Agricultural Economist

US Office of the Chief Economist; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

USDA, Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) seeks a Senior Agricultural Economist with expertise in economic theory, quantitative methods, econometrics, and interdisciplinary analysis. The role emphasizes analyzing policy options affecting domestic and foreign agricultural policy, commodity input markets, trade, and biofuel markets, and delivering authoritative, non-technical guidance.

Applicants must meet rigorous basic and specialized experience/education requirements, including TIG and federal

Qualifications

• Degree in economics with at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
• Combination of education and experience may substitute for degree in economics with related coursework.

Skills

Economic theory

Quantitative methods

Econometrics

Interdisciplinary analysis

Communication of findings

Education

Economics degree

Statistics

Calculus

Job description

This position is located in the USDA, Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) which is responsible for conducting advanced economic analysis and analyzing policy options related to complex domestic and global agricultural issues. The position requires recognized expertise in agricultural economics and substantial experience analyzing policy and legislative options for complex issues, particularly related to agricultural input markets, international agricultural trade, and/or biofuel markets. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including Basic Requirements and Minimum Qualification Requirements, as defined below.

Basic Requirements:

In addition to meeting the Minimum Qualification Requirements outlined in the following section, applicants MUST meet the following occupational series requirements:

• A. Economist Series, 0110
  • Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
  • OR
  • Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

In addition to meeting at least one of the Basic Requirements outlined above, applicants must also meet the specialized experience and/or education requirements shown below. If qualifying based on experience, your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the specialized experience requirements.

Time in grade:

Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

Specialized Experience:

GS-14:

One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service or equivalent responsibility in the private sector/pay systems that has equipped the candidate with the particular competencies to successfully perform as a Senior Agricultural Economist. The specialized experience is having the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position described as experience (1) mastery of economic theory, quantitative methods, econometrics, and interdisciplinary analytical techniques to analyze the economic impact of policy options affecting domestic and foreign agricultural policy, commodity input markets, trade, biofuel markets, and production; (2) experience providing authoritative advice in developing, implementing and disseminating those analyses; and (3) a demonstrated ability to communicate economic findings and concepts to non-technical audiences.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.