Definition
Within an agency's economic research organization, conducts studies of economic impact analysis in areas such as revenue estimation and forecasting, taxation analysis, business regulation and marketing analysis, foreign trade, economic development, public finance, labor economics or regional economics.
The major focus of economic impact analysis studies is to predict or measure impacts of a variety of conditions affecting the State's economy. The conduct of such studies is characterized by the following aspects:
(1) receipt of questions raised by the legislature, executive office, agency management which require investigation of cause-effect relationships;
(2) determination of what information and procedures are required to answer such questions;
(3) performance of mathematical and logical analyses requiring the application of economic theory, principles and techniques at a sophisticated and specialized level; and
(4) interpretation of results, and oral and/or written presentation of conclusions and recommendations to the inquirer(s).
Distinguishing Characteristics
As sub-division and program leader, the Economic Analyst 3 is fully responsible for the conceptualization, design and implementation of all aspects of studies conducted within a major economic research program area. Positions at this level establish priorities and coordinate activities of the subdivision, supervise lower level Economic Analysts on a continuing or project basis, and act as primary economic consultant to intra- and inter-agency management.
Typical Work
Supervises a major economic program area with primary responsibility for conceptualizing, implementing, directing and reviewing all aspects of its activities in measurement, estimation, and forecasting of economic behavior, trends, and impacts;
Coordinates activities of the program area with those of others within the agency and with other agencies both State and Federal;
As assigned, acts on behalf of the Research Supervisor, or equivalent;
Conceives, plans, organizes and supervises comprehensive economic and/or tax impact studies and analysis of major scope;
Monitors State economic activity; coordinates indicators with assigned team; approves major modifications to model designs;
Serves as a primary contact to resolve questions on economic trends and impacts for the Governor, agency executives, other agencies, the Legislature and other concerned parties;
Works with subdivision supervisors to establish priorities, procedures and performance standards;
Represents the agency on committees and boards, before concerned groups, and in professional associations;
Testifies at legislative hearings; presents agency positions and policies on major proposals; makes recommendations;
Directs the development of computerized economic and revenue models to test alternative financing proposals; reviews and analyzes existing and proposed legislation against established economic models; makes reports on findings;
Develops new economic research methods and econometric models, supervises the implementation of such methods and models, the collection of information and the presentation of findings and recommendations;
Prepares and presents results of major economic and/or tax studies to be used for departmental planning, budgeting and general fiscal management; uses graphic, oral, statistical, written or a combination of several reporting techniques;
Serves as senior economic consultant to legislative bodies, the executive office and other governmental units; advises in methodology, base-line projection and fiscal consequences; serves as primary economic consultant and agency representative in specialized areas, such as forest taxation;
Performs other work as required.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Desirable Qualifications
A Master's degree or equivalent in a Ph.D. program in economics, public finance or closely allied field; and three years of professional experience in economic analysis.
OR
Two years as an Economic Analyst in State service.
Professional experience in economic analysis may be substituted, year for year, for the required education, provided a Bachelor's degree in economics, public finance or closely allied field has been obtained.
Additional graduate training in economics or public finance may be substituted, year for year, for experience.
Class Specification History
Revise class. Revises minimum qualifications: April 18, 1974
Revise class. Revises title (formerly Economist V), definition, distinguishing characteristics, minimum qualifications. Adopted August 10, 1979.
Revise class. Revises class code (formerly 04490), general revision; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.