Economist

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service • Raleigh, NC

12h • Onsite

About The Position

The selectee serves as an Interdisciplinary Risk Analyst with the Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory (PERAL), part of PPQ-Science and Technology, in Raleigh, North Carolina. PERAL addresses complex issues related to safeguarding, exotic pest management, and safe trade by conducting risk assessments and other analyses in support of PPQ programs, policies, and actions. Duties described are at the full-performance level; assignments at developmental grade levels are more limited in scope, complexity, and independence.

The role conducts economic analyses of invasive plant pests, plant diseases, and regulatory actions affecting U.S. agriculture, agricultural trade, managed ecosystems, and natural resources. It develops and applies economic, statistical, and quantitative methods; prepares impact assessments and benefit-cost analyses; and analyzes agricultural, economic, trade, biological, and program data to assess risks, evaluate alternatives, and support risk-based decisions. The position also reviews research and analytical materials, collaborates with scientists and program personnel, and communicates findings through technical reports, briefings, presentations, and scientific publications.

Requirements

• Meet the basic education requirement: a degree in economics including at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus; or post-high-school education equivalent to a major of 24 semester or 36 quarter hours in economics, plus appropriate experience and additional education.
• For GS-11, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 applying economic principles and analytical methods to agricultural, natural resource, environmental, plant-health, invasive-species, or regulatory issues; collecting, validating, analyzing, and interpreting relevant data; and preparing technical reports, briefing materials, presentations, or other written products communicating findings and recommendations.
• Alternatively for GS-11, have three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. in Accounting, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Agricultural Economics, or Finance, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Combinations of education and experience may qualify.
• Provide transcripts when qualifying based on required coursework or a degree, education, or a combination of education and experience; qualifying education must be completed at an accredited institution.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Individuals born male after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Pass the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check and successfully complete a one-year probationary period unless previously served.
• Complete the E-Verify employment verification check and receive federal payments by direct deposit.
• Hold a valid state driver's license at the time of application.
• Enroll in Continuous Vetting as required for USDA employees.

Responsibilities

• Conduct economic analyses of the impacts of invasive plant pests, plant diseases, and regulatory actions on U.S. agriculture, agricultural trade, managed ecosystems, and natural resources.
• Develop and apply economic, statistical, and quantitative analytical methods to evaluate program effectiveness, assess impacts, and support risk-based decision-making.
• Develop economic impact assessments, benefit-cost analyses, and other evaluations for regulatory decision-making and plant-health safeguarding programs.
• Analyze agricultural, economic, trade, biological, and programmatic data to assess risks, evaluate management alternatives, and support agency priorities.
• Estimate economic consequences and contribute to analyses of the introduction, establishment, and spread of quarantine-significant pests using quantitative methods.
• Assess the economic impacts of proposed policies, regulatory actions, exclusion programs, detection programs, and pest management strategies.
• Review research proposals, analytical plans, manuscripts, and program protocols for scientific and economic soundness.
• Collaborate with scientists, risk analysts, and program personnel to develop and evaluate quantitative information for risk assessments, program evaluations, and decision-making.
• Prepare technical reports, briefing papers, presentations, and scientific publications communicating analytical findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, with access to benefits for employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level