Economist (STEM - Direct Hire)

Food Safety and Inspection Service • Fort Collins, CO

17d

About The Position

This position is in the Office of Policy and Program Development (OPPD), Policy Analysis Staff (PAS), which conducts a wide range of economic analyses related to FSIS policies and regulatory activities. The Economist conducts policy and regulatory cost-benefit analyses and reviews food safety policy to identify areas where FSIS policies may need development or improvement. Projects are complex, agency-wide, and may involve multiple agencies. Duties and responsibilities vary and may increase according to grade level.

The position leads assigned economic analyses, plans and manages the economic components of multiple projects, and coordinates across disciplines to develop economic data and models. It assesses and documents the impacts of significant rulemaking, defends analyses under scrutiny, and works with diverse stakeholders to negotiate solutions. The Economist also serves as a technical advisor to FSIS officials at multiple levels and collaborates with others to interpret economic phenomena.

The position requires qualifying education in economics or an appropriate combination of education and experience, with specialized experience requirements varying by grade level (GS-11, GS-12, or GS-13). At GS-11, qualifying education may be combined with experience. The selectee must pass applicable background and employment verification checks and be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or national status.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service or exempt.
• Satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of a one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Meet the basic economics qualification: a degree in Economics including at least 21 semester hours in Economics and 3 semester hours in Statistics, Accounting, or Calculus; or a combination of equivalent coursework and appropriate experience or additional education.
• GS-11: At least one year of specialized experience at GS-09 or equivalent, including at least three of the six specified economic research and analysis activities; alternatively, qualifying graduate education or a combination of qualifying education and experience may be used.
• GS-12: At least one year of specialized experience at GS-11 or equivalent, including at least three of the six specified economic research and analysis activities.
• GS-13: At least one year of specialized experience at GS-12 or equivalent, including at least three of the six specified economic research and analysis activities.
• Submit transcripts when qualifying based on education; foreign education must be documented as equivalent to U.S. education.
• Be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance; the selectee is subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry and a credit report.
• Submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of initial appointment and annually thereafter.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned economic analyses of FSIS policies and regulatory activities, defining problems and selecting fruitful lines of investigation with limited supervisory oversight.
• Plan and manage the economic components of multiple projects; coordinate across disciplines to develop needed economic data and models.
• Assess impacts of significant rulemaking and document results clearly.
• Defend analyses under scrutiny and negotiate solutions with diverse stakeholders.
• Serve as a technical advisor to FSIS officials at multiple levels.
• Collaborate to provide informed interpretation of economic phenomena.
• Review food safety policy and identify areas requiring development or improvement of FSIS policies.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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