Economist

This position is with the US Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, Economic Analysis Division. The purpose of this position is to initiate, design, coordinate, and execute major special studies and continuing research projects of unprecedented economic data or problems and draw meaningful conclusions from those studies.

Duties

• Serves as a technical expert and advisor for the agency on pertinent issues pertaining to economic analysis.
• Utilizes a variety of computer programs and databases to study the effect of alternative methods. The research typically requires the use of a wide range of new quality assurance tools and techniques or originating methods to bring about solutions to important and unusual problems. Accesses computer databases for analytical and/or computational purposes and provides special calculations utilizing either routine or specialized computer programs.
• Presents research results in comprehensive reports, tables, and charts. Applies expertise in data collection, analysis, and economic modeling. Solves major economic problems and draws rational inferences based on research findings. Identifies and interprets trends and makes relevant economic forecasts based on data.
• Research involves independently designing, planning, and conducting a series of integrated, data gathering studies, models, and projects to measure and assess the economic impact of legislation, national income and prices, impacts of employment and unemployment, the economic effect of changes in the production or consumption ratios for particular commodities, etc. Conducts research studies on economic products, industries, and data and applies a high degree of insight to isolate and define key features of the problem.
• Prepares mathematical models and develops and implements sophisticated predicting techniques required for solutions to significant problems for forecasting comparisons of without and with project conditions.
• Represents the agency with senior leadership, the private sector, other Federal agencies, state and local agencies, Congressional interests, and other stakeholders on issues related to economics. Prepares and delivers formal and informal presentations on the area(s) of expertise in meetings, conventions, briefings, etc. - clearly communicating and explaining complex technical principles and analyses to stakeholders, customers, and other appropriate audiences. Understands and explains economic movements as well as methods and concepts to external customers and stakeholders.
• Reviews the regulatory and economic impact analyses to assess compliance with any relevant Executive Orders, laws, and directives. Conducts quantitative evaluation studies to existing and emerging economic problems, policies, and legislation to determine the extent to which current program objectives are being achieved, their effect, and their long-term implications.
• Presents research results in comprehensive reports, tables, and charts. Prepares memos and documentation about the data trends and productivity measures, which originate from Department, other Agencies, or the private sector.
• Applies expertise in data collection, analysis, and economic modeling. Prepares mathematical models and develops and implements sophisticated predicting techniques required for solutions to significant problems for forecasting comparisons of without and with project conditions.
• Mastery of new and established practices and procedures to include but, not limited to, the following: the statistical formula for determining sample size, procedures for sample selection, the method of organizing actual data collection and reporting, procedures for data verification, processing and tabulation, and the principles and policy governing analysis and coordination of findings.
• Works in a matrix environment on interdisciplinary teams or leading teams with personnel from other divisions, offices, and agencies. Interacts with a variety of individuals across the agency as well as external experts, professionals, researchers, and contractors to further the agency's goals and research. Provides review and guidance on the scope and conduct of the economic analyses undertaken by lower-graded economists. Reviews work of lower-graded economists and ensures compliance with current policy guidance and technical regulations as well as overall technical quality.

Please see full position requirements on usajobs.gov by clicking apply.