Petroleum Economist 1/2 (PCN 043268)

State of Alaska • Anchorage or Juneau, AK

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Alaska Department of Revenue, Tax Division, is recruiting a flexibly staffed Petroleum Economist 1/2 in Anchorage or Juneau. The position supports Alaska’s fiscal planning by analyzing oil and gas tax and production data, forecasting petroleum revenue, conducting economic research, and providing objective analysis for policymakers. The role may be filled at either level based on the candidate’s demonstrated competencies; an employee hired at the lower level may advance after completing a training plan and demonstrating competency.

The Economic Research Group produces data-driven analysis related to petroleum revenue and policy. The work involves compiling, validating, and interpreting monthly and annual tax-return information, including payments, production volumes, lease expenditures, and credits. It also involves developing and operating revenue models for production taxes, royalties, oil and gas prices, natural gas commercialization scenarios, netback costs, and hypothetical field developments, using Excel, @RISK, and other statistical or probabilistic tools.

The Petroleum Economist conducts research and communicates findings through white papers, executive briefings, tables, graphs, and presentations. The position supports legislative and fiscal policy work by preparing revenue estimates and fiscal notes, responding to policymakers’ data requests, and contributing to committee hearings and discussions. Collaboration with auditors, IT specialists, oil companies, consultants, and other agencies is part of the work, including gathering data and validating assumptions for precise, defensible analysis under both short deadlines and long-term projects.

The Department of Revenue’s mission is to collect and invest funds for public purposes to benefit Alaskans. The Tax Division promotes tax compliance, provides accurate information, and forecasts revenue to support responsible decisions. The team values accuracy, integrity, collaboration, innovation, objective analysis, and public service.

Requirements

• Petroleum Economist 1: Competencies in analytical thinking and problem solving; economics and accounting; influencing and negotiating; research; and technical credibility.
• Petroleum Economist 1: Education and/or experience equivalent to postsecondary education with a major emphasis in economics, accounting, public or business administration, petroleum engineering, industrial engineering, or a closely related field, plus progressively responsible professional experience collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting economic, scientific, social science, or similar data.
• Petroleum Economist 2: Competencies in economics and accounting; influencing and negotiating; petroleum engineering; research; and technical expertise.
• Petroleum Economist 2: Education and/or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major course emphasis in economics, accounting, public or business administration, petroleum engineering, industrial engineering, or a closely related field, plus progressively responsible professional experience collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting economic, scientific, social science, or similar data.
• Professional experience must involve creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive work requiring specialized professional knowledge and judgment; progressively responsible experience indicates growth or advancement in complexity, difficulty, or responsibility.
• Ability to pass required state and federal background checks, including any criminal history or security clearance screenings required by law, regulation, or departmental policy.
• Applicants must be Alaska residents.
• Candidates should demonstrate attention to detail, data management knowledge, and the ability to use information technology to collect, analyze, maintain, and disseminate data.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated quantitative aptitude.
• Experience working with large datasets and complex economic models.
• A record of producing accurate, error-free analytical work under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with oil and gas operations, petroleum economics, or tax policy.

Responsibilities

• Compile, validate, and interpret monthly and annual oil and gas tax-return data, including payments, production volumes, lease expenditures, and credits.
• Analyze Alaska petroleum tax and production data using specialized software and collaborate with auditors and technical experts.
• Build, update, evaluate, and operate revenue models forecasting production tax, royalties, oil and gas prices, natural gas commercialization scenarios, netback costs, and hypothetical field developments.
• Use Excel, @RISK, and other statistical or probabilistic tools for revenue modeling.
• Conduct economic research using economic theory and complex or imperfect datasets.
• Prepare white papers, executive briefings, tables, graphs, and presentations communicating findings on petroleum revenue and related policy issues.
• Prepare revenue estimates, fiscal notes, and technical materials for proposed legislation.
• Respond to policymakers’ data requests and contribute to committee hearings and discussions on oil and gas revenue issues.
• Collaborate with auditors, IT specialists, oil companies, consultants, and other agencies to gather data, validate assumptions, and understand oil and gas operations.
• Produce accurate, defensible analysis for short-deadline assignments and long-term projects.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules.
• Hybrid telework opportunities after initial training, subject to exploration.
• Comfortable workspace with sit-stand desks.
• Comprehensive benefits package through the General Government Unit, including retirement options, medical coverage, and generous leave.
• Supportive work environment and excellent work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

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