Economist

US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in Raleigh, North Carolina seeks an Interdisciplinary Risk Analyst for the Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory (PERAL). The role supports PPQ programs by conducting risk analyses, collecting and interpreting economic data, and preparing technical reports.

Applicants must meet all basic and specialized experience or education requirements by the closing date, with transcripts when required.

Qualifications

• Degree in economics with required coursework as stated in the basic requirement.
• Education plus experience combinations acceptable for GS-11 qualification.
• Transcript requirements apply under specified conditions.
• Experience applying economic principles to agricultural/natural resources issues.

Education

Degree in economics with 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics/calculus

Combination of education and experience (24 semester/36 quarter hours in economics)

Job description

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.

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.