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, or 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
Positions at the Economic Analyst 2 level independently conduct comprehensive economic impact studies of major scope, significance and complexity that constitute an integral portion of an agency's economic analysis program.
Typical Work
Directs subdivisions of major programs, with responsibility for determining feasibility and approach, planning and conducting studies within the subdivision;
Independently conducts comprehensive economic and/or tax impact studies and analysis of major scope; may carry responsibility for all aspects of special studies within a program area;
Analyzes proposed or recently enacted legislation dealing with transportation, revenue and/or taxation, etc.; develops methodology and estimates fiscal impact on State and local government bodies; testifies at hearings, works with legislative staff in the development of feasible alternatives;
Defines, develops and conducts special studies of an economic or revenue nature as requested by legislative, executive or other governmental officials; prepares and presents written and/or oral reports on studies conducted;
Compiles detailed technical reports dealing with the economic and/or tax impact of special excise or property tax topics, transportation or business regulations, and other related issues, for use by State agencies, the executive office and the legislature;
Provides consulting services concerning status of State and regional economy as evidenced by tax collection data and other economic indicators to private sector economists, other State and local government agencies, legislative committees and the executive office; provides international, national and regional marketing analysis in support of State economic development program;
Develops methodologies for measurement, estimation, and forecasting of economic trends and impacts and for determining their reliability; reviews proposed methodologies; analyzes and reviews estimates and forecasts for reliability, reasonableness, accuracy and consistency;
Serves as a member of committees or boards with the purpose of coordinating and reviewing economic estimates and forecasts;
Responds to requests for information and analytic assistance from the Governor, agency executive staff, other agencies, the Legislature and other concerned parties;
Designs and maintains economic models and reference system relating to economic growth indicators; prepares long-term baseline forecasts of State and regional economic levels;
Oversees collection, analysis, and reporting of statistical data on State and local excise, property tax, and property valuations;
Participates in design, implements, and operates computerized econometric models to forecast the State's major tax sources; prepares tax collection versus estimate analysis and reports;
On a project basis, may direct the work of one or two economic or research analysts, accounting or clerical personnel;
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 Ph.D. program in economics, public finance or closely allied field; and two years of professional experience in economic analysis.
OR
One year 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 attained.
Additional graduate training in economics or public finance may be substituted, year for, for experience.
Class Specification History
Revise class. Revises minimum qualifications; adopted April 18, 1974.
Revise class. Revises title (formerly Economist IV), definition, distinguishing characteristics, minimum qualifications; adopted August 10, 1979,
Revise class. Revises class code (formerly 04480); effective July 1, 2007