Duties

Summary

The Commission annually ranks as one of the best places to work in the federal government, scoring high in employee engagement and environment. The Commission is on the forefront of offering flexible working arrangements, and after an initial training and probationary period, allows employees the opportunity to participate in telework combined with alternative work schedules. In the current pandemic situation, all employees are teleworking and supported by a variety of Commission technologies.
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

PRC 3/4/and 5
As an Economist, the incumbent will analyze microeconomic cost data and Postal Service models to develop recommendations to Division and Office leadership. The work performed involves designing, developing and applying mathematical methods and techniques to model processes, and economic and cost attribution concepts. The incumbent will work with the Deputy Director, Director, and other subject matter experts in OAC to contribute to the planning and implementation of projects concerning postal matters. Attention to detail, the ability to identify problems, to develop solutions, and to clearly communicate both verbally and in writing are crucial to the successful performance of these duties. In addition, this individual will:

• Provide advice to the Commission on matters pertaining to Postal regulatory policies including: detailed statistical studies and survey data; cost data and methodologies; operational cost models; quantitative and qualitative reports, studies, and surveys outlining the degree of market price and service competition.
• Update and maintain data through the use of automated software programs.
• Use advanced statistical and econometric models and theories, and automated data and graphic processing techniques, to explain and predict patterns involving mail costs, revenues, classifications and service performance.
• Utilize models to project estimates on the effects of changes to various mail classifications and programs.
• Assist in developing comprehensive methods or procedures to determine and measure the reliability, accuracy, and validity of data.
• Review data for source accuracy and refine into useable format. Identify and substantiate reporting disparities regarding changes, trends, or circumstances not readily evident from the data retrieved.
• Assist in the development/formulation of studies, summaries, and substantive analysis utilizing various source data collection systems to assess overall quality.
• Develop graphic representations of statistical data and various reports.
• Review, analyze, and normalize historical project data to determine relevancy of data as well as model fit to a specific application. Prepare documents and present project data findings and recommendations for normalized data for use in the development of statistical models.
• Assist in the preparation of written and oral reports based on data analysis.
• Review and evaluate complex data systems related to Postal Service costs, revenues, and volumes.
• Assist in the replication and audit of quantitative analyses of financial data and provide recommendations to senior staff based on findings.
• Assist in the response to information requests from Congress, the Postal Service, mailers, and/or the general public.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
None

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Relocation expenses are not authorized
• You will be required to serve a probationary period of 1 year
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Status: Exempt
• This position may require you to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) upon entry and annually thereafter
• You must be a U.S. citizen or national to be eligible for this position
• The Postal Regulatory Commission requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation as a condition of placement into this position

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the mandatory qualifications described below, and be prepared to provide writing samples upon request.

Knowledge of quantitative analytical and research techniques

Skill in applying economic theories and methods, to solve problems

Skill in collecting and analyzing large databases

Written communication skills

Verbal communication skills

Knowledge of data visualization techniques

Ability to develop procedures to measure reliability and accuracy of data

Ability to present and explain analytical results to groups of people

Knowledge of economic and financial principles

Knowledge of cost attribution, such as marginal and incremental cost, principles and methodologies

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. Candidates will also receive credit for educational achievement, as evaluated based on academic performance and relevance to the duties of the position.

Education

Successful completion of a course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a quantitative field (e.g., mathematics, economics, business, operations research, science) that included four higher level courses in quantitative economic analysis.

Additional information

Ethics Requirements
The Commission is committed to government ethics. As a Commission employee, you will be subject to the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch and the criminal conflict of interest statutes. The Commission also has ethics rules (39 C.F.R. subpart A of part 3000) and supplemental standards of ethical conduct (5 C.F.R. part 5601). The supplemental standards prohibit Commission employees, as well as their spouses and dependent children, from owning any securities issued by entities that are identified on an annually published prohibited securities list. As an employee of the Commission, you must complete initial ethics training within three months of your appointment and, depending on your position, complete required financial disclosure forms within 30 days of your appointment.
Reasonable Accommodation
If you need reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact Sherri Proctor at 202-789-6869. If you have a hearing impairment, you may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 for assistance in contacting the person named above.
EEO Policy Statement
The U.S. Postal Regulatory Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Veterans Preference
Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were separated under honorable conditions may be eligible for veterans' preference. To claim veterans' preference, veterans should be ready to provide a copy of their DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof. Veterans with service connected disability and others claiming 10 point preference will need to submit Form SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference.
Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference.
Legal and Regulatory Guidance
Social Security Number -Your Social Security Number is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you. Failure to provide your Social Security Number when requested will result in your application not being processed.
Privacy Act -Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under 5 U.S.C. §§ 3302 and 3361.
Signature -Before you are hired, you will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application.
False Statements -If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
Selective Service -If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, on request you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

To be eligible for consideration, your application materials must demonstrate that you have experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position.
Typically, experience will be related to financial work at a level similar to this position and may encompass paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work.

Candidates will be evaluated based on their experience and education related to the mandatory qualifications described above. This vacancy is for a range of PRC-grade level 3-5, with duties for each position requiring increased levels of responsibility and expertise that must be demonstrated through a candidate's experience and level of education. To be considered for a higher PRC-grade, the candidate must demonstrate expert-level knowledge and mastery, and leadership in the relevant subject-area.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

Cover Letter (no more than two pages)

Resume must contain the following information:

name

address

contact information

If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume

detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including:

dates of employment

title

grade

education

A minimum of two professional references (at least one of whom has directly supervised the applicant)

Current and former Federal employees must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (The SF-50 must show your tenure, grade and step, and type of position occupied. [i.e., Excepted or Competitive]).

Performance award, Time off Award, Realignment, and Detail SF-50s will not be accepted as proof of grade and tenure.

Five point veterans must submit a DD214

Ten point veterans must submit the following:

A copy of your DD214

Application for 10-point veteran preference, SF-15 http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf

A copy of the official letter from VA, dated 1991 or later, certifying the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability

If you're currently serving on Active Duty: submit a statement of service from your unit identifying the branch of service, period(s) of service, campaign badges or expeditionary medals earned, type of discharge, character of service, and the date you will be separated or be on approved terminal leave. If you supply a statement of service at this stage, your preference/eligibility will be verified by a DD214 (Member 4 Copy) upon separation from the military.

To gain access to your DD214 online, please visit: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/