Duties

Summary

Organizational Location: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Office of Policy and Planning located in Washington, D.C.

View common definitions of terms found in this announcement.

Status candidates may also apply at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/550517900
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

This position is assigned to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of the Director, Executive Associate Director for Management and Administration, Office of Policy and Planning. The Office of Policy and Planning identifies, develops, and effectively communicates agency priorities and policies; leads strategic policy initiatives, drafts policy and regulatory documents, and oversees the regulatory process.

The primary purpose of this position is to conduct complex economic analysis of federal regulations and policy directives generated from the Office of Policy and Planning. The incumbent applies a professional knowledge of economic principles, phenomena, analysis of economic data, preparation of interpretive reports; and advice and consultation on economic matters to ICE and DHS officials. This position reports to the Regulatory Policy Analyst.

• Serving as an authoritative technical advisor on the cost-benefits analysis and regulatory flexibility analysis of Federal regulations;
• Managing cross cutting issues which involve multiple components, teams of attorneys, analysts, and economists;
• Conducting economic analysis and evaluating projects involving economic issues of great significance; and
• Formulating and guiding major policy-oriented research on problems of great difficulty and critical importance.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
14

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation and drug screen
• Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
• Requirements by Closing Date: You must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.

Qualifications

Basic Educational Requirements

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Individual Occupational Requirements (IORs), for the Economist, 0110 series are as follows:

Degree : A degree (Bachelors or higher) in economics that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.

OR

Combination of education and experience : A combination of courses equivalent to a major in economics as described above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Examples of qualifying experience include:

Individual economic research assignments requiring planning, information assembly, analysis and evaluation, conclusions and report preparation

Supervisory or project coordination assignments involving a staff of professional economists, and requiring the evaluation and interpretation of economic information; or

Teaching assignments in a college or university that included both class instructions in economics subjects and one of the following: (1) personal research that produced evidence of results, (2) direction of graduate theses in economics, or (3) service as a consultant or advisor on technical economics problems.

IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE ABOVE BASIC EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

GS-13: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service, or equivalent in the private sector that meets the objectives of the Executive Order 12866, Executive Order 13563, Executive Order 13771, the Paperwork Reduction Act, and the Regulatory Flexibility Act through the production of written documentation based on:

• researching program costs;
• describing the current status of the regulatory program and the currently incurred costs, including descriptions of the deficiencies of the program justifying the need for the proposed or final change;
• calculating new costs and burden to the government in terms of time, equipment, system modifications, labor, etc., for the implementation and long-term compliance with the proposed and final regulatory changes;
• calculating new costs and burden to the public, and in the case of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, exclusively to small businesses, the types of costs considered in terms of time, equipment, system adaptations required, labor, etc. for the implementation and long-term compliance with the proposed and final regulatory changes;
• comparing the costs to the benefits or intended results of the rule; and
• considering alternatives to the proposed or final regulatory action including considering the costs and benefits of such alternatives.GS-14:

GS-14: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-13 level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector that demonstrates leadership and independent production of regulatory impact analyses by:

• researching program costs;
• describing the current status of the regulatory program and the currently incurred costs, including descriptions of the deficiencies of the program justifying the need for the proposed or final change;
• calculating new costs and burden to the government in terms of time, equipment, system modifications, labor, etc., for the implementation and long-term compliance with the proposed and final regulatory changes;
• calculating new costs and burden to the public, and in the case of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, exclusively to small businesses, the types of costs considered in terms of time, equipment, system adaptations required, labor,etc. for the implementation and long-term compliance with the proposed and final regulatory changes;
• comparing the costs to the benefits or intended results of the rule;
• considering alternatives to the proposed or final regulatory action including considering the costs and benefits of such alternatives;
• providing assurance to leadership that the costs and benefits of all regulatory alternatives to amendments to the Code of Federal Regulations have been quantified, if possible; and
• requesting and advising on technical data in order to independently perform data quality assurance for the use of program data in regulatory analyses.

All education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university. For additional information regarding the substitution of education for experience, click HERE .

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

National Service Experience (i.e. volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including 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.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

This position requires specific coursework and/or a degree to meet the basic education requirement. You must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Your transcript(s) must clearly demonstrate the course(s) listed in the qualification requirement section. If the transcript(s) does not clearly demonstrate this you must submit a copy of the course description and/or other documentation demonstrating that the courses are equivalent.

If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ .

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

Additional information

Note: One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Promotion Potential: When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.

E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify , including your rights and responsibilities.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Drug Testing: Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.

Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment , and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans , Peace Corps / VISTA volunteers , and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. The "Rule of Three", Category Rating and Veterans Preference will not apply to this vacancy. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet .

Veterans: Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are still encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). This position is considered scientific/professional. View information on veterans' preference .

Interview Requirement: Interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

DHS Benefits: DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go the DHS Careers website and select Benefits. Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
Yes

Required Documents

1. Resume showing relevant experience, education and training. Work experience should include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY), hours worked per week, and indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor.
2. Your responses to the occupational questionnaire.
3. Other supporting documents ( only submit if applicable to you ):

• Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, with-in grade/range increases); your current promotion potential; proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement; etc. (Current ICE employees are not required to submit an SF-50).
• Are you qualifying based on education? You must submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed.
• Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or notice form. Those applying for 10-Point preference must fill out the SF-15 and provide an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, and/or any other associated documentation based on your preference. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions.
• Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP)? If so, submit:
  • A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of disability annuity termination, or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement;
  • A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action'', documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.;
  • A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
  • Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
• Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
  • Position title;
  • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
  • Agency; and
  • Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
• You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.

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.