Economist

State Air Resources Board; California; Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Nearby (third-party) Parking

Convenient to public transportation

Gym

Daycare facility

Job summary

California Air Resources Board seeks an economist with expertise in micro- and macroeconomics, forecasting, and regulatory impact analysis. You will apply economic modeling tools to assess proposed regulations, quantify benefits and costs, and inform policy decisions within a leading air quality agency.

The role requires strong communication, the ability to manage multiple deadlines, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively across teams to advance climate and air quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in economics or a closely related field.
• Graduate degree preferred for advanced analyses.
• Experience conducting regulatory impact analyses or economic research.

Responsibilities

• Consult with agency teams to perform statutorily required economic analyses of proposed regulations using economic modeling tools.
• Identify benefits, costs, and impacts of proposed regulations on individuals, businesses, and the California economy.
• Contribute to the improvement of CARB's economic analysis of air quality and climate-related regulations and policies.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, manage changing deadlines, and work independently and in teams.

Skills

Economic modeling

Microeconomics

Macroeconomics

Forecasting

Environmental economics

Transportation economics

Energy economics

Enforcement economics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Economics

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Economic modeling tools

Input-output models

Job description

Job Description and Duties

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is seeking an economist with experience in micro and macroeconomic modeling, forecasting, and a desire to work in a nationally and internationally recognized air pollution control agency. CARB’s mission is to promote and protect California’s public health, welfare, and ecological resources by reducing air pollution while recognizing and considering the effects on the State’s economy. Some of the CARB’s highest priorities are implementing the Federal Clean Air Act requirements and California’s laws reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The successful candidate will join an existing team of CARB economists working to identify the benefits, costs, and impacts of proposed regulations on individuals, businesses, and the California economy. The primary responsibility will be to consult with teams across the agency to perform statutorily required economic analyses of proposed regulations using economic modeling tools. The candidate will be expected to contribute to the continued improvement of CARB’s economic analysis of air quality and climate related regulations and policies. The position requires excellent communication skills, the ability to manage and prioritize multiple changing deadlines, the ability to work independently as well as cooperatively within a group, and the ability to perform complex analyses quickly and accurately.

Working Conditions

This position may be eligible for hybrid in-office work and in-state telework. The amount of telework is at the agency's discretion and is based on the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) current telework policy. While the CARB may support telework, some in-person attendance is also required.

The positions at the CARB may be eligible for telework with in-person attendance based on the operational needs of the position under Government Code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California, subject to the candidate meeting telework eligibility criteria outlined in the CalEPA telework policy and/or future program need. Employees not residing in California are not eligible for telework. Regardless of hybrid telework eligibility, all employees may be required to report to the position’s designated headquarters location at their own expense, as indicated on their duty statement.

Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee shall receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the 3 percent reduction in pay.

• Position located in a high-rise building.
• Requires being stationary, consistent with office work, for extended periods.
• Standard office environment (artificial lighting, controlled temperature, etc.).
• Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.
• Travel may be required.

Special Requirements

Applicants must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this recruitment. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how their skills, knowledge, abilities, education, training, and experience qualify them for the position. The SOQ documents each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Candidates whose applications do not include the required SOQ will not be considered for this position. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

• Require Name on SOQ
• Require Job Control Number on SOQ
• Maximum number of pages: 2 (Arial 12 point, single spaced, 1-inch margins)

A 1-2 page Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with your application. The SOQ is a narrative description of how your training, experience, and education matches the duties and qualifications of the position. SOQs will be evalutated based on the content and writing ability.

Please write your SOQ to address the following items:

1. Why are you interested in working as an economist at CARB?

2. Describe your abilities and experience in conducting regulatory impact analysis or economic research.

3. Describe your knowledge or experience in any of the following areas: environmental economics, transportation economics, energy economics, and enforcement economics.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Applicants should have a keen interest in applied air and climate policy and possess a background in micro and macroeconomics. Experience with input-output or regional economic models is desirable. In addition, applicants should have experience using identifying, collecting, storing, and manipulating data and economic forecasts related to energy demand, technology, transportation, or other economic indicators.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

• Nearby (third-party) Parking
• Convenient to public transportation
• Gym
• Daycare facility

Experience and Education

For experience/education to qualify during the application screening process and to ensure that minimum qualifications can be determined, applicants should include all employment history on the Employment Application (STD 678), including detailed job descriptions, hours worked per week, and start/end dates (MM/DD/YYYY). Application packages without this information may experience delayed processing times, and your eligibility for this position may be impacted.

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma. Applicants who completed their education outside the United States (with foreign degrees/transcripts) must obtain and submit verification of the United States course/degree equivalency.

Foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at

Failure to submit all the required documentation will result in an incomplete application and disqualification from consideration for this position.