Economist (STEM - Direct Hire)

Food Safety and Inspection Service • Fort Collins, CO

18d

About The Position

This position is in the Office of Policy and Program Development (OPPD), Policy Analysis Staff (PAS), which conducts economic analyses concerning FSIS policies and regulatory activities. The Economist conducts policy analyses and regulatory cost-benefit analyses, reviews food safety policy, and identifies areas where FSIS policies require development or improvement. Projects are complex, agency-wide, and may involve multiple agencies.

The incumbent leads economic analyses of FSIS policies and regulatory activities for complex, mission-critical initiatives. The role assesses the effects of major rulemaking on production costs, public health benefits, government expenditures, small and very small businesses, and other variables, and communicates findings in written and oral formats. It applies advanced economic theories and methods—including risk assessment, cost-effectiveness analysis, and supporting statistics—to FSIS programs, and develops new methods when existing approaches are insufficient. The Economist also uses statistical software to analyze complex datasets, ensures rigorous quality control, and mentors staff while reviewing work and guiding the use of new methods across programs.

Requirements

• Meet the Economics series basic qualification requirement through either an Economics degree including at least 21 semester hours in Economics and 3 semester hours in Statistics, Accounting, or Calculus, or equivalent coursework plus appropriate experience or additional education.
• For GS-14, have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent.
• Specialized experience must include at least five of six specified areas: researching analytic models and methods for regulatory impact analyses and cost-benefit analyses under governmental instructions such as EO 12866; implementing economic research assignments using relevant studies and existing methods, including acting as the sole economist when a novel approach is required; leading development of research questions and identifying or generating additional information needed for analysis; leading individual and team research and analysis of regulations, policy, or other complex topics; developing documentation and reports supporting economic analyses for leadership; and presenting economic studies or research to internal and external leadership.
• Submit transcripts with the application because the position has a positive education requirement; foreign education must be shown to be equivalent to U.S. education.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Successfully complete background investigation and/or fingerprint checks, E-Verify, and any required suitability review.
• Complete a one-year probationary period unless previously served.
• Be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance and undergo a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and credit report.
• Submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of initial appointment and annually thereafter if selected.

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting regulatory impact analyses and cost-benefit analyses in the food manufacturing sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead economic analyses of FSIS policies and regulatory activities for complex, mission-critical initiatives.
• Conduct cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses of proposed and existing regulations and use the findings to inform FSIS-wide policy decisions.
• Formulate and guide major research projects addressing complex economic problems, taking full technical responsibility for interpreting and applying findings.
• Assess the impacts of major rulemaking on production costs, public health benefits, government expenditures, small and very small businesses, and other variables.
• Communicate analysis results clearly in writing and orally.
• Apply advanced economic theories and methods, including risk assessment, cost-effectiveness, and supporting statistics, to FSIS programs; develop new methods when existing approaches are insufficient.
• Use statistical software to analyze and interpret large, complex datasets with rigorous quality control.
• Mentor and advise staff, review their work, and direct application of new methods and approaches across programs.
• 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: Senior