Transforming Federal Budgeting: Join the Department of Justice as a Data Scientist (GS-14)

In an increasingly data-driven world, national institutions rely heavily on quantitative evidence to optimize operations and map out long-term policies. The Department of Justice (DOJ), the United States' premier law enforcement agency, is no exception. Operating at the heart of public safety and federal management, the Justice Management Division (JMD) is looking to hire a senior-level Data Scientist (GS-14) to join its Budget Staff within the Budget Operations Group (BOG). Based in Washington, District of Columbia, this career opportunity offers a chance to influence high-stakes financial decisions, refine data architecture, and guide resource allocations that directly support the preservation of the American legal framework.

Positioned at the GS-14 grade level, this role demands not just high-level technical acumen, but also a deep understanding of organizational policy and the strategic vision necessary to make structural modifications to existing federal budget workflows. Discover what makes this opportunity unique, what qualifications are required, and how to navigate the selective federal application process.

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About the Agency: The Department of Justice & JMD

The Department of Justice holds a profound mission: to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and guarantee safety and security for all Americans. Underpinning this massive mission is the Justice Management Division (JMD), which acts as the executive engine of the Department. JMD manages administrative operations, human resources, facilities, and—crucially—the vast budget required to fund nationwide law enforcement, judicial advocacy, and corrections systems.

Within JMD, the Budget Staff's Budget Operations Group (BOG) plays a pivotal role. The BOG acts as the authoritative core for reviewing, preparing, presenting, and executing the DOJ's multibillion-dollar budget. As a Data Scientist in this group, you will not simply clean tables or write basic scripts; you will serve as the JMD Budget Staff's foremost expert in transforming raw financial records into intuitive, highly visual, and reliable datasets. These datasets will empower decision-makers at the highest levels of the federal government to construct smarter, more efficient fiscal policies.

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Job Responsibilities: Shaping Fiscal Policy with Analytics

As a GS-14 Data Scientist, your duties will bridge the gap between technical infrastructure, advanced quantitative research, and direct advisory work. You will sit at the intersection of data engineering, statistics, and public administration.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following core tasks:

• Optimize Data and Software Architecture: Design, map, and implement strategic changes to existing database structures, server frameworks, and data integration software. Your technical design decisions will directly support the operational and analytical workflows of the entire JMD Budget Staff.
• Perform High-Impact Strategic Assessments: Evaluate current operational capabilities, technological competencies, and data practices within the division to identify skill gaps and system inefficiencies.
• Modernize Data Reliability and Quality Processes: Build automated processes to validate, cleanse, and organize incoming financial information. By implementing modern statistical frameworks, you will minimize data fragmentation and elevate the standard of information used in executive reports.
• Deliver Actionable Policy Recommendations: Synthesize complex data into executive briefings, dynamic dashboards, and clear policy papers. Your data products will offer insights to leadership regarding resource allocation, cost forecasting, and regulatory compliance.

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Professional Requirements & Qualifications

To meet the qualifications for this GS-14 position, applicants must fulfill both a strict educational requirement and have comprehensive, demonstrated professional experience. This senior position requires individuals who can execute advanced statistical methodologies from day one.

Basic Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following two pathways:

1. Degree Path: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science, or a field directly related to the quantitative demands of the position.
2. Combination of Education and Experience Path: A rigorous mix of academic study and hands-on professional work. This must include at least 30 semester hours in fields such as computer science, mathematics, data engineering, and statistics, supplemented by additional highly specialized experience.

Specialized Experience

In addition to academic requirements, candidates must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level (or equivalent in private sector/non-profit roles). This experience must clearly prove your capacity to perform tasks including:

• Building and deploying mathematically, statistically, or scientifically rigorous analytical models to resolve complex operational questions.
• Establishing organizational policies, system guidelines, or workflow structures critical to a larger agency or enterprise's strategic mission.
• Utilizing analytical, evaluative, and programmatic techniques to identify hidden anomalies, streamline bottlenecks, and resolve systemic operational errors.

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GS-13 vs. GS-14 Competency Comparison

To clarify the level of expertise expected for this GS-14 position compared to standard mid-level roles, refer to the comparison table below:

Competency Area	GS-13 Level (Mid-Level Data Science)	GS-14 Level (This Senior Position)
Strategic Scope	Executes predefined data projects and localized statistical models.	Develops division-wide policies, dictates data-strategy standards, and aligns architecture to agency missions.
Data Architecture	Utilizes existing database setups and queries pre-built tables for reporting.	Architectures, modifies, and plans the software, hardware, and integration pipelines for the JMD Budget Staff.
Autonomy & Leadership	Works under moderate supervision, delivering tactical analytical support.	Operates with a high degree of independence as the division's leading data science authority.
Decision Modeling	Focuses on analytical calculations and individual visualizations.	Integrates complex financial and budgetary forecasts to construct national policy recommendations.

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Salary Overview & Financial Compensation

The Data Scientist position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) system as a GS-14 role. The annual compensation range for this position is $143,913 to $187,093.

This compensation includes the Washington-Baltimore-Arlington locality adjustment, reflecting the cost of living in the nation's capital. Upon entry, salaries are set within this range based on prior federal service tenure, step level determination, and qualifications. Additionally, federal employees receive regular cost-of-living adjustments, along with periodic within-grade step increases based on acceptable performance and longevity.

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Comprehensive Benefits Program

Working for the United States Department of Justice comes with a wide-ranging, premium suite of federal benefits designed to promote long-term financial security, health, and a healthy work-life balance.

Key benefits include:

• Healthcare & Insurance: Choose from a wide array of premium plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, plus comprehensive dental, vision, and long-term care plans.
• Retirement Security: Participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which features a three-tiered program containing a defined benefit pension, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP operates similarly to a 401(k), offering up to a 5% matching contribution from the government.
• Generous Paid Leave: Accumulate annual leave (vacation time) and sick leave every pay period. Employees also enjoy 11 paid federal holidays annually.
• Workplace Flexibility: Take advantage of telework agreements, flexible scheduling, and family-friendly leave programs tailored to balance professional goals with domestic needs.

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

Securing a GS-14 position requires careful attention to detail throughout the federal hiring workflow. Follow these steps to submit a competitive application package:

1. Prepare Your Resume: Create a resume that strictly conforms to the USAJobs standard format. Limit the document to two pages or fewer, ensuring every professional entry lists start/end dates (month/year), weekly hours worked, full-time/part-time status, and explicit GS-13 equivalent achievements.
2. Gather Required Documents: Collect unofficial transcripts (with no password protection), your most recent SF-50 (if a current/former federal employee), your performance appraisals from the last fiscal year, and any applicable DD-214 or military spouse documentation.
3. Initiate the Online Application: Navigate to the official USAJobs listing and click the "Apply Online" button. This will redirect you to the USA Staffing system.
4. Complete the Assessment Questionnaire: Answer all self-assessment questions honestly. Ensure your resume directly supports and proves the proficiency levels you select on this questionnaire.
5. Submit Prior to Deadline: Finalize your application before the close of business (11:59 PM EST on September 8, 2026).
6. Complete the USA Hire Assessment: Check your email for instructions regarding the mandatory USA Hire online competency assessment. You will have exactly 48 hours from the closing date of the announcement to complete this assessment.

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Strategic Application Tips

To maximize your chances of being referred to the hiring manager, incorporate these tactical tips into your planning:

• The Two-Page Rule is Mandatory: The hiring panel for this JMD role enforces a strict two-page limit on resumes. If your resume exceeds this, you risk being disqualified. Focus on impact and cut out administrative fluff.
• Prepare for USA Hire: Treat the USA Hire assessment seriously. It is a behavioral and reasoning test. Find a quiet, distraction-free environment, ensure your computer system meets the technical specifications, and allocate at least three full hours to finish it without rushing.
• Avoid Protected PDFs: Many applicants upload transcripts with secure digital signatures or encryption. USA Staffing's automated parsing systems often fail to open these files, resulting in an "incomplete application" status. Only upload clean, standard, unprotected PDFs or word documents.
• Establish Clear Equivalence: If you are coming from the private sector, explicitly outline how your budgets, team sizes, and analytical tools equate to federal scale and GS-13 benchmarks. Quantify your accomplishments (e.g., "managed data architecture migration for budgets exceeding $100M").

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I apply if I do not have a degree in Data Science specifically?

Yes. The agency accepts degrees in any related quantitative field, such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Physics, or computational engineering. You can also qualify through a combination of education and experience, provided you have at least 30 semester hours in these subjects.

Q2: What happens if I miss the 48-hour USA Hire assessment window?

Completing the USA Hire online assessment is a mandatory phase of the evaluation process. If you do not complete the assessment within 48 hours of the announcement's closing date (by September 10, 2026), your application will be rated as ineligible, and you will not be considered for the role.

Q3: Is this job fully remote?

No. This position is based in Washington, D.C. While telework is highly supported and allowed based on agency guidelines, you will still be expected to report to the physical office in D.C. according to JMD's established hybrid schedules.

Q4: Are there multiple positions being filled from this announcement?

Yes, the agency is currently planning to hire two Data Scientists from this single vacancy announcement. However, additional selections may be made within 90 days if organizational needs change.

Q5: How long does the hiring process take?

The Department of Justice aims to extend tentative job offers within 90 days from the closing date of the announcement. This timeline can vary based on background screening schedules and reference checks.

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The GS-14 Data Scientist role with JMD's Budget Operations Group is far more than a technical statistics position; it is a vital public service opportunity. By modernizing data architectures, evaluating programmatic capabilities, and translating complex financial statistics into clear, strategic policies, you will directly influence how the Department of Justice funds its nationwide programs.

If you possess the necessary quantitative background, a year of GS-13 equivalent leadership experience, and a desire to serve your country by upholding the rule of law, prepare your application documents today. Ensure your resume is optimized, complete the USA Hire assessments on schedule, and take the first step toward a rewarding, high-impact career in federal public service.