Economist

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS: All applicants must meet the qualification requirements outlined below to be considered minimally qualified for this position. The qualification requirements are in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards. TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level or pay band in Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility comparable to the next lower grade or comparable pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. ALL QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE MET BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must meet one of the following criteria listed below in order to meet the basic requirement for Economist, 0110. TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED. 1) Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. OR 2) Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Examples of qualifying experience include: individual economic research assignments requiring planning, information assembly, analysis and evaluation, conclusions and report preparation; supervisory or project coordination assignments involving a staff of professional economists, and requiring the evaluation and interpretation of economic information; or teaching assignments in a college or university that included both class instruction in economics subjects and one of the following (1) personal research that produced evidence of results, (2) direction of graduate theses in economics, or (3) service as a consultant or advisor on technical economics problems. Experience in related fields that did not involve the use and understanding of economic principles and theories may not be used as qualifying experience for these positions. -AND- You may qualify at the GS-13 level, if you meet the following minimum qualification requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector that demonstrates the following: 1) Assisting with economic analytical support related data analysis and statistical work; 2) Assisting with preparation of economic assessments; conducting detailed analyses of economic data and models quickly and 3) Developing and presenting recommendations to support production and research activities. You may qualify at the GS-14 level, if you meet the following minimum qualification requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector that demonstrates the following: 1)Providing economic analytical expertise related data analysis and statistical work; 2) Applying advanced theories, research, and principles practiced in the science of professional economics; 3) Preparing economic assessments; and 4) Communicating in person and in writing, the substance and conclusions of economic analyses to general audiences. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service program (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.
The Economist provides expert advice and analysis to the Director of Macroeconomic Forecasting as well as to the Chair and Members of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA). The incumbent prepares economic models, reviews new policy proposals, and the structure and effectiveness of existing policy and programs. Promotion to the next highest grade level is neither guaranteed nor implied.