Legislative Fiscal Analyst

State of South Dakota; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

State of South Dakota, Legislative Research Council in Pierre, SD, seeks a Permanent, full-time Legislative Fiscal Analyst to compile data and research public policy issues for legislators and to draft reports on the fiscal condition of state government.

The role involves analyzing agency budgets, presenting findings to legislative committees, and staffing the Joint Committee on Appropriations, including serving as secretary for meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent.
• Strong research skills and ability to use source materials.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work impartially with diverse legislators.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to work long hours and meet deadlines; compensation time.

Responsibilities

• Compiling data and researching public policy issues for legislators.
• Writing reports and other documents on the inner workings and fiscal condition of state government.
• Analyzing state agency budgets and presenting budget information to legislative committees.
• Staffing the Joint Committee on Appropriations, including acting as secretary for meetings.
• Drafting legislation, especially appropriation bills, and amendments.
• Developing effective relationships with legislators and agency personnel.
• Evaluating proposed legislation and ballot measures for potential fiscal impacts and preparing fiscal notes.
• Improving internal processes and systems and learning new skills and subject areas over the interim.

Skills

Strong research skills

Strong written & verbal communication

Impartiality

Work under pressure

Deadline-driven

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job ID: 37113 - Legislative Fiscal Analyst

Agency: Legislative Research Council

Location:Pierre, SD

Closing Date: September 16, 2026

Permanent, full-time Legislative Fiscal Analyst.

Salary Range

The salary is $75,000 to $117,000. Actual starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Compiling data and researching public policy issues for legislators;
• Writing reports and other documents on the inner workings and fiscal condition of state government;
• Analyzing state agency budgets and presenting budget information to legislative committees;
• Staffing the Joint Committee on Appropriations, including acting as secretary for meetings;
• Drafting legislation, especially appropriation bills, and amendments;
• Developing effective relationships with legislators and agency personnel;
• Evaluating proposed legislation and ballot measures for potential fiscal impacts and preparing fiscal notes;
• Improving internal processes and systems and learning new skills and subject areas over the interim.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree; preferred degrees include public or business administration, public policy, finance, economics, accounting, operations research, data science, or other advanced degree in a related field, such as law;
• Strong research skills, including the use of appropriate source materials and methodologies;
• Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing, to convey information to legislators and the public;
• The motivation to gain knowledge and develop expertise in several skills and subject areas depending on the needs of legislators;
• The ability to work objectively and impartially with members of all political parties and independents;
• The ability to work cooperatively under pressure with legislators, colleagues, and state government staff;
• The ability to demonstrate Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint proficiency;
• The ability to work long hours, when necessary, and under tight deadlines; employees earn compensation time for extra hours worked.