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Duties
Summary
Economist vacancies are located within multiple Offices in DOL, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS is the principal federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy.
Learn more about this agency
These positions are inside the bargaining unit.
This announcement may be used to fill like additional positions.Responsibilities
At the full performance level (i.e. GS-12), the incumbent will independently perform the following duties as well as other duties as assigned:
- Collects, reviews, edits, and compiles economic data. Data collected is analyzed for the purpose of authoring narrative reports and publications illustrating findings and conclusions.
- Performs methodological research to assure the quality and technical adequacy of data. Reviews, collects, and compiles data and information from primary and secondary sources.
- Interprets and verifies data for accuracy and reasonableness. Identifies underlying trends and discrepancies and proposes solutions.
- Prepares special analyses and tabulations to meet the needs of data users, explaining significance and limitations of data.
- Utilizes statistical software packages to analyze data and prepare briefings and other informational tables/graphs for a variety of audiences.
Travel Required
Not required
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
12 - There is no obligation to provide future promotions if you are selected. Promotions are dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, meet all the performance requirements, and the supervisor’s recommendation to the next grade.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 16 years of age.
- Requires a probationary period if the requirement has not been met.
- Appointment to this position may require a background investigation.
- A writing sample may be required at time of interview.
Applicants must meet time-in-grade, time-after-competitive-appointment and qualifications requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the vacancy to be eligible for consideration for selection.
Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met and reflects your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. competitive/excepted). In some cases you may need to submit more than one SF-50.
Reference the "Required Documents" section for additional requirements.Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must meet one of the Economist Basic Requirements AND at least one of the Grade-level Requirements (i.e. GS-11 or GS-12) listed below. See the Required Documents section for submitting necessary proof.
I. Economist Basic Requirements:
One of the following (A or B):
A. Degree: Economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
OR
B. Combination of Education and Experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Examples of qualifying experience include (a) individual economic research assignments requiring planning, information assembly, analysis and evaluation, conclusions and report preparation; (b) supervisory or project coordination assignments involving a staff of professional economists, and requiring the evaluation and interpretation of economic information; or (c) teaching assignments in a college or university that included both class instruction in economic subjects and one of the following: (1) personal research that produced evidence of results, (2) direction of graduate theses in economics, or (3) service as a consultant or advisor on technical economics problems.
AND
II. Grade-level Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following three requirements for directly-related education, specialized experience, or a combination of directly-related education and specialized experience.
1) Education
GS-11
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree
GS-12
Education may not be substituted for experience at this grade level; see Specialized Experience for GS-12 listed below in #2.
OR
2) Specialized Experience: Each of the specialized experience described below must be in or related to the field of economics, and must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience may have been in an unpaid or paid status.
GS-11
Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in scope and responsibility to the next lower grade level (i.e. GS-09) in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is defined as contributing (dependently) to investigations involving economics topics. Examples of experience indicators at this level include consulting with senior economists and/or project leaders to complete tasks for an economic study(ies) such as gathering economic factors affecting data, making comparisons of data, and preparing a narrative report(s) of findings; or, supporting methodological research to assure the quality and technical adequacy of estimates.
GS-12
Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in scope and responsibility to the next lower grade level (i.e. GS-11) in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is defined as contributing (independently, through others, or strategically) to investigations involving economic topics. Examples of experience indicators at this level include planning, coordinating, and executing tasks for an economic study(ies) such as the planning and collection of economic data; planning and preparation of an interpretive economic report; planning and preparation of a quantitative analysis of data; or, the planning and investigation of an economic condition(s) which includes the collection of data, analysis and interpretation of data, and presentation of findings.
OR
3) Combination of Education and Specialized Experience as described below.
GS-11
More than two years (but less than three) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent doctoral degree) and specialized experience as required for GS-11 (less than one year) that when combined totals one year.
GS-12
Education and experience may not be combined at this level; see Specialized Experience for GS-12 listed above in #2.Education
Applicants MUST submit academic transcripts as proof of meeting the qualifying educational requirements. Because specific course work is required, applicants MUST submit transcripts from each academic institution in which the required courses were taken in order to receive credit for that course work. See the Required Documents section for submitting necessary proof. Failure to submit sufficient academic documentation necessary to demonstrate the educational requirements will result in an application being deemed incomplete and removal from further consideration.
Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service.
If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum course work requirements for this position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information.Additional information
Read moreDOL seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees’ differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse customers we serve. DOL fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, flexibility and fairness so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.
Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEESHow You Will Be Evaluated
Read moreYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Click here for Evaluation details. For Displaced Employees ONLY: if you meet the eligibility requirements for special priority selection under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles will be considered "well-qualified" if they attain at least a rating score of 85 in a numerical rating scheme. Be sure to review DOL Account Eligibility Questions #24 and 27 to reflect that you are applying as an ICTAP/CTAP eligible and submit supporting documentation.
Evaluation Factors (Competencies) - All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies:-Customer Service
-Decision Making/Problem Solving
-Interpersonal Skills
-Self Management
-Technology Application and Management
-Writing
-Economic Data Management and Analysis
-Program Oversight and Improvement
The information you provide may be verified by a review of your work experience and/or education, by checking references and through other means (ex. interview). Your evaluation may also include a review by an HR Specialist or panel and may include other assessment tools (ex. interview, structured interview, written test, work sample, etc). The examining Human Resources Office (HRO) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings. Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your vacancy question responses. If not, the HRO may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume.
To preview questions please click here. -
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Required Documents
The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date. Warning: If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission. Also, do not upload password protected documents.
The following documents are required from ALL applicants:
- Proof of Minimum Qualifications: If qualifying (at least in part) based upon Education, you must submit all applicable Unofficial academic transcripts demonstrating that you meet the educational requirements listed in this announcement. You may upload multiple transcript(s) as one document (3 MB size limit); if over 3 MB, please submit via fax feature. Submission of official transcripts will be required if selected. If qualifying based upon Experience and/or Specialized Experience (at least in part), your resume MUST contain detailed descriptions demonstrating that you meet the requirements listed in this announcement. If your resume does not demonstrate proof of the minimum qualifications, you will be deemed not qualified. See the Requirements section, i.e. under Qualifications, for more details.
In addition to the above (i.e. documents required from ALL applicants), the following documents are also required from ICTAP/CTAP applicants:
- Displaced Employee Placement Documents - Only required if requesting priority consideration under ICTAP/CTAP Eligibility.
In addition to the above (i.e. documents required from ALL applicants), the following documents are also required from VEOA applicants:
- DD-214 - verifying military service, eligibility for consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) and showing character of discharge (ex. Member Copy 4 vs. Copy 1).*Current or former Federal employees meeting VEOA are eligible. However, current employees eligible under VEOA are subject to time-in-grade restrictions.
Additional Documentation for Consideration
- Most recent performance appraisal/evaluation signed and dated within 18 months is requested by the agency, but will not disqualify candidates if not submitted. If not submitted during the application process, one may/will be requested at the time of the interview if the opportunity is extended. Applies to current and former Federal employees.
- Cover Letters are not mandatory and will not be used to verify experience, but may be submitted
Applicants selected for employment who are not current DOL employees will be required to provide proof of citizenship, and the E-Verify system will be used to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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Benefits
A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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How to Apply
Read moreTo apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
Follow the steps below to apply. Your application and ALL required supplemental documents MUST be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET) on the vacancy closing date to receive consideration. Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Click here for information on Reasonable Accommodations.
SAVE your information before the 30 MINUTE TIMEOUT! For help, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/.
STEP 1 - Create USAJOBS Account on www.usajobs.gov, including Resume and Saved Documents
Your resume must provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses in the self-assessment vacancy questions. If not, HR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the competency indicated by resume content. FOR EACH EMPLOYMENT PERIOD, include: start/end month & year and note full-time or part-time (if part-time, include # of hours worked per week); otherwise, your application may be considered incompleteSTEP 2 - Complete the 1st part of the application process (USAJOBS)
Once you have identified a job on www.usajobs.gov that you wish to apply for, click on the title and click the Apply button . For questions about the vacancy, contact the Agency Contact at the bottom of the announcement. Click “Start Application” and proceed through 5 steps noted at the top of the USAJOBS page. You will be able to select a resume and documents from your USAJOBS Account that you can submit as a package as part of your DOL application. At Step 5, click “Continue to Agency Site”.STEP 3 – Complete the 2nd part of the application process (DOL)
On the Department of Labor (DOL) page, create a DOL Account if you have not already and click “APPLY TO THIS VACANCY”. Continue through the 7 progress steps indicated by circles at the top of the DOL page. The 3rd progress step is where you answer the vacancy specific questions. The 4th progress step "Documents" is where you submit required documents (only if applicable to you) specified in the "Required Documents" section of this vacancy. If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission.STEP 4 – On the “Review and Submit” step, click “Submit Application”
The last “Confirmation” step will turn green noting that your application was submitted successfully.
STEP 5 - Edit Application as needed by 11:59 pm ET of Closing Date by returning to USAJOBS, clicking the vacancy, then “Update Application”.Agency contact information
Kyle Zagorski
Learn more about this agencyAddress
Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Postal Square Bldg.
2 Massachusetts Ave, NE
Washington, District of Columbia 20212
United StatesNext steps
Read moreOnce your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and refer candidates for selection consideration. Candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome. A selection is expected to be made within 30 calendar days from the issuance date of the certificate.
For instructions on how to check the status of your application, go to Step 7 on: Using DOORS and USAJOBS Help Guide. To sign up for Application Status Updates via email: Click Here for instructions. -
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Read moreThe United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Read moreFederal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
- An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.
Legal and regulatory guidance
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/542289700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
