That said, federal pay grades have requirements that applicants must meet for the system to pass you on to the pool that we can then review.
4/22

This resource by Shawn Taylor has a great detailed overview of what all that means in the “Eligibility” section of this document: docs.google.com/document/d/15y…

This is written are for bio/eco jobs, but the same is true for #DataScience
5/22

The most important thing is to tie your experience/skills to the qualifications listed in the job descr. If it’s not hyper-clear that you check those boxes, HR might not catch that your unique exp/skills qualifies you, and we won’t see your app.
6/22

In practice that mean: Be really explicit in your resume and cover letter. Over-communicate! Take as much space as you need to explain how your experience and skills meet the GS Grade requirements. Applications that check those boxes for HR will get passed on to us.
7/22

TIMELINE: The application window will be open on USA Jobs for ONLY 5 DAYS! From Mon 3/15 until Fri 3/19 at 11:59pm EST. That window is really, really short, but out of our control. We’re telling you this now so you can ask questions in time and apply as soon as it goes live.
8/22

After closing, HR combs through applications and filters for candidates who meet the GS-Grade qualifications and will pass that list on to the hiring managers – in this case, Jordan Read, Emily Read, and Julie Kiang.
9/22

The hiring managers will contact all the qualified candidates for additional information and will set up interviews, visits, or writing/code requests. From there, they will refer a selected candidates are referred to HR, and HR will extend an offer.
10/22

After HR makes an offer, that is your chance to negotiate the offer and ultimately accept/reject it. Once negotiations are done and you accept the offer, HR will perform a background check. Then your employment at @USGS_DataSci begins!
11/22

PAY: Salary bands are set with the GS Base Pay scale and then adjusted for location. Here is the base pay nation-wide, not adjusted for location. opm.gov/policy-data-ov…
12/22

To find what salary band you’d be looking at, search “GS 2021 Salary Table” + {{ Your Location }} and look at Grades 11 and 12. Steps are intermediate promotion levels.
13/22

BENEFITS: Health and life insurance, 5% retirement match, 10 fed holidays, 13 sick + 13 vacation days / year, and accrual of federal service to count towards a pension.
14/22

COMMON SNAGS INCLUDE:

- Job closed before you applied (Please plan ahead!)

- Your application package is missing documents (Double check before submitting, and frequently log back in to your USA Jobs account to see if HR has flagged any missing documents)

15/22

COMMON SNAGS, Continued:

Your specialized experience wasn’t clear to HR (Be explicit about what your experience includes, and don’t be afraid to elaborate as much as you need to. This is where a lot of great candidates get blocked, and we want you to make it through.)
16/22

INCLUSION: We are committed to building an inclusive work environment where diversity is a strength and where everyone can succeed. We especially encourage you to apply if you are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Disabled, or are of any marginalized identity. #DiversityInTech
17/22

Shout out to #DiversityInTech giants like @Urgeoscience, @pocintech, @DivesifyTechCo, @BlackTIDES1, @BlkInData, @gaytascience, and more. You do amazing work and we are here to be a part of it.
18/22

MATERIALS: You’ll need a resume, education transcripts (unofficial are OK), and cover letter. Again, to make sure HR can see that you’re qualified, make sure your resume explicitly ties your experience to everything listed in the “Specialized Experience” section.
19/22

Any questions? Please reach out to us! Feel free to email the hiring manager, Jordan Read at [e-mail] (he/him). And, join us for one of two webinars we’ll host next week via MS Teams on Mar 12 at 1pm ET, and Mar 15th at 1:30pm ET, link will be posted here.
20/22

Informational Session 1: March 12th at 1pm EST on MS Teams. Join at: bit.ly/3uWjqt9

Informational Session 2: March 15th at 1:30pm EST on MS Teams. Join at: bit.ly/3kLVsfz

21/22

Know someone who’d be a fit? Please retweet this thread and/or send it to any and all networks you are connected to. We really want to find you and help you apply, future @USGS_DataSci Rockstar!