Agricultural Economist

Summary

This position is located in the USDA, Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) which is responsible for conducting advanced economic analysis and analyzing policy options related to complex domestic and global agricultural issues. The position requires recognized expertise in agricultural economics and substantial experience analyzing policy and legislative options for complex issues, particularly related to agricultural input markets, international agricultural trade, and/or biofuel markets.

Responsibilities

Serves as a senior agricultural economist and recognized expert in the economic analysis of policy options of complex issues, specializing in agricultural input markets, international agricultural trade, and/or biofuel markets.

Develops and recommends appropriate research methods and analytical techniques to analyze the economic impact of relevant policy options.

Applies mastery of economic theory, quantitative methods, econometrics, and interdisciplinary analytical techniques to resolve difficult problems of substantial importance to USDA.

Designs, conducts, and presents sophisticated economic research and multi-disciplinary analyses that inform OCE leadership, USDA agencies, and interagency partners.

Compares the likely economic impact of alternative proposals; independently plans and executes assigned analyses.

Supports the Chief/Deputy Chief Economist by framing analytical options in areas where significant differences of opinion or political sensitivities exist.

Provides advice so interpretations and recommendations can be grounded in rigorous economic analysis, and provides guidance on data and statistical issues involved in analysis of agricultural policy, input markets, trade, biofuels, and/or production.

Exercises substantial responsibility in shaping analytical approaches and ensuring alignment with OCE priorities.

Collaborates with senior staff across USDA agencies, represents OCE in interagency working groups, and maintains professional relationships with universities, industry groups, and stakeholders.

Analyzes and evaluates legislative proposals that cut across agriculture and trade areas for policy and program implications.

Prepares briefings, speeches, and reports explaining economic and policy implications of key issues for internal leadership, interagency partners, Congressional audiences, and external stakeholders; contributes expert perspectives.

Communicates clearly, both orally and in writing, to convey complex technical results for use by both technical and nontechnical personnel.

Reviews, consolidates, and synthesizes economic and statistical analyses across agency lines.

Responsible for adequacy of data, analytical methods and reliability of results.

Responsible for the interpretation, coordination, and technical application of research and analysis.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including Basic Requirements and Minimum Qualification Requirements, as defined below. Basic Requirements: In addition to meeting the Minimum Qualification Requirements outlined in the following section, applicants MUST meet the following occupational series requirements: A. Economist Series, 0110 Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Minimum Qualification Requirements: In addition to meeting at least one of the Basic Requirements outlined above, applicants must also meet the specialized experience and/or education requirements shown below. If qualifying based on experience, your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the specialized experience requirements. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Specialized Experience: GS-14: One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service or equivalent responsibility in the private sector/pay systems that has equipped the candidate with the particular competencies to successfully perform as a Senior Agricultural Economist. The specialized experience is having the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position described as experience (1) mastery of economic theory, quantitative methods, econometrics, and interdisciplinary analytical techniques to analyze the economic impact of policy options affecting domestic and foreign agricultural policy, commodity input markets, trade, biofuel markets, and production; (2) experience providing authoritative advice in developing, implementing and disseminating those analyses; and (3) a demonstrated ability to communicate economic findings and concepts to non-technical audiences. 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.

Education

All applicants must meet at least one of the Basic Requirements as outlined in the above Qualifications section.