Economist

Montana Historical Society; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid remote work arrangement

Paid vacation and sick leave

State retirement plan

Overtime compensation

Relocation assistance may be offered

Health centers access

Holidays

Job summary

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is seeking an Economist to perform economic analysis and forecast transportation impacts. The role develops methods to analyze funding sources, conducts research to determine revenue strategies, and ensures activities comply with federal and state requirements.

It offers career ladder advancement and a potential hybrid remote work option. Responsibilities include building models, communicating findings to non-technical audiences, and collaborating

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field or 4 years of related experience in lieu of a degree.
• 1 year of related experience for Level 2.1.
• 2 years of related experience for Level 2.2.
• 3 years of related experience for Level 2.3.

Responsibilities

• Perform economic analysis and research to forecast transportation economic impacts.
• Develop methods and procedures to analyze and forecast transportation economic impacts.
• Assess alternative funding sources and their impact on revenues.
• Critically review MDT activities for compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Research industry practices to inform policy and funding decisions.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Economic forecasting

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Economics

4 years related experience in lieu of degree

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for an Economist. This position is responsible for performing economic analysis. Responsible for developing methods and procedures to analyze and forecast transportation economic impacts; conducting economic analyses and research to assist in determining what alternative funding sources will ensure future needed revenues; critically reviewing and evaluating MDT activities to ensure consistency with federal and state requirements; and researching industry practices. This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities. This position reports to the Alternative Funding Section Supervisor and does not manage others.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field. OR 4 years of related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Level 2.1 - $39.27/hr: 1 year of related experience.
• Level 2.2 - $41.18/hr: 2 years of related experience.
• Level 2.3 - $43.24/hr: 3 years of related experience.

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to build relationships and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to extract insights from large transportation datasets, identify trends, and interpret complex findings for a non-technical audience.
• Skilled in creating models to forecast traffic demand, revenue, economic impacts, or budgetary needs.
• Ability to produce clear reports and presentations that translate technical analysis into actionable recommendations.

Other Information

This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury‑free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.

Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov .

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.