06/15/2007 05652

ECONOMIST SUPERVISOR

DEFINITION:

This is professional and supervisory work in the research, analysis, manipulation, interpretation, and presentation of economic information.

An employee in this job supervises staff engaged in the development of economic research studies and economic analysis through the research, manipulation, interpretation, and presentation of economic information. Work involves establishing project schedules; reviewing the design of research studies and the development of mathematical models to identify and analyze economic relationships under study; ensuring the utilization of sound research methods, forecasting techniques, and economic theories and models; supervising the preparation of reports and presentation materials to verify the clarity of narratives, relevance of report findings and supporting graphics, and recommendations on policy issues; overseeing the exchange of economic data between internal and external entities; and reviewing economic impact analyses on legislation, regulations, and policies affecting agency objectives. Work also involves assisting in the preparation and delivery of speeches, presentations, seminars, press conferences, and other public contact services to disseminate information regarding Pennsylvania’s economic situation to executives, legislators, economic developers, businesses, and the public; and meeting with program and agency officials, and the public to provide advice and consultation, and explain the impacts of report findings. Work is assigned in broad outline and reviewed through reports and conferences by a higher level economist or administrative supervisor for attainment of program goals and objectives, completeness, and overall effectiveness in meeting program and agency needs.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Supervises the design of research studies and the development of mathematical models to identify and analyze economic relationships under study.

Supervises the analysis of agency policy issues and public information needs that involve economic implications and the estimation of economic impacts of new or changing laws on agency objectives.

Supervises the research, manipulation, and interpretation of economic data to develop forecasts and conduct impact analysis of wages, income, working conditions, labor legislation, and industrial relations.

Supervises and participates in the development of new or improved methods for automating the research and processing of economic information.

Supervises the preparation of complete written summaries or interpretive analyses to ensure clear and meaningful results that respond to economic issues in question.

Supervises activities related to the preparation of a variety of reports and special studies relevant to economic policy issues.

Reviews economic impact analyses on legislation, regulations, and policies affecting agency objectives and recommends agency position on proposed legislation.

Oversees the exchange of economic data between internal and external entities including but not limited to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Revenue, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Census Bureau, educational associations, the International Monetary Fund, the International Civil Service Commission, the Department of Public Welfare, and the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

Meets with program and agency officials, and the public, to explain research findings.

Participates in writing speeches and other public presentations for the secretary, top departmental officials, the legislature, and the public.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Employees in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of economic principles and theories.

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of economic analysis.

Knowledge of statistical sampling methods used in economics.

Knowledge of the sources of information utilized in economic analysis such as economic journals, working papers, and government and non- government data sources.

Knowledge of mathematic modeling techniques.

Knowledge of econometric modeling techniques.

Knowledge of research techniques such as literature reviews, proposal writing, methods of economic analysis (e.g. sample methods, risk analysis, linear programming, and cost-benefit analysis), and hypothesis testing.

Knowledge of methods for presenting statistical findings and conclusions in tabular, graphic, and narrative form.

Ability to interpret and summarize economic data.

Ability to analyze written and numerical information related to economics.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

One year as an Economist;

                                                                                                                                               or

Three years of professional experience researching, analyzing, interpreting or presenting economic information; and a bachelor’s degree that includes 18 credits in economics;

                                                                                                                                              or

Two years of professional experience researching, analyzing, interpreting or presenting economic information; and a master’s degree in economics;

                                                                                                                                             or

An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 18 credits in economics.