Legislative Fiscal Analyst

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

Job summary

The Legislative Research Council in Pierre, SD is accepting applications for a permanent, full-time Legislative Fiscal Analyst. The role bases in Pierre and entails compiling data, researching public policy issues, writing reports, and analyzing state agency budgets for legislative committees.

The salary ranges from $75,000 to $117,000, with starting pay based on qualifications and experience. A bachelor’s degree is required, with preferred fields listed above.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; preferred fields include public or business administration, public policy, finance, economics, accounting, operations research, data science, or related areas such as law.
• Strong research skills and ability to use source materials and methodologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication to convey information to legislators and the public.
• Ability to work objectively with members of all political parties and independents.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; compensation time for extra hours.

Responsibilities

• Compile data and research public policy issues for legislators.
• Write reports on the fiscal condition and operations of state government.
• Analyze state agency budgets and present budget information to committees.
• Staff the Joint Committee on Appropriations and serve as secretary for meetings.
• Draft legislation and amendments, especially appropriation bills.
• Develop effective relationships with legislators and agency personnel.
• Evaluate proposed legislation for fiscal impacts and prepare fiscal notes.
• Improve internal processes and learn new skills over the interim.

Job description

Job ID: 37113 - Legislative Fiscal Analyst

Agency: Legislative Research Council

Location:Pierre, SD

Closing Date: September 16, 2026

The Legislative Research Council, the nonpartisan research and support staff to the South Dakota Legislature, is accepting applications for a permanent, full-time Legislative Fiscal Analyst. This position will be based in and work from Pierre.

Salary Range:

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

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Compiling data and researching public policy issues for legislators;


2. Writing reports and other documents on the inner workings and fiscal condition of state government;


3. Analyzing state agency budgets and presenting budget information to legislative committees;


4. Staffing the Joint Committee on Appropriations, including acting as secretary for meetings;


5. Drafting legislation, especially appropriation bills, and amendments;


6. Developing effective relationships with legislators and agency personnel;


7. Evaluating proposed legislation and ballot measures for potential fiscal impacts and preparing fiscal notes;


8. 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.

Application Process:

This position will remain open until filled. A first review of applications will occur on September 16. Applications must include a cover letter and resume and should be submitted online ( https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4MG ) or by e-mail to:

South Dakota Legislative Research Council
500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]