ECONOMIST 37082

EFFECTIVE DATE: 1/16/90 EEO CODE: B

This is the first class in the Economist series. Positions in this class conduct research by using economic theories and models. The issues studied include the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services; associated variables such as employment, income, transportation, marketing, trade, medical services, natural resources and agricultural products; and their effects on the State, its regions and localities. The work involves identifying useful data bases, collecting and analyzing data, formulating economic models, presenting forecasts, and defending conclusions. This class is distinguished from the Economist Senior by the latter's project leadership and administratrive duties.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty using probability statistical techniques and economic theory to produce reliable, defensible and valid forecast of trends. Specific areas of study include alternative resource allocation; production approaches, technology applications; asset cost/benefit analysis; and fiscal analysis. Positions in this class may work alone or as part of a team to design econometric studies of fixed, variable, discretionary and non-discretionary costs; fixed and variable resources and assets; transportation, communication and other production factor costs; geographic and demographic data; and of current and projected service demands. Positions develop and recommend courses of action for studies by researching and analyzing data and applying economic concepts of externality analysis, cost effectiveness, cost benefit, present value, future cost, discounting and marginal resource allocation. Positions in this class determine the full cost and benefits of alternative approaches; assess cost benefit and effectiveness ratios of new technologies; calculate major resources' present value, future costs and future benefits to project marginal utility and cost effective useful life; and provide technical assistance both inside and outside the organization. Additionally, positions may conduct limited research studies and prepare research reports, draft "talking papers" and assist in the development of methodologies and mathematical models.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: General supervision is received from an Economist Supervisor, Economist Chief or other agency administrator. Technical direction may be received from an Economist Senior.

Scope: Decisions resulting from analysis facilitate resource(s) utilization at the international, national, state and local level.

ECONOMIST

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Impact of Actions: Validity and reliability of data presented has moderate impact on public and private sector decision making and resource allocation.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contact with international, national, state and local agencies; officials; commissions; boards; educational and research institutions, consultants; and the national and international business sector to provide information from which public policy alternatives are selected.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of quantitative analysis, automated statistical analysis systems, econometric theory and modeling techniques, and statistics and research methodologies.

Skills: Working skill in the operation of a video display terminal as a research tool.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to use statistical software packages; to design research projects; to analyze data and develop valid, reliable forecasts to work independently and communicate analytical issues effectively; and to set priorities and meet deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from college or university with major course work in economics, statistics, mathematics, business/public administration, or a related curriculum.

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience in performing statistical analysis using automated data bases, applying economic principles, and qualitative methods to economic and public finance issues, working with statistical methods and forecast models, conducting independent research projects, and preparing research reports.

This class was revised as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program and replaces the Planning Research Economist A class, effective January, 1990.

*The Qualifications Guide should be used for classification and compensation analysis. Recruitment and selection standards must be based on job related knowledges, skills and abilities as indicated in the position description.