Economist (Austin)

Texas Workforce Commission; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Workforce Commission is seeking an Economist I to join their Labor Market Information Department in Austin. This in-office role involves conducting economic analyses, processing employment data, and ensuring the accuracy of critical labor market information. Ideal candidates will have strong interpersonal and analytical skills, with a focus on continuous improvement and teamwork. Competitive salary and benefits are offered, along with a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Defined Retirement Benefit Plan

Medical Insurance

Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts

8 hours sick leave per month

8 hours vacation leave per month

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services

Qualifications

• Six months of full-time experience in economic research or statistical work.
• Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications.
• Acceptance into a TWC Internship or TWC Apprenticeship will satisfy minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct economic analyses and prepare reports under moderate supervision.
• Collect and process employment, wage, and business information through surveys.
• Perform extensive research using databases and software as analytical tools.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Planning skills

Problem-solving skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Relevant academic credits in economic research or statistical work

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description - Economist (Austin) (825954)

Job Description

Description

WHO WE ARE:
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is seeking to fill an Economist I position in the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) unit of the Labor Market Information (LMI) Department which is located in Austin at 101 E. 15th Street. This position is an in-office role.

The QCEW program produces a comprehensive tabulation of employment and wage information for workers covered by state unemployment insurance laws. As part of our team, you’ll help ensure the accuracy and completeness of this critical labor market data.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

WHO YOU ARE:
The ideal candidate works in a fast paced, team-oriented environment with an emphasis on excellence and continuous improvement. Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills are highly preferred. Must have ability to prioritize workload, manage time effectively, and adapt to shifting priorities. Position involves multi-tasking, attention to detail, and the ability to work accurately and consistently with repetitive, critical data.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
The Economist I performs routine (journey-level) economics work. Work involves conducting economic analyses and preparing reports. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO:
- Collect and process employment, wage, and business information for individual establishments through surveys, such as the Multiple Worksite Report (MWR) and the Annual Refiling Survey (ARS).
- Process large amounts of paper MWRs using established manual procedures, by hand with pen and paper, to prepare data for electronic processing.
- Process employer responses to the Annual Refiling Survey, assigning or revising their industry and geographic codes, addresses, and adding worksite locations.
- Process several sets of quarterly reports to validate, edit, and code large amounts of data through research and analysis at the micro and macro levels to document and reconcile employment, wages, and contributions by industry and location. Work performance includes heavy periods of in-depth review of employer data to track, explain, and resolve inconsistencies.
- Assign North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) industry and geographic codes to hundreds of new and established businesses every month following the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) procedures and guidelines.
- Perform extensive research using databases, internet and software as analytical and research tools.
- Collect and validate confidential data from reluctant employers.
- Key data directly into the appropriate BLS or Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) automated systems.
- Respond to data requests for both internal and external customers.
- Comply with BLS and TWC rules of confidentiality.
- Performs other duties as assigned.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:
- Skill in/knowledge of personal computers, Microsoft Office Suite software (Outlook, Access, Excel, Word, etc.).
- Knowledge of LMI programs, products, and services.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish).

YOU QUALIFY WITH:
-Six months of full-time experience in economic research or statistical or analytical work.
-Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.
-Acceptance into a TWC Internship or TWC Apprenticeship will satisfy the minimum qualifications.

YOU GAIN:
- Competitive salary: $4,020.34/month
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
- Medical Insurance - Currently, the state pays 100% of the health plan premium for eligible full-time employees and 50% of the premium for their eligible dependents. Eligible part-time employees get a 50% state contribution for themselves and 25% for their dependents. Employees pay the remainder of the premium by paycheck deduction before taxes are withheld.
- Optional Benefits such as dental, vision, and life insurance
- 8 hours sick leave per month
- 8 hours vacation leave per month with potential to earn more with longevity
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
- Additional benefits for active employees: https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.

Duty requires up to 10% travel (within the state of Texas) and the ability to lift 30 pounds. A writing sample will be given at the time of interview.

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or on Taleo.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.