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Economist

Department of Labor
Bureau of Labor Statistics
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics measures labor market activity, working conditions, price changes, and productivity in the U.S. economy to support public and private decision making.

These positions are inside the bargaining unit.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
01/11/2023 to 01/17/2023
Salary
$46,696 to - $91,873 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 07 - 09
Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
Location Negotiable After Selection
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional travel may be required.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
12 - There is no obligation to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Promotions are dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the need for an employee promoted to the higher level, and supervisory approval.
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Announcement number
DE-23-CHI-BLS-073
Control number
698366000

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

US Citizens; ICTAP and CTAP eligibles. This announcement is used to fill multiple positions within BLS. Rest of US locality rate listed but final duty location and commensurate salary based on locality pay rules will be determined at time of selection.

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Duties

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Duties may include, but are not limited to the following.

GS-07

  • Perform entry-level duties in support of data analysis and methodological research.
  • Assists with planning and coordinating the collection of economic data for BLS surveys to include developing and providing training, overseeing quality assurance activities, and preparing analytical reports on collection progress.
  • Apply basic knowledge of computer capabilities and configurations. Completes routine aspects of research requiring the use of a computer.
  • Prepare routine written responses, reports, and procedures documentation.
  • Participate in activities to address program development needs, such as quality or process improvement initiatives. 
  • Write or edit economic analyses using plain language concepts and create or edit charts, maps, tables, and other data presentation tools for public access.
  • Inform and educate the public about economic and statistical information through web postings, telephone, email, social media, conferences, and other means.
  • Plan and coordinate organizational outreach to increase BLS brand awareness and assist with developing and implementing promotional plans for the Bureau's products and services.

GS-09

  • Review, collect and analyze data primarily for the purpose of publishing economic statistics and/or improving the quality of the data and program outputs.
  • Use computer software to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format. Assist in the development, maintenance, and updating of databases and processing systems.
  • Prepare clear and concise written responses, reports, and technical summaries.
  • Identify underlying trends and apparent discrepancies in data and prepare summaries of findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
  • Plans and coordinates the collection of economic data for BLS surveys.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be at least 16 years old and a U.S. Citizen.
  • 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 all legal and regulatory requirements. Reference the "Required Documents" section for additional requirements.

Notification Concerning COVID-19 Vaccinations.  As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal executive branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law.  If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to submit documentation of proof of vaccination or to be in the process of requesting an exception to the vaccination requirement before appointment or onboarding with the agency.  The agency will provide additional information regarding which forms of documentation can be accepted and how you can request to be considered for a legally required exception from this requirement.  

Currently, implementation and enforcement of Executive Order 14043 has been suspended pursuant to an injunction pending further litigation.

Qualifications

Basic Requirement:

Economist, GS-0110: A) Degree in economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting or calculus. OR B) A combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to the Basic Requirement

Specialized Experience:

GS-7: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5.

GS-9: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7.

Specialized experience should include a thorough range of complex economic professional work. Some examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

GS-7: Assisting with tasks related to one of the following: preparation of statistical surveys; tabulation and processing of economic data; or, visualization of economic data into charts and/or graphs.

GS-9: Assisting with portions of investigations involving economic topics. An experience indicator at this level includes assisting and supporting senior economists and/or project leaders with portions of their research to prepare preliminary interpretative reports. Examples include collecting, compiling, and arranging economic data for the purpose of drafting preliminary analyses; or, analyzing and interpreting economic data for the purpose of drafting preliminary findings.

OR

Education Substitution:

GS-7: 1 year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement.

Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.

1) Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.

2) Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- Applicants must have a grade-point average of: 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.

3) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. A list of acceptable honor societies can be found at https://www.achshonor.org/ 

GS-9: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree.

OR

Combination of Education and Specialized Experience:

GS-7: Graduate education (less than one year) and specialized experience as required for GS-07 (less than one year) that when combined totals one year.

GS-9: Graduate education (more than one year but less than two) and specialized experience as required for GS-09 (less than one year) that when combined totals one year. Only graduate education beyond the first year (18 semester hours or quarter hour equivalent) can be combined with experience to total one year.

Education

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

Evaluation Factors (Competencies) - All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies:

Customer Service - Works with clients and customers to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.

Decision Making/Problem Solving - Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.

Interpersonal Skills - Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.

Planning and Evaluating - Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.

Self Management - Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.

Technology Application and Management - Uses machines, tools, instruments, or equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format.

Written Communication - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.

Economic Data Management & Analysis - Knowledge of economic policy, principles, and practices, market and non-market values, and the analysis and reporting of economic data.

Product Oversight and Improvement - Knowledge of methods for researching and analyzing external products to determine their potential for meeting organizational standards and business needs.

Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have speech disabilities, please dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services.

The mission of the Department of Labor (DOL) is to protect the welfare of workers and job seekers, improve working conditions, expand high quality employment opportunities, and assure work-related benefits and rights for all workers.  As such, the Department is committed to fostering a workplace and workforce that promote equal employment opportunity, reflect the diversity of the people we seek to serve, and model a culture of respect, equity, inclusion, and accessibility where every employee feels heard, supported, and empowered. 

Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be evaluated against the evaluation factors below and will be placed into a category based on your vacancy question responses.

Categories

Category A - Meets the minimum qualifications requirements and demonstrates superior proficiency in applying critical competencies required by this position.

Category B - Meets the minimum qualifications requirements and demonstrates satisfactory proficiency in applying critical competencies required by this position.

Category C - Meets the minimum qualifications requirements and demonstrates familiarity in applying critical competencies required by this position.

Evaluation Factors (Competencies) - Please see Other Information Section

The information you provide on your resume may be verified by a review of your work experience, employment start/end dates/hours worked and/or education, by checking references and through other means (ex. interview). The examining Office of Human Resources (OHR) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings. Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses to the vacancy questions. If not, the OHR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume. Your evaluation may also include a review by a Human Resources Specialist or panel and may include other assessments (ex. interview, panel review, written test, writing sample, etc.)

INFORMATION FOR ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE(S) ONLY: If you are eligible for special priority selection under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration. ICTAP/CTAP eligible(s) who are placed into Category B or higher will be considered "well-qualified." Be sure to review DOL Account Eligibility Questions #24 to reflect that you are applying as an ICTAP or CTAP eligible and submit supporting documentation. Click Application of Veterans Preference for Category Rating Jobs for more information.


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