Federal Statistical Positions: What You Need to Know

Shirleta C. Washington is workforce and career development staff chief at the National Center for Health Statistics Office of Management and Operations.

The federal government is always looking for talented and innovative people with mathematical and statistical education and experience to assist the various organizations within the federal statistical system in meeting their missions and organizational goals.

Finding and applying for federal statistical positions is sometimes overwhelming, however, so below are some helpful resources and information.

What agencies have statistical positions?

Statistical positions are found across the federal government and are not unique to any one agency. In fact, according to a White House document, Principal Statistical Agencies and Recognized Units, “[T]he Federal statistical system comprises over 125 agencies or units that engage in statistical activities. A substantial portion of our official statistics in the United States is produced by the 13 agencies that have statistical work as their principal mission. In addition, 3 statistical units (subcomponents of agencies) are recognized as having statistical work as their principal mission.”

Having 125 agencies across the federal government allows for many employment opportunities. One just needs to decide what their statistical interests are and search for vacancy announcements for the type of position they want (e.g., permanent, temporary, paid/unpaid, benefits/no benefits, etc.) within those agencies.

What types of statisticians are typically found at a federal statistical agency?

There are three types of statistician positions within the federal government: Mathematical statistician (GS-1529), survey statistician (GS-1530), and statistician (GS-1530).

A mathematical statistician designs, develops, and adapts mathematical methods and techniques to statistical processes such as probability, statistical estimation, data analysis, survey design, questionnaire design, sampling theory, methodological research and development, and statistical and mathematical modeling.

A survey statistician establishes survey specifications such as data content, collection, and dissemination; instrument design; analysis; and modifying systems design.

Finally, a statistician applies statistical theories, techniques, and methods to gather, analyze, interpret, and/or report quantified information. Statisticians can have specialty parenthetical titles such as agriculture, biology, demography, economics, education, engineering, health, medicine, operations and administration, social science, and data science.

A description of each parenthetical can be found in the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Job Family Standard for Professional Work in the Mathematical Sciences Group.

Does an applicant’s degree have to be in mathematics or statistics?

No, to qualify for a mathematical statistician position, applicants must meet the basic requirements for Mathematical Statistician, GS-1529 as defined by the OPM. To meet basic qualifications for a survey statistician or statistician (or a statistician with a specialty) position, applicants must meet OPM’s Statistician, GS-1530 requirements.

Are there entry-level and senior-level statistical positions?

Yes, each statistical position, regardless of the GS series (i.e., 1529 or 1530) is associated with a grade ranging from GS-5 to GS-15. In addition to basic education requirements outlined above, applicants must also meet the minimum grade qualifications outlined below:

• GS-5 requires a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree.
• GS-7 requires one year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement or one year equivalent to at least GS-5.
• GS-9 requires two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree, a master’s, an equivalent graduate degree, or one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-7.
• GS-11 requires three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a PhD degree, a PhD, an equivalent doctoral degree, or one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-9.
• GS-12 through GS-15 require one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.

In all cases, specialized experience is that which is directly related to the position and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to successfully perform the duties of the position (e.g., collecting data and conducting statistical analyses for publication).

What is the salary for each of the GS grade levels?

The exact salary will vary based on the location of the position. For example, the salary of a statistician in San Francisco, California, will differ from the salary of a statistician in Raleigh, North Carolina. Applicants are encouraged to check the salary range outlined in the agency’s vacancy announcement. OPM also publishes annual locality pay tables, including the 2021 General Schedule (GS) Locality Pay Tables.

How do I find statistical positions?

Most agencies advertise their statistical vacancies on OPM’s USAJOBS. USAJOBS is the federal government’s official employment site and central place to find most federal employment opportunities. As stated on OPM’s website, “USAJOBS is used to help recruit a world-class government workforce across the United States and around the world.”

In addition to checking for vacancies on USAJOBS, potential applicants should also check LinkedIn and individual agency websites such as Careers at CDC, because agencies will often highlight their job fairs and mission critical and hard-to-fill positions. Many agencies have special hiring mechanisms (e.g., fellowships, Commissioned Corp., Intergovernmental Personnel Act, etc.) that are unique to the particular agency.

Potential applicants are also encouraged to check LinkedIn and individual agency websites for fellowship opportunities, as these may not be found on USAJOBS. In these cases, make sure you follow the specific instructions for applying (e.g., submitting recommendations, essays, project proposals, etc.). While not a federal position, many agencies also offer paid internship experiences through the ORISE program. Some agencies may also offer paid/unpaid student volunteer opportunities.

How do I apply for a statistical position?

Applying for a federal vacancy on USAJOBS is relatively easy. OPM has outlined the USAJOBS application process in the following six steps:

• Create an account with login.gov
• Create a USAJOBS profile
• Search for jobs
• Review job announcement
• Prepare your application in USAJOBS
• Submit application to agency

Once your application is submitted, the agency—not OPM—will review your application, schedule interviews, select candidates, and then provide a job offer. OPM offers step-by-step instructions for completing an application, hiring myths, and FAQs. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review these tools and the USAJOBS Help Center before starting the application process.

What are some tips to keep in mind when preparing a federal résumé?

Your résumé should be written to meet the specific needs and requirements of each vacancy announcement. If the vacancy announcement requires specific coursework, list the coursework and indicate semester or quarter hours for each. Use action word phrases. You’ll also want to ensure that your federal résumé contains required information such as the following:

• Name of agency/organization
• Job title—be sure to include relevant paid and non-paid experience
• Start and end dates (including the month and year)
• Number of hours per week
• Salary per annum/week
• Description of relevant work experience and accomplishments that demonstrate you can perform the duties of the position
• The school, college, or university you attended; the location; the degree; date received or ­expected; and GPA

Remember, when describing work accomplishments, be specific and precise. You’ll want to give detailed examples of work you’ve performed, including the level of experience. For instance, whether you served as a project manager or team member helps illustrate your level of experience. When preparing a summary of your work, get to the point and don’t ramble. Present yourself in “clear and plain” language. And most importantly, do not use acronyms or generic language from a position description.

How do I make sure the process goes smoothly?

Read, read, and re-read all the application instructions. Assume each vacancy announcement is different. Make sure you keep your résumé updated and tailor it to each vacancy announcement.

You’ll also want to include all required documents listed in the vacancy announcement such as an SF-50s or performance plan if you previously worked for the federal government, transcripts for all degrees, DD-214 if you are applying as a veteran, disability letter if you are applying as an individual with a disability, etc.

Pay attention and adhere to vacancy announcement deadlines; most announcements close at 11:59 p.m. on the specified date.

If you have questions or are unsure about a step during the application process, call the point of contact or help desk listed in the vacancy announcement. The Human Resources Office for the agency is there to assist applicants with the application process.

An August STATtr@k article featured federal statistical agency employees explaining why you should want their jobs.