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Economist

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Washington, D.C
Closing date
Oct 24, 2020
Duties

Summary

The Department of Energy is seeking motivated and highly-qualified candidates for exciting positions available in multiple locations throughout the United States.

The mission of the Energy Department is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.

To learn more about the Department of Energy, please visit the website at www.energy.gov .

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

This series covers positions that manage, supervise, lead, or perform scientific work or provide professional consultation in applying quantitative or qualitative analysis of adversarial economic systems and organizations of larger projects pertaining to the energy sector or to a sub-sector of it. Assignments involve the initiation, formulation, planning, execution and control of economic analysis or continuing projects; require the modification and adaption of a variety of methods or the development of new research techniques and procedures.

As a Economist, at minimum you may:
  • Conceive, plan, formulate, originate, initiate, execute, coordinate, develop, design, perform and document a broad range of economic analyses and research assignments involving current and projected pricing, production, supply, distribution patterns, and other conditions and problems pertaining to Energy and bring such studies to meaningful conclusions.
  • Evaluate impact of new technologies, systems, policies, and international market forces. Documents study purposes, methods, assumptions, and conclusions, and briefs high-level officials. Acquires thorough parametric knowledge of subjects to perform sound, authoritative economic analyses.
  • Obtain, compile, organize, and analyze economic data. Select critical elements of real world systems for inclusion in models and applies economical techniques in innovative ways.
  • Monitor and conduct special studies important to agency decision makers. Analyze in innovative ways, the effects of different policies and advises high level managers of positive and negative effects of the different policies and policy options.
  • Generate ideas for new programs, policies, studies and approaches in assigned subject areas. Brief study sponsors and high level officials on findings and conclusions of studies, and on relationships of conclusions to existing and proposed policies and policy options. Apply extensive knowledge of issues, problems, and subjects studies to assure results reflect real world environments.
  • May serve as a project leader, assuming responsibility for the development of project planning, coordination of overall team efforts, and maintaining appropriate lines of communication. Initiate, formulate, plan, and execute analytic research projects and researches the quality of methodologies and measures pertaining to the assessment of the subject matter being studied. Projects include specification of research questions, selection of databases or other software appropriate to the problem, development of a plan of analysis incorporating advanced statistics, execution of the analysis, and interpretation and dissemination of the findings.


Travel Required

Occasional travel - Occasional travel may be required, however, dependent upon the program office some positions may require a higher percentage of travel.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
15 - Vacancies filled under this public notice may have varying levels of promotion potential and supervisory level, if any.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a United States Citizen.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • See "Other Information" section regarding Selective Service requirements.
  • Telework may or may not be eligible depending on the position requirements
  • May be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement
  • Subject to satisfactory security and suitability determinations.


OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

These positions are to be filled under the OPM Government-Wide Direct Hire Authority Certain STEM Positions for grades GS 11-15. This serves as a public notice for the use of the Direct Hire Authority in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3327 and 3330 and 5 CFR 330. Under this recruitment procedure, applications will be accepted for each location/ installation identified in this Public Notice. There may or may not be actual/projected vacancies at the time you submit your application.

You must submit unofficial or official transcript, (undergraduate, graduate and doctorate if applicable), by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

This is an open continuous vacancy announcement which allows acceptance of applications through the closing date. The intent of this announcement is to establish a standing register of qualified candidates. Applicants will be referred periodically throughout the announcement period. Final application disposition will be completed once all positions have been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period stated in the announcement.

Under this Direct-Hire announcement, all applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements at the grade level they are applying will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for consideration. Veteran's Preference, Schedule A, Category Rating, and other methods of consideration DO NOT APPLY for this announcement under a Direct-Hire Authority.

Appointments made with this authority may be processed as a new appointment into the Civil Service.

Status and Non-Status applicants from outside DOE selected under this authority are required to serve a mandatory one (1) year probationary period. A DOE career status employee selected for this position may be required to serve a new one (1) year probationary period, pursuant to 5 CFR 315.802.

The vacancies filled through these appointments have varying levels of background investigative requirements, up to a Top Secret - DOE "Q" clearance.

A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work.

Positions may be designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) and subject to testing for illegal drug use. A negative drug test must be obtained prior to being appointed into these positions and will be subject to random testing thereafter.

Qualifications

You must meet the Basic Requirement listed in the Education Requirements section below and/or "Specialized Experience" to qualify for this series as described below.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

Degree: 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: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education

OPM Qualification Standards for the GS-0110 series can be found at the following website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/economist-series-0110 /

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must also meet specialized experience requirements described below.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled .

For the GS-11, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Experience includes applying quantitative methods and techniques used to evaluate information concerning mathematical, statistical, or economic factors related to energy market conditions or energy industry practices; and drafting reports and/or written results.

OR

3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

For the GS-12, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Experience includes developing methods used to gather, analyze and evaluate information concerning critical mathematical, statistical, economic or other relevant factors related to energy market conditions, or energy industrial practices; planning and executing a variety of projects pertaining to energy; and developing strategic planning activities, including program objectives, goals, or measures.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 level.

For the GS-13, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Experience includes analyzing and evaluating current methods used to gather, analyze and evaluate information concerning mathematical, statistical, economic or other relevant factors related to energy market conditions or energy industrial practices in order to make improvements; creating, performing and documenting economic analyses involving current and projected pricing, production supply and distribution patterns, conditions and problems pertaining to the energy industry; and providing research interpretations and recommendations to senior officials based on economic research and studies

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-13 level.

GS-14: You must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Experience includes initiating, formulating, developing, designing, performing, and documenting a broad range of economic analyses and assignments that provide systematic economic data collection, analysis, modelling, reporting and policy inputs, and associated timelines and costs, for current or continuing or projected programs in one or more areas of economic activity. Documenting purposes, methods, assumptions and conclusions, and bases sound economic analyses on thorough parametric knowledge of subjects studied.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-14 level.

GS-15: You must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service. Experience includes providing analyses, interpretations, and opinions to officials internal and external on a broad variety of cases and issues that include economic and policy positions on very complex and difficult matters requiring a high order of original and creative economics endeavor that will broaden or restrict activities, or have a very important impact on energy and related industries and the public. Assessing the readiness level, quality of output and outcomes, and the organizational support for the broad function of economics study necessary to create and maintain the highest level of professionalism and efficacy in the economics discipline. Reviewing and commenting on proposed legislation, rulemaking and regulatory activities of agencies to ensure adequate consideration of concerns and to assess the impact of those activities on statutory missions or policies

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-15 level.

OPM Qualification Standards for the GS-0110 series can be found at the following website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/economist-series-0110/

Your application and resume should demonstrate that you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your application how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the KSAs identified below. Cite specific examples of employment or experience contained in your resume and describe how this experience has prepared you to successfully perform the duties of this position. DO NOT write "see resume" in your application!

  • Skill in formulating, planning, executing, coordinating one or more specialized areas of economics sufficient to apply new analytical developments, methodologies and research findings to broad studies of an unprecedented nature and bring such studies to meaningful conclusions.
  • Knowledge of the energy industry.
  • Skill in coordinating extensive projects in assigned areas of responsibility. Projects are characterized by high visibility, unusual urgency or program criticality.
  • Ability to use advanced techniques and the modification and extension of theories, precepts and practices of economics and related sciences and disciplines.
  • Knowledge of complex subjects and industrial operations and practices under study so that conclusions reflect real world environments

  • "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

    CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.

    You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

    Education

    You must submit unofficial or official transcript, (undergraduate, graduate and doctorate if applicable), by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

    Basic Requirement:

    Degree: 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: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

    This position has a positive education requirement. Therefore, you MUST provide documentation supporting any education claims in your application. This documentation can include unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned and final grade. For specific education requirements, please see the Education Requirements. If selected, official transcripts may be requested.

    Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
    Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

    Additional information

    The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
    • If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section.
    • This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.
    • More than one selection may be made under this hiring authority.
    • Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
    • Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
    • Positions may be filled at varying levels of leadership, ie Team Lead, Manager, Supervisor.
    • Supervisory positions may require a 1-year probationary period, if not yet completed.
    • New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify
    • Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
    • All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register . If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.

    EEO Policy: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/EEO_Policy_Statement

    Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Reasonable_Accommodation_Policy_Statement

    Veterans Information: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Veterans_Information
    Telework: www.telework.gov
    Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/

    How You Will Be Evaluated

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

    Under this Direct-Hire authority, applicants are required to meet minimum qualification requirements at the grade level(s) of interest. Veteran's Preference, Schedule A, Category Rating, and other methods of consideration DO NOT APPLY under Direct-Hire Authority regulations.

    Appointments made under this authority will be processed as new appointments to the Civil Service. Current Civil Service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the Civil Service. Status and Non-Status applicants from outside DOE selected for this position may be required to serve a mandatory one (1) year probationary period. Selected applicant may also be required to serve a mandatory one (1) year supervisory probationary period, if not already completed.

    If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.

    To preview questions please click here .

    Background checks and security clearance

    Security clearance
    Other

    Drug test required
    No

    Required Documents

    Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
    If you are unsure, click the link for each document type to read more.

    ALL APPLICANTS: You must submit a about what is expected in your resume." href="https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/How_to_create_your_resume" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resume supporting your specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire.
    • Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of the each employer.
    • For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end dates (include month, day, and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that you worked.
    • For paid work experience, please indicate your starting salary for each position and the highest salary you earned (if different).
    • Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
    • For more information about what to include in your resume, please view this USAJOBS Resume Tutorial video on YouTube.

    Most DOE offices will allow you to submit a resume in the format of your choice (as an attached document or as a USAJOBS Resume Builder format). However, some offices may require one specific format. You will be notified at the time you click 'Apply Online' which type of resume is acceptable. It is important that you are complete and thorough in your resume. If any of the above information is not included in your resume, we may not be able to fully credit you for your experience.

    If specific educational requirements are indicated for this vacancy: experience." href="https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Education" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Documentation verifying your educational claims which can include unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned and final grade. Please see the Education section for more information.

    Veterans: authorities and the documentation you need to submit" href="http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/index.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">veteran eligibility documentation (DD-214 Member #4 Copy, VA Letter, Standard Form (SF) 15 as applicable). Please note: If you are a veteran who has not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.

    Persons with Disabilities: Individuals with intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities may apply for appointment through the Schedule A hiring authority. flexibilities for persons with disabilities" href="https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Certified verification of a disability from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal, state, or District of Columbia agency or U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits will be required.

    Displaced Federal employees who qualify for CTAP/ICTAP: If you are a former Federal employee who was displaced due to a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) or surplused by some other means, please submit a copy of the separation letter or RIF notice from your agency. To be selected under I/CTAP, you must still be found well-qualified for this position. Please see the OPM Guide to Career Transition for more information.

    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.

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