Economist (RAMP)

You may qualify for your desired series and grade level if you meet the following qualification requirements: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: A. Degree: 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: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the above basic education or education and experience requirements, applicants must also meet the following minimum qualifications for their desired grade level: Minimum Qualification EL-07: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and/or directly related education as described below. From the description below, if you choose options “B”, “C” or “D” you must provide transcripts with your application. A. Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-07 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-05 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with the following: Knowledge/application of economic theory, practices, methods and techniques and knowledge/application of statistical computation methods, data collection, and economic systems to analyze and research economic factors. -OR- B. Education: 1 full year of graduate level education in applied economics, econometrics, financial economics, mathematics, data science, statistics, public policy or other fields related to the position. -OR- C. Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.): a bachelor’s degree curriculum directly related to the work of the position. To qualify for superior academic achievement, you must have ONE of the following: (1) standing in the upper third of your college class or major subdivision at the time you apply; (2) grade point average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or B+ (3.5 on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent for all courses completed, either (a) at the time of application or (b) during the last 2 years of your undergraduate curriculum; (3) election to membership in one of the national honorary scholastic societies that meets the requirements of the Association of College Honor Society. Note: Grade-point averages are to be rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9. -OR- D. Combination of education and experience: as described above in options “A” and “B”. Note: Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education more than the amount required for the next lower grade level. One academic year of graduate education is the number of credits hours determined to represent one academic year of full-time study (i.e.,18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours). Minimum Qualification EL-09: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and/or directly related education as described below. From the description below, if you choose options “B” or “C” you must provide transcripts with your application. A. Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-09 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-07 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with three of the five listed below: (1) Demonstrated work experiences with supporting economic policy, analysis, evaluation or visualization of economic data, and reporting of market trends. (2) Demonstrated work experiences in data collection of economic information, validating or correcting acquired data, transforming and standardizing data, and monitoring updates through programming, reporting, software, or other analytic tools. (3) Demonstrated work experiences with drafting policies, procedures, or manuals that document assumptions, methodologies, and best practices used for generating standardized reports or data production activities. (4) Demonstrated work experiences conducting individual research assignments requiring planning, information assembly, implementation of econometric or financial methodologies, analysis and evaluation, and technical writing that conveys relevant findings or appropriate recommendations from statistical results. (5) Experience communicating orally and in writing with diverse audiences, including but not limited to colleagues, senior management, and the general public on economic data or concepts. -OR- B. Education: Completion of two (2) academic years of graduate-level education, or a master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college of university directly related to the work of the position (i.e., applied economics, econometrics, financial economics, mathematics, data science, statistics, public policy or other fields related to the position). -OR- C. Combination of education and experience as described above in options “A” and “B”. Note: Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education more than the amount required for the next lower grade level. One academic year of graduate education is the number of credits hours determined to represent one academic year of full-time study (i.e., 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours). Demonstrated experience with data analysis and applied methods is preferred. Candidates must demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills. 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.
DRS is seeking ideal candidates for participation in its Research Assistant Mentorship Program (RAMP). Selected candidates will serve as Research Assistants (RAs) in a two-year developmental program that provides training in areas like research, policy evaluation, and data management. The program is well-suited for candidates hoping to pursue a PhD or masters degree program or an applied statistics career in economics, finance, data science, or public policy.