Economist

Hiring Agency: Economic Development – Agency 72
Location: Lincoln, NE
Hiring Rate: $27.961

About the role

As an Economist at the Department of Economic Development, you will work as part of a professional team whose goal is to ensure good data governance and enable data-driven decision making for the agency. The Economist will conduct program evaluations, policy evaluations, and create forecasts. The role involves assisting with research requests such as market research, spatial analysis, industry or supply chain analysis, lead generation, and other requests from staff and outside partners. Additionally, the Economist will maintain and update data transparency initiatives and gather and analyze non-DED data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau or U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The Economist will also assist in preparing agency reports for the Legislature.

Responsibilities

• Conduct program/policy evaluations and analyses based on state or federal legislation/regulations.
• Complete ad hoc research requests from DED staff and external customers.
• Design and implement methodology to create economic indicators or performance metrics.
• Create reports for indicators or performance metrics.
• Design and oversee data collection and analysis, and reporting and presentation of conclusions.
• Conduct economic impact analyses.
• Prepare agency reports.
• Build econometric models.
• Create data visualizations or maps.
• Provide revenue forecasts for the ImagiNE program.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of classification.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, or a specialized field related to agency function plus four years of experience in business or economic research.
• Master’s degree highly desirable and may be substituted for two years of work experience.
• Minimal travel may be required; must present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in R, Python, GIS software (such as ESRI ArcPro or Business Analyst), query languages, and data visualization platforms (such as Microsoft PowerBI).
• Master’s or PhD in Economics preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of research, statistical, and investigative procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of statistical theory and its application.
• Ability to design and analyze research and statistical studies.
• Ability to interpret the results of studies performed.
• Ability to effectively present analyses and conclusions.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays.
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately.
• Military leave.
• 156% state-matched retirement.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee assistance program.
• 79% employer-paid health insurance plans.
• Dental and vision insurance plans.
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government.
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State.
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service.
• Training and development based on your career aspirations.
• Fun, inviting teammates.
• A safe and secure environment.