Data Scientist

The ideal candidate for this position will be a versatile Data Scientist skilled in Python, Esri/GIS tools, and complex data management/ETL. The candidate will apply advanced analytics, spatial analysis, and natural hazard risk modeling to drive FEMA Region 3 mitigation decisions and dashboards.

What will I do in this position if hired? In this position, you will serve as a Data Scientist. Typical assignments include: Advanced Data Science, Spatial Analysis, & Risk Modeling: Compiles and performs expert statistical, machine learning, and geospatial analysis across structured, unstructured, and spatial datasets to model and assess natural hazard risks, evaluate mitigation programs, and support disaster operations and leadership decision-making. Data Engineering, Automation, & Workflow Development: Designs, codes, and automates repeatable data pipelines, ETL workflows, and data wrangling processes using Python, SQL, R, and cloud data platforms (e.g., Databricks, FEMA Dex) to integrate, clean, and standardize complex multi-source datasets. GIS & Business Intelligence Tool Development: Develops, deploys, and maintains interactive dashboards, web applications, and geospatial data products using Esri/GIS tools (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Arcade) and business intelligence platforms (Power BI, Power Platform, Tableau) to track grant programs, flood compliance, and disaster recovery metrics. Data Management & Governance: Establishes and maintains regional data governance policies, quality control tests, metadata completeness, and spatial data standards across Mitigation Systems of Record, SharePoint, and GIS portals to improve consistency and reduce manual effort. Technical Advisory & Cross-Branch Collaboration: Serves as the Mitigation Division's technical advisor on emerging analytical technologies, AI-enabled systems, and data architecture; collaborates with branch stakeholders (HMA, FMI, CRAIG, EHP, Risk Analysis) to gather requirements and translate complex technical findings into actionable briefings for senior leadership. What else do I need to know? At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters, and every employee at FEMA has a role in emergency management. Every FEMA employee has regular and recurring emergency management responsibilities, though not every position requires routine deployment to disaster sites. All positions are subject to recall around the clock for emergency management operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the official duty station, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically austere and operationally challenging conditions.

To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo, successfully pass, and maintain a background investigation for a Moderate Risk/Public Trust clearance as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check after initial job qualifications are determined, a review of financial issues, such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs (please visit: Mythbuster on Federal Hiring Policies for additional information). For more information on background investigations for Federal jobs please visit OPM Investigations. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Please ensure you meet the qualification requirements described below. Key Requirements: You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position. You must successfully pass a background investigation. Selective Service registration required. Current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements. You must be able to obtain and maintain a Government credit card. You must be able to deploy with little or no advance notice to anywhere in the United States and its territories for an extended period of time. Please review the Additional Information section for additional key requirements.