BEA’s mission, to promote a better understanding of the U.S. economy by providing the most timely, relevant and accurate economic accounts data in an objective and cost effective manner, is implemented through collecting data, conducting research and analysis, developing and implementing estimation methodologies, and disseminating data. The data produced by BEA are among the most important tools used by fiscal and monetary policymakers in Congress and the Executive Branch, including the Council of Economic Advisers, the Federal Reserve, the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Treasury.
BEA is consistently ranked as one of the Best Places to Work in the Federal government. We provide outstanding benefits, training, advancement opportunities, and a comfortable, healthy and efficient work environment. BEA is a moderately sized agency, with all staff housed together in one location and is largely comprised of economists, accountants, statisticians, and information technology professionals. If you are looking to make an impact applying top-flight analytical skills to measure and understand the nation’s economy, BEA is the right place for you. To learn more about working at BEA or to see open positions, please visit our Web site.
BEA is located within the Suitland Federal Center (SFC) in Suitland, MD, just outside of Washington, DC. The SFC is an award-winning, state-of-the-art workplace conveniently located directly off the Suitland Metro stop; free parking and a variety of vanpools, carpools, and bus lines are also available. On-site amenities include a cafeteria, gym, health center, and child development center.
This vacancy is for a Economist position in the Balance of Payments Division (BPD), Methodology and Special Studies Branch.
This vacancy is advertised under 2 different announcements. Read the `Who May Apply` section carefully to determine your eligibility. If you are not eligible under this announcement, please see BEA-BPD-2017-0005, Economist, ZP-0110-IV,BEA-BPD-M-VFP.
This position is ELIGIBLE for telework; additional criteria will be required (e.g., supervisory approval).
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
This is aNON-BARGAININGunit position.
Summary
BEA’s mission, to promote a better understanding of the U.S. economy by providing the most timely, relevant and accurate economic accounts data in an objective and cost effective manner, is implemented through collecting data, conducting research and analysis, developing and implementing estimation methodologies, and disseminating data. The data produced by BEA are among the most important tools used by fiscal and monetary policymakers in Congress and the Executive Branch, including the Council of Economic Advisers, the Federal Reserve, the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Treasury.
BEA is consistently ranked as one of the Best Places to Work in the Federal government. We provide outstanding benefits, training, advancement opportunities, and a comfortable, healthy and efficient work environment. BEA is a moderately sized agency, with all staff housed together in one location and is largely comprised of economists, accountants, statisticians, and information technology professionals. If you are looking to make an impact applying top-flight analytical skills to measure and understand the nation’s economy, BEA is the right place for you. To learn more about working at BEA or to see open positions, please visit our Web site.
BEA is located within the Suitland Federal Center (SFC) in Suitland, MD, just outside of Washington, DC. The SFC is an award-winning, state-of-the-art workplace conveniently located directly off the Suitland Metro stop; free parking and a variety of vanpools, carpools, and bus lines are also available. On-site amenities include a cafeteria, gym, health center, and child development center.
This vacancy is for a Economist position in the Balance of Payments Division (BPD), Methodology and Special Studies Branch.
This vacancy is advertised under 2 different announcements. Read the `Who May Apply` section carefully to determine your eligibility. If you are not eligible under this announcement, please see BEA-BPD-2017-0005, Economist, ZP-0110-IV,BEA-BPD-M-VFP.
This position is ELIGIBLE for telework; additional criteria will be required (e.g., supervisory approval).
This position is located in the Balance of Payments Division, Methodology and Special Studies Branch. The incumbent will evaluate and improve methodology and data quality, assist in the development of survey and sampling methodologies, analyze and interpret international transactions and investment, document existing programs, and assist in the release and dissemination of data and publications.
The individual selected for this position will:
Formulate and conduct research program of considerable scope and complexity that will address important questions in the field of international economics;
Research and analysis may address methodological and measurement issues;
Present reports of economic research to both experts in the field and non-technical audiences;
Provide guidance to research team using statistical or econometric techniques to present data, analyze findings, and prepare research reports to describe results;
Analyze, interpret, and manipulate economic statistics to resolve statistical problems and check reliability of estimates;
Apply professional knowledge of the concepts and definitions of U.S. international economic accounts.
**Multiple selections may be made from various directorates within BEA from this announcement for a position with the same title, series, grade(s), promotion potential, duty station, same qualifications and specialized experience.**
Full performance level of the position is Band IV.
Registered for Selective Service if applicable. (www.sss.gov)
A one-year probationary period may be required.
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Basic Entry Requirements for All Grade or Band Levels:
A. Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
BAND LEVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Band III (GS-11/12)
In addition to meeting the Basic Entry Requirements above, applicants must have the experience listed below.
EXPERIENCE: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade/band (GS-9) equivalent level or band II. Examples of specialized experience include: experience collecting and manipulating economic data; producing statistical data; developing programming modules; evaluating data quality; and experience preparing written or verbal communications.
OR
EDUCATION:
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
Band IV (GS-13/14)
In addition to meeting the Basic Entry Requirements above, applicants must have the experience listed below.
Specialized Experience: For the Band IV, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the Band III or GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include: managing the development and maintenance of estimation procedures; developing improved methods; interpreting and analyzing economic statistics; carry out research studies; and managing staff in the development and maintenance of estimation procedures.
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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Additional information
The following links provide information on various hiring authorities that may enable you to apply through merit assignment procedures, or be eligible for a non-competitive appointment.
The Department of Commerce provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. TTY users can contact the Human Resources Office via the Federal Relay Service, 1-800-877-8339.
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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Additional benefits available at Bureau of Economic Analysis Headquarters located in Suitland, MD, include: fitness center; child-care facility; credit union; free parking; convenient access to Metrorail and Metrobus transit services in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia communities; car pools/van pools; etc.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application includes your:
Resume,
Responses to the online scored occupational questionnaire, and
Required supporting documents.
We use a multi-step process to evaluate and refer applicants:
1. Minimum Requirements: Your application must show that you meet all requirements, including the education, and/or experience required for this position. You will be found "not qualified" if you do not possess the minimum competencies required for the position. If your application is incomplete, we will rate you as ineligible. Your resume and/or optional cover letter must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered.
2. Rating: The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate you on the following competencies; please do not provide a separate written response:
Knowledge of economic theory and research methods, with particular focus on topics in microeconomics or international economics.
Ability to write about economic statistics and research and communicate reports and/or findings to general and specialist audiences.
Ability to use statistical or econometric techniques to produce research reports.
Skill in analyzing and manipulating economic statistics.
Skill in applying concepts and definitions of the U.S. international economic accounts, including balance of payments measures of international trade and finance.
3. Referral: If you are among the best qualified candidates, your application will be referred to the selecting official for consideration and possible interview.
We will review your resume, optional cover letter, and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the vacancy announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter, and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire (True/False, Yes/ No, Multiple Choice questions) and place you in one of three pre-defined categories. These categories are "gold,' "silver," and "bronze." However, your resume and/or optional cover letter must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. Candidates placed in the "gold" category will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.
How you will be evaluated for preference eligibility: Within each category, those entitled to veterans' preference will be listed at the top of the pre-defined category for which they are placed. Preference eligible with a service connected disability of 10% or more will be listed at the top of the highest quality category (gold) depending on the position and grade level of the job.
If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee (eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)), you must receive a rating of at least 85 out of 100 to be rated as well qualified to receive special selection priority.
We recommend that you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process.
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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Additional benefits available at Bureau of Economic Analysis Headquarters located in Suitland, MD, include: fitness center; child-care facility; credit union; free parking; convenient access to Metrorail and Metrobus transit services in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia communities; car pools/van pools; etc.
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.
Resume: Please ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone number, employment information such as: Employer name and location; From and To dates (which includes the month and year for each description of experience), full-time or part-time, grade level held (if applicable), education, training etc. Your description of experience and education must be able to support any claim for qualifying for this position. A cover letter is optional.
Education Documentation:
All applicants to include Bureau of Economic Analysis employees MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of courses showing title, number of credits, grade, and date of completion.
To be used in meeting qualifications requirements, a college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/search.aspx. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.
If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of credibility of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency; more information may be found at: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.asp#e4a.
Veterans' Documentation. If you are applying through VEOA or VRA, you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214, or other official documentation from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. Ten-point preference eligibles must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, SF-15, along with the required documentation listed on the back of the SF-15 form.
Sole Survivorship Documentation: If you are applying under Sole Survivorship preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation which shows your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
CTAP/ICTAP: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), you must submit a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent Performance Rating and a copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Special Hiring Authorities Documentation: If you are applying under a special hiring authority, submit a copy of the documentation verifying your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Please note: if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you will lose consideration for this position (or lose the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
If applying online poses a hardship, please contact the Human Resources Specialist prior to the announcement's closing date.
Monster Government Solutions is available to assist you during the business hours normally 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday. If you are experiencing system issues with your application, please contact the Monster Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com or at 866-656-6831 or the USAJobs Help Desk.
Step 1 - Create or Upload a resume with USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov) The preview link is available at the end of the Qualifications and Evaluation section of the announcement. Please ensure your resume supports response of these assessment questions.
Step 2 - Click Apply Online You will be directed to USAJOBS where you must select a resume. If you have documents uploaded to USAJOBS, you may select those you wish to submit as well. After selecting a resume (and documents, if applicable), click "Apply for this position now!" and follow the prompts to register. You will have the opportunity to submit documents via 2 different options: 1) download from USAJOBS or 2) upload from your computer. Answer the assessment questions and submit all required documents. Once you complete the application click the "Submit My Answers" button.
You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. To do so, log into your USAJobs accounts and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Apply Online" to continue.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
BUREAU OF ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
4600 Silver Hill Road
Room 2K038D
Attn: Human Resources
Washington, DC 20233
US
Next steps
What to Expect Next:
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov, and clicking on "Track Your Online Application." The four points of notification are:
Application Received or Application Incomplete;
Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met;
Eligible (Application Referred to the Selecting Official) or Eligible (Application Not Referred to the Selecting Official); and
Selected or Not Selected
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume: Please ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone number, employment information such as: Employer name and location; From and To dates (which includes the month and year for each description of experience), full-time or part-time, grade level held (if applicable), education, training etc. Your description of experience and education must be able to support any claim for qualifying for this position. A cover letter is optional.
Education Documentation:
All applicants to include Bureau of Economic Analysis employees MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of courses showing title, number of credits, grade, and date of completion.
To be used in meeting qualifications requirements, a college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/search.aspx. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.
If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of credibility of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency; more information may be found at: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e4.asp#e4a.
Veterans' Documentation. If you are applying through VEOA or VRA, you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214, or other official documentation from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. Ten-point preference eligibles must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, SF-15, along with the required documentation listed on the back of the SF-15 form.
Sole Survivorship Documentation: If you are applying under Sole Survivorship preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation which shows your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
CTAP/ICTAP: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP), you must submit a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent Performance Rating and a copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Special Hiring Authorities Documentation: If you are applying under a special hiring authority, submit a copy of the documentation verifying your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Please note: if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you will lose consideration for this position (or lose the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
If applying online poses a hardship, please contact the Human Resources Specialist prior to the announcement's closing date.
Monster Government Solutions is available to assist you during the business hours normally 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday. If you are experiencing system issues with your application, please contact the Monster Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com or at 866-656-6831 or the USAJobs Help Desk.
Step 1 - Create or Upload a resume with USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov) The preview link is available at the end of the Qualifications and Evaluation section of the announcement. Please ensure your resume supports response of these assessment questions.
Step 2 - Click Apply Online You will be directed to USAJOBS where you must select a resume. If you have documents uploaded to USAJOBS, you may select those you wish to submit as well. After selecting a resume (and documents, if applicable), click "Apply for this position now!" and follow the prompts to register. You will have the opportunity to submit documents via 2 different options: 1) download from USAJOBS or 2) upload from your computer. Answer the assessment questions and submit all required documents. Once you complete the application click the "Submit My Answers" button.
You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. To do so, log into your USAJobs accounts and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Apply Online" to continue.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
BUREAU OF ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
4600 Silver Hill Road
Room 2K038D
Attn: Human Resources
Washington, DC 20233
US
Next steps
What to Expect Next:
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov, and clicking on "Track Your Online Application." The four points of notification are:
Application Received or Application Incomplete;
Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met;
Eligible (Application Referred to the Selecting Official) or Eligible (Application Not Referred to the Selecting Official); and
Selected or Not Selected
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
