ECONOMIST SENIOR 37083

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

This is the second and highest level class in the Economist series. Positions in this class lead complex projects and staff in the conduct of research using economic theory and models. In addition to performing the full range of duties described for the Economist class, this class leads complex study efforts, assists with the employment and training of Economists, and may administer a portion of the project's budget. This class is distinguished from the Economist by its possession of project leadership responsibilities. It is distinguished from the Economist Supervisor by the latter's responsibility to formally supervise Economists, Senior Economists and support staff.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty in planning, developing and implementing probability statistical techniques and economic theory to produce reliable, defensible and valid forecasts of trends. Specific areas of study include revenue forecasting, alternative resource allocation, production approaches, technology applications, asset cost/benefit analysis, and fiscal analysis. This class serves as principle analyst and project leader for various assignments and its duties include writing issue papers, determining methodology and overseeing the progress of the project. Positions in this class lead others assigned to a project and provide feedback to their supervisors regarding team members' performance. Positions may prepare program budgets and monitor expenditures. This class performs the full range of Economist duties including designing 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.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor; however, positions do function as project team leaders, giving technical direction to Economists and assisting with the employment and training of new staff.

Supervision Received: General supervision is received from an Economist Supervisor or another agency administrator.

Scope: Decisions made as a result of analysis affects an important aspect of the process used to determine resource(s) utilization at the international, national, state and local level.

Impact of Actions: Validity and reliability of data presented may significantly impact 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 national and international business sector to provide information from which public Policy alternatives are selected.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of quantitative analysis; automated statistical analysis systems; econometric theory and modeling techniques; statistics and research methodologies; and of the principles of project leadership.

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

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to lead others; to use statistical software packages; to initiate and design research projects; to analyze data and develop valid, reliable forecasts; to work independently and to communicate complex 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: Considerable experience in designing statistical applications 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 and Research Economist B 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.