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Operations Research Analysts

SOC 15-2031.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers operations research practice in enterprise, government, and consulting environments where advanced quantitative modeling, data analysis, and evidence-based decision support are applied to complex operational and strategic problems.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Mathematical and simulation model components — identify and document under direct supervision when formulating initial problem representations in a structured analytical environment.
  2. Data requirements for assigned analysis tasks — gather and organize using established protocols and statistical validation procedures within a team-based operations research project.
  3. Analytical or scientific software tools — apply to run predefined model configurations and record outputs under guidance from senior analysts in a professional analytics setting.
  4. Operational problems described by management — interpret and restate as structured problem definitions with support from experienced colleagues in a consulting or corporate OR team.
  5. Model validation procedures — execute using standard testing scripts and report discrepancies to supervising analysts during the model development lifecycle.
  6. Management reports summarizing analytical findings — draft initial sections following established organizational templates under close review by senior staff.
  7. Current operational systems under study — observe and record component behaviors and data flows using structured observation checklists in manufacturing, logistics, or service environments.
  8. Database query tools and management software — use to extract and stage relevant datasets for analysis under direction in a data-rich enterprise environment.
  9. Quantitative findings from completed analyses — present in structured formats to internal team members under rehearsal conditions supervised by a senior analyst.
  10. Active listening and reading comprehension skills — apply to absorb technical briefings and stakeholder inputs accurately during problem scoping sessions with organizational clients.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Mathematical or simulation models of operational problems — formulate independently by defining variables, constraints, and objective functions for moderately complex scenarios in logistics, finance, or operations settings.
  2. Data validation and statistical testing procedures — design and execute with limited oversight to confirm dataset integrity before model calibration in a professional OR environment.
  3. Model adequacy assessments — conduct using sensitivity analysis and scenario testing, reformulating model structures when performance benchmarks are not met on assigned projects.
  4. Management-facing analytical reports — prepare with clear problem definitions, methodology summaries, and actionable recommendations for recurring operational challenges.
  5. Cross-functional project teams — collaborate with to align analytical outputs with implementation constraints across engineering, IT, and operations departments.
  6. Analytical software platforms such as simulation and optimization suites — configure and adapt for project-specific requirements in a mid-size corporate or government analytical unit.
  7. Operational system observations and multi-source data collection — synthesize into coherent component-level problem analyses supporting decision-making for supply chain or resource allocation problems.
  8. Results of quantitative modeling and data analysis — present to management audiences using structured visualizations and plain-language narratives in stakeholder briefings.
  9. Complex problem-solving frameworks — apply adaptively when standard solution approaches are insufficient, drawing on cross-disciplinary knowledge in production, engineering, or technology domains.
  10. Time management and project coordination skills — exercise to deliver phased analytical deliverables on schedule within multi-analyst OR engagements subject to organizational deadlines.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Large-scale mathematical and simulation models — formulate autonomously for high-complexity, multi-variable operational problems spanning conflicting objectives and binding real-world constraints in enterprise or government contexts.
  2. Full data requirements lifecycle — define, validate, and govern end-to-end using advanced statistical tests and judgment-based quality controls for mission-critical analytical programs.
  3. Model validation and reformulation cycles — lead across the complete development pipeline, applying rigorous adequacy testing and iterative redesign to ensure solution reliability in production deployments.
  4. Comprehensive management reports on complex operational problems — author independently, synthesizing quantitative evidence with strategic recommendations targeted to executive decision-makers.
  5. Implementation of chosen analytical solutions — champion and facilitate across organizational boundaries, resolving technical and stakeholder obstacles through skilled coordination and systems analysis.
  6. Operational system components and interdependencies — analyze holistically using diverse data sources and advanced systems evaluation techniques to uncover root causes of performance deficiencies.
  7. Non-routine analytical challenges involving novel data types or emergent problem structures — resolve by applying inductive and deductive reasoning with advanced mathematical and computational methods.
  8. High-stakes presentation of modeling results and analytical conclusions — deliver persuasively to senior leadership and external clients, adapting technical depth to audience expertise.
  9. Advanced analytical and scientific software ecosystems including optimization, simulation, and statistical platforms — integrate and customize to meet complex, project-specific modeling requirements.
  10. Judgment and decision-making under uncertainty — exercise with organizational consequence, selecting among competing analytical approaches based on risk tolerance, data quality, and strategic priorities.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational operations research strategy and methodological standards — define and institutionalize to ensure analytical rigor and strategic alignment across all OR programs and teams.
  2. Enterprise-wide problem conceptualization frameworks — develop and champion to translate ambiguous organizational challenges into well-posed mathematical models at portfolio scale.
  3. Next-generation modeling and analytical capabilities — pioneer by integrating emerging computational methods, machine learning, and simulation paradigms into the organization's analytical infrastructure.
  4. Senior and junior operations research professionals — mentor and develop through structured learning strategies, code and model reviews, and progressive assignment of high-complexity problem ownership.
  5. Cross-enterprise implementation of transformational analytical solutions — lead by aligning executive sponsors, functional leaders, and technical teams to overcome adoption barriers at organizational scale.
  6. Analytical governance policies and data quality standards — establish and enforce across departments to ensure defensible, reproducible operations research outputs used in high-stakes decisions.
  7. Organizational leadership and C-suite stakeholders — advise authoritatively on complex operational and strategic decisions by translating advanced quantitative findings into clear executive guidance.
  8. Research partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and industry consortia — cultivate and direct to advance the organization's OR capabilities and influence field-level best practices.
  9. Investment prioritization for analytical technology platforms and OR talent pipelines — lead by evaluating emerging tools, assessing organizational capability gaps, and allocating resources strategically.
  10. Culture of intellectual curiosity, innovation, and analytical rigor — foster organization-wide by modeling achievement orientation, sponsoring experimental initiatives, and recognizing high-impact analytical contributions.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted modeling vocabulary — submits a loosely defined operational question to an LLM to surface relevant OR modeling approaches and terminology, then verifies the suggestions against textbooks or domain references before adopting them Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Routine data validation support — delegates basic statistical sanity checks and descriptive summaries to an AI tool, reviewing outputs manually before including them in analysis Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Model formulation drafting — directs an AI assistant to generate initial linear-programming or simulation model structures from a written problem statement, then reformulates constraints and objective functions based on domain judgment Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Report section generation — uses an LLM to draft management report sections describing problem context and methodology, editing for technical accuracy and organizational specificity before submission Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Literature and benchmark retrieval — tasks an AI tool with scanning solution approaches for analogous OR problems, critically evaluating relevance and mathematical validity of each suggestion Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. End-to-end analysis acceleration — orchestrates AI assistance across the full OR workflow—problem scoping, data gathering, model coding, and results narration—capturing the majority of available time savings while retaining decision authority at each stage Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Validation and sensitivity testing — hands off model runs and parameter sweeps to an AI environment, then interprets edge-case outputs and reformulates model structure where AI-generated results expose inadequacies Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Stakeholder presentation scripting — directs an AI tool to translate quantitative results into executive-ready narratives and visualisation recommendations, then edits for strategic framing and accuracy before management review Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  4. Cross-functional implementation briefing — uses AI-drafted collaboration documents to align operational teams on solution roll-out, augmenting the written output with contextual knowledge of organisational constraints WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Autonomous agent orchestration — designs multi-step AI agent pipelines that ingest live operational data, run optimisation solvers, and surface ranked solution alternatives, while retaining oversight of model assumptions and risk thresholds Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. AI displacement risk governance — assesses which analytical sub-tasks within the OR function carry high automation feasibility and restructures team workflows accordingly, preserving human judgment for complex problem definition and stakeholder negotiation Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Hybrid human-AI problem solving architecture — architects collaboration protocols that assign mathematical computation and routine data analysis to AI systems and reserve constraint elicitation, ethical trade-off evaluation, and implementation leadership for human analysts Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 2809
Augment share: 95%
Time saved: 75.9%
AI autonomy: 3.13
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Mathematics
Score: 73.2 / 100
Quadrant: Q1_high_displacement_risk
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Artificial Intelligence
artificial_intelligence
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication11 statements
Emerging
  1. Model summary reports — drafts basic written summaries of quantitative findings using standard templates for internal team review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder vocabulary — translates elementary statistical terminology into plain language during introductory briefings with non-technical audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Management presentation preparation — constructs structured slide decks presenting mathematical modeling outputs and optimization results to departmental leads Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Data requirement documentation — writes clear data specification documents that communicate variable definitions and validation criteria to data providers O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Active listening in problem scoping — captures operational constraints and objectives accurately during intake interviews with operations managers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Executive briefing delivery — presents complex simulation and optimization findings to senior leadership, adapting technical depth to audience decision-making needs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Problem definition reports — authors precise management reports that articulate problem scope, analytical methodology, and ranked solution recommendations O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-functional requirements elicitation — conducts structured listening sessions across engineering, production, and logistics teams to surface conflicting objectives and constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational analytical narrative — crafts enterprise-level communications that connect quantitative model outputs to strategic priorities, influencing resource allocation decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Methodology communication standard-setting — establishes documentation and presentation standards for the OR team that ensure consistent, auditable communication of model assumptions and results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Multi-stakeholder alignment facilitation — leads cross-divisional briefings where conflicting operational objectives are surfaced, negotiated, and resolved through structured analytical dialogue Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Project task ownership — takes responsibility for defined analytical sub-tasks within a larger operations research engagement without requiring constant supervision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer knowledge sharing — explains modeling approach choices to junior colleagues during team check-ins, building collective analytical capability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Analysis workstream coordination — directs the data gathering and model validation phases of a project, setting milestones and holding contributors accountable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Solution advocacy — champions evidence-based recommendations to skeptical operational managers, backing positions with sensitivity analyses and scenario comparisons Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Implementation leadership — leads cross-functional teams through the deployment of recommended operational solutions, resolving integration obstacles as they arise Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. OR project ownership — assumes end-to-end accountability for problem formulation, modeling, validation, and stakeholder adoption on multi-month engagements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Analytical mentorship — guides developing analysts through model-building and data validation processes, providing structured feedback on methodology and communication Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Center of excellence leadership — builds and directs an operations research function, defining practice standards, talent development pathways, and portfolio prioritization criteria Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational change stewardship — leads enterprise adoption of optimization-driven operational changes, managing resistance and sustaining momentum through quantified impact tracking Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Strategic initiative sponsorship — initiates high-impact OR engagements proactively by identifying unaddressed operational inefficiencies and securing executive sponsorship for analytical investment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition10 statements
Emerging
  1. Modeling assumption awareness — identifies personal knowledge gaps in problem domain during model formulation and flags areas requiring expert input or additional research Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning strategy selection — chooses appropriate study resources when encountering unfamiliar optimization techniques or statistical methods required for a new engagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Analytical approach reflection — evaluates the appropriateness of chosen modeling frameworks after initial results and adjusts methodology when outputs conflict with domain logic Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cognitive bias monitoring — recognizes when confirmation bias is influencing interpretation of model outputs and deliberately seeks disconfirming evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Model validation self-critique — systematically audits own model formulations for structural errors, unexamined assumptions, and boundary condition violations before presenting results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Problem conceptualization monitoring — tracks own understanding of the operational problem as new information emerges and updates mental models accordingly during iterative analysis cycles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Skill gap planning — maps current technical repertoire against project demands and constructs targeted learning plans addressing gaps in simulation, optimization, or domain knowledge Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Epistemological rigor modeling — demonstrates and teaches explicit reasoning about what can and cannot be known from a given dataset or model structure, elevating team-wide analytical standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-engagement learning synthesis — integrates lessons from multiple completed projects into revised personal frameworks for problem classification, method selection, and stakeholder engagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Organizational metacognitive culture — institutionalizes after-action reviews and model retrospectives that build collective self-awareness of analytical blind spots across the OR function Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking11 statements
Emerging
  1. Data plausibility checking — applies basic statistical tests and range checks to identify anomalous values before incorporating data into quantitative models Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Assumption identification — lists explicit and implicit assumptions embedded in a given problem formulation and notes their potential impact on model outputs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Model adequacy evaluation — assesses whether a mathematical or simulation model sufficiently captures the operational system under study by comparing outputs to historical performance data Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Alternative solution comparison — evaluates competing optimization approaches against each other using defined criteria including cost, feasibility, and risk before recommending a course of action Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Information source triangulation — cross-validates operational data gathered from management interviews, system records, and direct observation to surface inconsistencies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Conflicting objective analysis — decomposes multi-objective optimization problems to identify trade-off frontiers and quantifies the cost of prioritizing one objective over another Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Sensitivity and scenario analysis — stress-tests model conclusions by systematically varying key parameters and presents results in a way that reveals decision-critical thresholds Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Root cause decomposition — distinguishes symptoms from structural causes in operational problems by tracing component-level inefficiencies through process flow analysis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Problem formulation critique — evaluates how a problem has been framed by the requesting organization and reframes it when the original framing would lead to suboptimal or misleading analytical conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Analytical methodology adjudication — assesses competing OR methodologies proposed by team members against problem-specific criteria and makes defensible selection decisions grounded in rigorous reasoning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Second-order effects reasoning — anticipates systemic consequences of recommended operational solutions on adjacent processes, incentive structures, and long-run system behavior Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration11 statements
Emerging
  1. Team data gathering participation — contributes to joint data collection efforts by fulfilling assigned information-gathering tasks and sharing findings with the project team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary perspective integration — incorporates domain knowledge provided by engineering or production colleagues into model variable specifications Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Implementation partner coordination — works alongside operations personnel to validate that recommended solutions are operationally feasible given floor-level constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict navigation in problem definition — surfaces and reconciles differing stakeholder definitions of operational success when scoping an analytical engagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Shared deliverable co-creation — collaborates with IT and data engineering teams to ensure data pipelines and model infrastructure meet analytical requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Solution implementation collaboration — works with operations, IT, and management teams to execute model-driven recommendations, adjusting approach based on implementation feedback Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Multi-disciplinary team integration — synthesizes inputs from engineers, economists, and domain experts into a unified quantitative model that reflects collective organizational knowledge Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Shared goal alignment — negotiates common project objectives with stakeholders holding divergent priorities, establishing measurable success criteria acceptable to all parties Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Enterprise collaboration architecture — designs collaborative workflows that connect OR analysts with operational, financial, and technical teams, ensuring analytical outputs are embedded in decision processes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Collaborative problem-solving facilitation — leads multi-stakeholder workshops that harness collective expertise to define complex operational problems and co-generate solution hypotheses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. External partnership leadership — builds and manages relationships with academic institutions, software vendors, and industry peers to access cutting-edge OR methodologies for organizational benefit Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character10 statements
Emerging
  1. Data integrity commitment — reports data anomalies and validation failures honestly rather than omitting them to simplify analysis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Scope acknowledgment — accurately represents the limitations of a model's applicability when presenting findings to team members Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Result objectivity — presents model outputs and recommendations without distorting findings to favor a preferred solution or align with anticipated management preferences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Deadline accountability — takes ownership of missed milestones in analytical projects, communicates delays proactively, and implements corrective plans Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Analytical independence — maintains methodological integrity when stakeholders pressure for conclusions that contradict model evidence, clearly documenting the basis for independent recommendations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty transparency — explicitly quantifies and communicates model uncertainty and confidence intervals in management reports rather than presenting point estimates as definitive Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Professional accountability — accepts responsibility for model errors discovered post-implementation, conducts rigorous post-mortem analysis, and implements corrective measures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical use of optimization — identifies and flags potential ethical implications of optimization recommendations, including unintended impacts on workforce, equity, or safety before solutions are deployed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Institutional analytical integrity — establishes and enforces standards for honest reporting, assumption transparency, and conflict-of-interest management across the OR practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Courageous recommendation delivery — presents analytically supported conclusions that contradict executive preferences, backing positions with rigorous evidence while maintaining professional respect Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity10 statements
Emerging
  1. Alternative model structure exploration — generates multiple candidate model structures for a given operational problem before selecting the most appropriate formulation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Analogy-based problem framing — draws on models from different industries or application domains to inspire novel approaches to a current operational challenge Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Hybrid methodology design — combines elements of simulation, linear programming, and heuristic search into composite solution approaches for problems that resist standard techniques Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Novel variable identification — proposes non-obvious operational variables and proxy measures that improve model fidelity beyond what is initially suggested by management Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Innovative model reformulation — restructures problem formulations that yield intractable solutions by introducing creative decompositions, relaxations, or surrogate objective functions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Solution space expansion — generates solution alternatives that management had not considered by relaxing unstated constraints and reframing optimization boundaries Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Visualization innovation — designs novel graphical representations of multi-dimensional optimization outputs that make trade-off structures immediately comprehensible to non-technical decision-makers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Methodology invention — develops original analytical frameworks or hybrid algorithms tailored to recurring problem classes unique to the organization's operational context Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Creative problem reframing — transforms ill-defined organizational challenges into rigorously specified OR problems by generating multiple competing problem framings and selecting the most analytically tractable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-domain synthesis — imports and adapts operations research techniques from unrelated fields to create breakthrough solutions for entrenched organizational inefficiencies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset10 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback incorporation — revises model formulations and report structures based on reviewer feedback without defensiveness, treating critique as diagnostic information Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. New method adoption — engages with unfamiliar optimization or simulation techniques assigned in a project rather than defaulting exclusively to known approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Model failure learning — conducts structured analysis of models that failed validation or produced poor predictions to extract transferable lessons for future formulations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stretch assignment pursuit — volunteers for analytical projects that require acquisition of new domain knowledge or technical skills beyond current proficiency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Post-implementation learning — systematically compares model predictions to actual operational outcomes after solution deployment and integrates discrepancies into revised modeling practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Technical skill expansion — independently acquires proficiency in emerging OR tools, programming languages, or computational methods relevant to the evolving demands of the analytical portfolio Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Constructive challenge engagement — treats computationally intractable or data-deficient problems as opportunities to develop novel approximation strategies rather than as insurmountable obstacles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational learning leadership — establishes systematic mechanisms for the OR team to capture, codify, and disseminate lessons learned from both successful and failed analytical engagements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Paradigm-challenging inquiry — actively interrogates foundational assumptions of established OR methodologies and pursues more effective alternatives when evidence suggests current approaches are suboptimal Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Failure culture cultivation — creates psychological safety within the analytics function for transparent reporting of model errors, enabling faster iteration and collective capability growth Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness10 statements
Emerging
  1. Attention management during data review — maintains focused concentration during extended data validation sessions, recognizing and correcting for attention lapses before they produce errors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder emotional attunement — notices non-verbal cues during management interviews that signal discomfort or confusion and adjusts communication approach in the moment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Analytical patience — resists the impulse to prematurely converge on a model structure or solution before sufficient data exploration and problem understanding has been achieved Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Deadline pressure regulation — maintains methodological rigor and deliberate decision-making when stakeholders escalate urgency for analytical outputs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Intentional problem observation — conducts direct system observation with structured attention, systematically noting component interactions rather than relying solely on reported information Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cognitive load management — structures analytical work sessions to maintain high-quality reasoning across complex multi-variable problems by managing task segmentation and recovery intervals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. High-stakes presentation presence — delivers management briefings on model recommendations with composed, present-moment awareness, responding to challenging questions without reactive defensiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Systemic situational awareness — maintains simultaneous awareness of model technical details, stakeholder dynamics, and organizational context during high-stakes analytical engagements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Team emotional climate stewardship — monitors and intentionally shapes the emotional tone of OR project teams, intervening to prevent cognitive fatigue or conflict from degrading analytical quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Deliberate judgment under uncertainty — applies intentional, non-reactive reasoning when incomplete data or model instability could trigger premature analytical conclusions or stakeholder panic Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude10 statements
Emerging
  1. Computational setback persistence — continues iterating on a model formulation after initial runs produce infeasible or uninformative results, adjusting parameters systematically rather than abandoning the approach Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Ambiguity tolerance — proceeds with structured analytical work in the early stages of an engagement when problem scope is poorly defined, rather than waiting for complete information Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Prolonged project endurance — sustains analytical rigor and engagement quality across multi-month operations research projects despite iterative reformulations and shifting stakeholder requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Resistance navigation — maintains analytical independence when operational managers push back strongly against model recommendations that challenge established practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Intractable problem persistence — continues pursuing solutions for computationally hard optimization problems through decomposition, heuristics, and approximation strategies rather than accepting infeasibility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Failed implementation recovery — re-engages analytically after a recommended solution fails in deployment, conducting rigorous root cause analysis and reformulating the approach without disengagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Chronic data scarcity navigation — sustains productive analytical progress on problems characterized by sparse, noisy, or conflicting data by applying robust methods and explicit uncertainty quantification Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational resistance endurance — sustains multi-year efforts to embed evidence-based operational decision-making in organizations with strong cultural resistance to analytical approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. High-consequence decision courage — delivers and defends optimization recommendations with major financial or workforce implications under conditions of executive scrutiny and organizational risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Crisis analytical leadership — maintains rigorous, methodical analytical performance during organizational crises where rapid, high-stakes OR outputs are demanded under extreme time and resource constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Advanced Analytics Associate · Analytical Strategist · Analytics Consultant · Business Analyst · Business Operations Analyst · Business Process Analyst · Continuous Improvement Specialist · Decision Analyst · Decision Support Analyst · File System Installer · Forms Analyst · Liaison Planner
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
MathematicsComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningWritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive LearningJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationOperations AnalysisScienceTime ManagementCoordinationLearning StrategiesInstructing
Knowledge domains
MathematicsComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyProduction and ProcessingEnglish LanguageDesignEducation and Training
Abilities
Mathematical ReasoningDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionOral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionNumber FacilityProblem SensitivityOral ComprehensionInformation Ordering
Work styles
Intellectual CuriosityAttention to DetailAchievement OrientationDependabilityInnovationCautiousness
Technology
Analytical or scientific softwareData base user interface and query softwareData base management system softwareOperating system softwareCustomer relationship management CRM softwareFinancial analysis softwareDevelopment environment softwareObject or component oriented development softwareAccess softwareComputer aided design CAD software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
  2. Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
  3. Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
  4. Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
  5. Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
  6. Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
  7. Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.
  8. Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
CIP education codes
14.370152.1301

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.