Budget Analyst

General Summary

This is work functioning as a technical expert to the Budget Committee, Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee, legislators, and the public on the subject matter under the jurisdiction of the committee. Under close supervision of a staff director and committee members, the legislative analyst applies this expertise when researching and preparing proposed budgets, revenue and expenditure data, staff analyses, reports, substantive legislation, responding to inquiries, and developing correspondence.

Examples of Work Performed

• Analyzes and objectively summarizes proposed legislation to determine its effectiveness and the impact of its passage on the state and other entities and individuals.
• Researches and drafts legislation and amendments to legislation at the direction of the committee chair, committee members, and other legislators.
• Aids in planning full committee and/or subcommittee meetings to include agenda, speakers, presentations, and materials.
• Maintains oversight of legislation implementation in the Executive Branch to ensure legislative intent is met.
• Briefs legislators verbally or in writing on issues to be discussed in committee, on the floor, or with constituents.
• Conceives, plans, and conducts research projects and performs legislatively mandated studies.
• Presents oral and written reports on research and committee work such as end of session committee reports, interim projects, and oversight reports which include recommendations for legislative action.
• Provides information and problem-solving assistance to legislators, their constituents, and the public.
• Prepares letters, summaries, talk-sheets or speeches, reports, and informational memoranda on committee issues at the request of the committee chair, other legislators or staff director.
• Keeps abreast of new and ongoing issues affecting assigned area of responsibility by collecting resource materials, attending workshops and conferences, reading industry publications, communicating with agency personnel, and the public.
• Assists in the coordination of the work of the administrative assistant, legislative intern, and other staff members.
• Serves as liaison with state agencies.
• Operates a computer to perform word processing, database management, and/or spreadsheet applications.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of state budgeting processes and structure.
• Knowledge of the Legislative Budget System/Planning and Budgeting Subsystem (LASPBS).
• Knowledge of legal terminology and legal research.
• Knowledge of committee subject area.
• Skilled in using a personal computer including Microsoft Office Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook), and Adobe.
• Knowledge of Florida state government, legislative rules, and procedures.
• Reading comprehension, analysis, and organization skills.
• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to take action in situations lacking clear direction.
• Ability to take initiative on independent research projects.
• Ability to produce quality work under pressure.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the demands of members, their staff, the public, press, and lobbyists.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and to contribute to the efficient internal functioning of the committee staff.
• Ability to conduct in-depth, carefully documented and credible analysis under minimal supervision within established deadlines.
• Ability to conduct meetings and to make presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to collect and analyze data.
• Ability to organize data into logical format for presentation in reports, documents, and other written materials.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions.
• Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional experience in research, analysis, program planning and evaluation, or administrative work.
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university can substitute for one year of the required experience.
• A doctorate from an accredited college or university can substitute for two years of the required experience.
• Professional experience as described above may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.

Salary

Commensurate with experience. The Legislature offers a competitive benefits package.

Accommodation for Disability

If an accommodation is needed for a disability, please notify Human Resources at (850) 488-6803.

Working for the Florida Legislature

Includes a lucrative benefits package, including affordable health insurance options, free dental, long-term disability and employee life insurance, as well as competitive retirement. Employees have access to a college tuition waiver program, an employee assistance program, paid annual and sick leave, and paid holidays.

Total Compensation Statement

The Total Compensation Statement provides a monetary value of each benefit listed below as well as a total annual compensation estimate. The annual salary amount used in this example is $50,000. Note: All values are based on individual plans.