Economist

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 78,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The USDA APHIS PERAL laboratory in Raleigh seeks an Interdisciplinary Risk Analyst to support PPQ programs through economic analyses of invasive pests, trade impacts, and plant health policies.

You will develop quantitative methods, prepare technical reports and briefing papers, and present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences, collaborating with scientists and program staff.

Qualifications

• Degree in economics, incl. 21 economics hours and 3 hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
• Education/experience combo: 24 semester/36 quarter hours in economics plus relevant experience and education.
• GS-11: 1 year specialized experience at GS-9 level applying economic principles to agriculture, trade, or regulatory issues.
• 3 years of progressively higher education leading to a Ph.D. in Accounting, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Agricultural Economics or Finance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct economic analyses to evaluate the impacts of invasive plant pests, plant diseases, and regulatory actions on U.S. agriculture.
• Develop and apply economic, statistical, and quantitative analytical methods to evaluate program effectiveness, assess impacts, and support risk-based decision making.
• Develop economic impact assessments, benefit-cost analyses, and other evaluations to support regulatory decision-making and plant-health safeguarding programs.
• Analyzing data to assess risks, evaluate management alternatives, and support agency priorities.
• Estimating economic consequences and analyzing introduction, establishment, and spread of quarantine-significant pests using quantitative methods.
• Assessing economic impacts of proposed policies, regulatory actions, exclusion programs, and pest management strategies.
• Reviewing proposals to ensure methods and conclusions are scientifically and economically sound.
• Collaborating with scientists and program personnel to develop quantitative information for risk assessments and program evaluations.
• Preparing technical reports and presentations communicating analytical findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

Economic analysis

Data interpretation

Technical reporting

Collaborative work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Economics

Graduate-level coursework in Economics/Statistics/Finance

Job description

Find Your Future With Us at USDA – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service

The selectee serves as an Interdisciplinary Risk Analyst with the Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory (PERAL) under PPQ-Science and Technology in Raleigh, North Carolina. The mission of PERAL is to address complex issues in safeguarding, exotic pest management and assuring safe trade. PERAL conducts risk assessments and other analyses in support of PPQ programs, policies and actions.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: 1. Degree in economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. OR 2. Combination of education and experience: post high school education with courses equivalent to a major, which is defined as 24 semester/36 quarter hours, in economics PLUS appropriate experience and additional education FOR THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 grade level) that demonstrates:- Apply economic principles and analytical methods to agricultural, natural resource, environmental, plant-health, invasive species, or regulatory issues. Collect, validate, analyze, and interpret agricultural, economic, trade, pest biology, ecological, or programmatic data to support economic studies, risk analyses, or policy evaluations. Prepare technical reports, briefing materials, presentations, or other written products that communicate analytical findings and recommendations. OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree in Accounting, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Agricultural Economics or Finance or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.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.

Major Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.The duties may include, but are not limited to:Conducting economic analyses to evaluate the impacts of invasive plant pests, plant diseases, and regulatory actions on U.S. agriculture, agricultural trade, managed ecosystems, and natural resources.Developing and applying economic, statistical, and quantitative analytical methods to evaluate program effectiveness, assess impacts, and support risk-based decision making.Developing economic impact assessments, benefit-cost analyses, and other evaluations to support regulatory decision-making and plant-health safeguarding programs.Analyzing agricultural, economic, trade, biological, and programmatic data to assess risks, evaluate management alternatives, and support agency priorities.Estimating the economic consequences and contributing to analyses of the introduction, establishment, and spread of quarantine-significant pests using quantitative analytical methods.Assessing the economic impacts of proposed policies, regulatory actions, exclusion programs, detection programs, and pest management strategies.Reviewing research proposals, analytical plans, manuscripts, and program protocols to ensure methods and conclusions are scientifically and economically sound.Collaborating with scientists, risk analysts, and program personnel to develop and evaluate quantitative information in support of risk assessments, program evaluations, and decision-making activities.Preparing technical reports, briefing papers, presentations, and scientific publications that communicate analytical findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.

Position Start Date

11/05/2026

Position Close Date

11/12/2026

Salary Offered

77983 - 101383 USD Per Year