Embark on a Career as a Data Scientist with the USDA

Are you a data professional looking to apply your technical expertise toward a vital national mission? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is currently seeking a dedicated Data Scientist to join their team. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence national veterinary surveillance policy and animal health initiatives through the power of data.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will act as a bridge between complex data and strategic policy. Your core responsibilities will include:

Data Analysis: Interpreting large structured and unstructured datasets to identify trends in animal health.
Visualization: Developing dashboards and visual reporting tools to communicate findings to stakeholders.
Collaboration: Working with program teams to ensure data methodology aligns with agency goals.
Policy Support: Creating technical documentation that supports federal program oversight and fraud prevention.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-12 position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Education: A degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related quantitative field.
Experience: One full year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level, focusing on data management and analysis.
Assessments: Successful completion of the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment.

Comparison of Potential Roles

Feature	GS-12 Data Scientist	Other Junior Roles
Complexity	High (Independent)	Moderate (Directed)
Impact	Policy-level decisions	Task-level support
Experience Req	1+ Year Specialized	Entry Level

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $89,508 to $129,742 per year, depending on duty location and locality pay adjustments.

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a robust suite of benefits, including:

High-quality health, vision, and dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
Defined benefit pension plan via FERS.
Thrift Savings Plan with government matching.
Generous annual and sick leave accruals.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Use the language from the "Major Duties" section to highlight your relevant experience.
Mind the Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
Prepare for Assessments: Use the provided OPM resource links to familiarize yourself with the testing environment.

This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to contribute to the safety and health of the American agricultural system. If you are a data scientist passionate about public service, we encourage you to apply through the official channels today.

Why This Data Scientist Job Matters

Transform national animal health outcomes through advanced data science! The USDA is seeking a skilled Data Scientist to leverage complex datasets to protect agricultural interests and drive policy innovation.

Data Scientist Job Overview

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) within the USDA is hiring a Data Scientist (GS-12) to join the Veterinary Services Strategy & Policy unit. In this role, you will perform deep-dive analysis on structured and unstructured datasets to support surveillance programs, address animal health crises, and provide data-driven insights that guide organizational decision-making.

Requirements for Data Scientist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a directly related data science field.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level.
Proven capability in developing and maintaining complex datasets.
Proficiency in data management tools, including data mining, warehousing, and standardization.
Must complete the required USA Hire online assessment.
Resume must be limited to a maximum of two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Data Scientist

Expertise in creating interactive data visualizations and dashboards.
Strong background in writing technical documentation for operational support.
Experience with governance, project charters, and process flow diagrams.
Ability to collaborate across diverse programmatic teams to drive mission alignment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Life insurance and long-term care options.
✓Federal retirement benefits including a pension (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with government matching.
✓Paid federal holidays, vacation time, and sick leave.
✓Potential for telework opportunities.
✓Structured career development paths.

💡 How to Apply Data Scientist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Data Scientist Job

Create a profile on the official federal careers website.
Draft a targeted resume that explicitly details your relevant experience.
Click the apply link and complete the required online occupational questionnaire.
Await the email notification regarding the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment.
Complete the assessment within the specified time window.
Monitor your application status via your candidate dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the duties listed in the job description.
Set up automated email notifications in your candidate account to track status changes in real-time.
Review the practice resources available on the USA Hire portal before taking the assessment.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are in accepted formats (PDF, TXT, DOCX).

Frequently Asked Questions

What locations are available for this position?

This position is available in Fort Collins, Colorado; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Ellensburg, Washington.

Is there a limit on the length of the resume?

Yes, your resume must be no longer than two pages. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.

Do I need to take a test?

Yes, all applicants must complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment. You will receive an invitation link after your initial application submission.

Is relocation assistance offered?

No, travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the selected candidate.

How do I check my status?

You can monitor your application status directly through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

Job from Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service

APHIS is responsible for protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health. As an agency that operates on both domestic and global stages, APHIS ensures that the American food supply remains secure and that animal populations are protected from disease. Employees here are often at the forefront of emergency response, making this an ideal environment for professionals who thrive in dynamic, high-stakes scenarios.