FTC economists make independent policy recommendations to the Commission based on their theoretical and empirical analysis of relevant issues. Research by FTC economists is supported and encouraged, in part through the Bureau's working paper series, seminar series, and annual FTC Microeconomics Conference. FTC economists regularly present their work at seminars/conferences, and publish in top journals. Economists in all fields of applied microeconomics and econometrics are encouraged to apply.
Summary
FTC economists make independent policy recommendations to the Commission based on their theoretical and empirical analysis of relevant issues. Research by FTC economists is supported and encouraged, in part through the Bureau's working paper series, seminar series, and annual FTC Microeconomics Conference. FTC economists regularly present their work at seminars/conferences, and publish in top journals. Economists in all fields of applied microeconomics and econometrics are encouraged to apply.
As an Economist at the Federal Trade Commission you will be performing the following duties:
Apply statistical, mathematical, and econometric techniques to the analysis of data to give empirical content to economic theories and test hypotheses in support of policy recommendations.
Provide analysis and interpretation of economic and related information collected from companies to support policy and program decision-making.
Identify and collect the appropriate data needed to analyze the validity of competing economic theories.
Conduct investigations, reviews, and studies that apply a thorough knowledge of microeconomic theory to study the behavior of individual consumers, firms, and industries in order to analyze how markets establish relative prices among goods and services and thereby allocate limited resources among alternative uses.
Analyze the likely effects on consumers and competition of mergers, agreements between firms, and individual firm business practices.
Prepare economic impact assessments under the laws that govern federal rulemaking to ensure adequate considerations of the costs and benefits of proposed rules.
Develop oral and written products, tailored to the needs of the audience, in support of recommendations involving such far-reaching issues as the economic aspects of new or proposed investigations, policies, or rules affecting FTC programs.
Undertake research aimed at addressing unresolved theoretical or empirical questions in topics related to competition, consumer protection, and general understanding of consumer and firm behavior.
Draft, present, and defend positions for policy, enforcement decisions, and education of other competition agencies.
U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
This position is subject to a background investigation.
Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
You may serve a one-year probationary period under this appointment.
This position is not in the bargaining unit.
Qualifications
To qualify for an Economist position, you must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Basic Requirements:
1. Degree: Economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
OR
2. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in 1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the above, you must meet the requirements described below:
You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to the next lower level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector or academia, performing the following types of tasks:
GS-12 Level: You must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in federal service or private sector or academia. Examples of qualifying experience may include: drafting an unpublished research paper and/or performing quantitative work to study an economic phenomenon. Specific examples include: identifying interesting features of consumer and firm behavior, analyzing the price, quality, and/or output effect of a shock to a specific industry, and producing written and oral reports based on preliminary analysis.
GS-13 Level: You must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal service or private sector or academia.Examples of qualifying experience may include: co-authoring an unpublished research paper and/or working on an economic research project applying quantitative and analytical skills. Specific examples include: identifying data necessary to test models of consumer and firm behavior, producing statistical analysis of consumer behavior, producing written and oral reports based on work with others, and performing interviews with industry participants to understand unique features of an industry.
GS-14 Level: You must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the federal service or private sector or academia. Examples of qualifying experience may include: independently preparing economic reports or studies that require advanced research techniques and crafting independent research that demonstrates familiarity with advanced analytical techniques that produced evidence of results. Specific examples include: analyzing strategic firm and consumer behavior, identifying optimal choices based on the competitive environment and available information, identifying and estimating relevant demand elasticities, identifying and evaluating the effects of regulations on the profit-maximizing strategies of firms; assessing the economic benefits and costs of proposed federal rules, and identifying the significance of specific factors affecting a firm's entry to or exit from a market.
GS-15 Level: You must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the federal service or private sector or academia. Examples of qualifying experience may include: authoring published research articles/books on topics in microeconomics and/or serving as a consultant or advisor on technical economic issues and/or supervisory or project coordination assignments involving a staff of professional economist that results in providing technical advice or recommendations of action. Specific examples include: managing all or part of a team performing economic or econometric analysis being responsible for the content of that analysis, conducting and presenting independent research or policy analysis at an academic or policy institution, determining the reliability of econometric evidence based on appropriateness and limitations of data, economic modeling, and/or statistical methodology; and, weighing analysis against a rebuttal presented by another economist, and explaining the differences between competing economic analyses.
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.
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
All applicants should apply to the GS-12 level. Applicants should also apply to any other GS levels for which they meet the specialized experience requirements. Qualified applicants must exhibit thorough comprehension of microeconomic analysis and effective written and oral communication skills. Economists in all fields of applied microeconomics or econometrics are encouraged to apply.
Education
THIS POSITION HAS AN EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
This announcement will be filled through OPM-authorized Direct Hire Authority due to a Critical Hiring Need. Veterans preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to this vacancy.
Click Here for more information on OPM's authorization of Direct Hire Authorities.
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
For more information visit: ICTAP/CTAP
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.
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.
DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
If your resume or application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume or application must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination. Please ensure that your resume or application contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level.
If you meet the minimum qualification requirements, you will be referred to the selecting official. If your resume does not support the specialized experience, your final rating may be modified and you may be removed from consideration.
The Human Resources Office is ultimately responsible for determining your final rating. Your application will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position.
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.
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.
The following information must be received by 11:59pm ET on the closing date of the announcement. Resume via USA Jobs, 2. Responses to online questionnaire, 3. If applicable, the following supporting documentation listed below:
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 (or from date to present for current position), which include the month and year for each description of experience, with 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.
Current or former Federal employees- If you are a current or former Federal employee, you must submit a copy of your SF-50 that shows competitive service appointment, tenure group, grade, and salary. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 that shows the length of time you have been in the next lower grade level. (Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within grade/range increases, and SF-50s one or more years old).
Application Package Checklist:
To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate. Some of the items listed may not apply to you.
- Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position
- Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)
- Statement that you are a U.S. citizen
- Current Federal employees serving on a competitive career or career conditional appointment or reinstatement eligible must submit a copy of their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50).
- Resume (or CV) with paid and non-paid work experience related to the position. For each period of Work experience include:
- Job title- Series/grade (if Federal employment)
- Duties and accomplishments
- Employer's name and address
- Supervisor's name and contact information
- Starting and ending dates of employment (month/day/year)
- Number of hours worked per week
- Salary
- Indicate if we may contact current supervisor/employer
- Other job related information, such as training courses (title & year); skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, etc.)
- Honors, awards, and special accomplishments- Certificates/licenses (current)
- A legible copy of college transcripts (if qualifying all or in part on the basis of Education for this position)
- Supporting documentation for eligibility for special hiring authorities, such as disability, Peace Corps service, etc.
- A writing sample (preferably sole-authored)
Three Letters of Recommendation should be provided via email to econrecruit@ftc.gov.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The application status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite H-723
Washington, DC 20580
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following information must be received by 11:59pm ET on the closing date of the announcement. Resume via USA Jobs, 2. Responses to online questionnaire, 3. If applicable, the following supporting documentation listed below:
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 (or from date to present for current position), which include the month and year for each description of experience, with 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.
Current or former Federal employees- If you are a current or former Federal employee, you must submit a copy of your SF-50 that shows competitive service appointment, tenure group, grade, and salary. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 that shows the length of time you have been in the next lower grade level. (Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within grade/range increases, and SF-50s one or more years old).
Application Package Checklist:
To help you ensure your application fully outlines your qualifications and eligibility for this position, please submit the following documentation as appropriate. Some of the items listed may not apply to you.
- Announcement number, title, and grade(s) of the position
- Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening phone numbers (with area code)
- Statement that you are a U.S. citizen
- Current Federal employees serving on a competitive career or career conditional appointment or reinstatement eligible must submit a copy of their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50).
- Resume (or CV) with paid and non-paid work experience related to the position. For each period of Work experience include:
- Job title- Series/grade (if Federal employment)
- Duties and accomplishments
- Employer's name and address
- Supervisor's name and contact information
- Starting and ending dates of employment (month/day/year)
- Number of hours worked per week
- Salary
- Indicate if we may contact current supervisor/employer
- Other job related information, such as training courses (title & year); skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, etc.)
- Honors, awards, and special accomplishments- Certificates/licenses (current)
- A legible copy of college transcripts (if qualifying all or in part on the basis of Education for this position)
- Supporting documentation for eligibility for special hiring authorities, such as disability, Peace Corps service, etc.
- A writing sample (preferably sole-authored)
Three Letters of Recommendation should be provided via email to econrecruit@ftc.gov.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The application status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite H-723
Washington, DC 20580
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
