Economist – DIRECT HIRE

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Individual Occupational Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet the additional grade level requirements. (1) All applicants must meet the basic requirements under A or B to qualify for applying to a position under series 0110: A. Successful completion of a degree in economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. OR B. Combination of education and experience which includes courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. For additional reference, please refer to the OPM qualifications standard for GS-0110: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/economist-series-0110/ (2) Upload the appropriate document(s) to your application for verification purposes. (3) Specialized Experience: To further determine eligibility, review the following grade specific details. You will be asked a few questions as part of your application but make sure to verify how you meet these grade levels in your resume. For the GS-11: You qualify for this grade level if you meet one of the following: On Experience, at least one year of specialized experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level, which included: Experience in conducting cost analysis (e.g., supporting regulatory evaluations or infrastructure investment decisions, etc.), or economic analysis (e.g., estimating demand models, estimating program impacts, etc.); and/or experience in conducting reviews of economic literature, preparing technical reports, and communicating results to a variety of groups and individuals. On Education, you must have: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Or, you can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. For the GS-12: You qualify for this grade level if you have at least one year of specialized experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, which included: Experience in independently analyzing data using relevant economic methods, such as benefit cost or econometric analysis; and identifying implications of the findings as they relate to a transportation-related issue; and/or experience preparing and presenting research summaries and other technical reports to a variety of groups and individuals, such as making project presentations to clients/sponsors or to audiences at conferences or workshops. For the GS-13: You qualify for this grade level if you have at least one year of specialized experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level, which included: Experience in analyzing data using economic methods, such as market assessment, benefit cost or econometric analysis, and identifying implications of the findings as they relate to a transportation-related issue; and/or experience presenting research summaries and other technical reports to a variety of groups and individuals, such as making project presentations to clients/sponsors or to audiences at conferences or workshops. Although you must meet the mandatory education requirement for the series, you cannot qualify for GS-12 and above grades based solely on education, you must meet the specialized experience for grades 12 and 13, which is cited above. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of U.S. laws and regulations that impact transportation economics and markets sufficient to provide expert economic analysis of pertinent issues. Ability to develop written reports that clearly and succinctly describe detailed research projects, the analytical assumptions and methods employed, including consideration of complex relationships that can impact transportation policy and Agency programs, and the conclusions, findings, and recommendations developed during the course of the analysis. Thorough knowledge of project planning and project management principles and practices, to coordinate the development of project plans and proposes. Thorough knowledge of economic practices and requirements to assess the feasibility of plans and proposals in meeting the needs of project planning. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply to the GS-11 if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
As an Economist and analyst within a DOT agency or headquarters, you will be responsible for conducting and managing economic and financial analyses required for the assigned studies and research projects.