Economist

GS-0110

Position Overview

Economists help DOI gather and analyze data to study and evaluate a broad range of environmental, wildlife and land use issues, and play a part in helping DOI make sound public policy decisions. The natural resources mission of Department of the Interior and economics intersect in surprising ways.

This position is represented at the following bureaus

Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Bureau of Reclamation
National Park Service
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
Office of the Secretary
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Geological Survey

Candidate Description

The ideal candidate is an analytical person interested in applying their professional knowledge of economic theory and statistics to complex natural resource and environmental issues and opportunities. The ideal candidate will have strong problem solving and computer and quantitative skills but will also be patient, persistent and able to speak and write effectively and persuasively.

Work Environment

Mostly indoors, in an office setting.

Minimum Education Requirements

Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements and the Professional and Scientific Positions Group Qualification Standard on the OPM websites.

Career Level Requirements

Responsibilities by Level

  • Journey:

    • Analyzing economic effects of critical habitat designations for threatened or endangered species
    • Valuing natural resource damages from oil or hazardous material contamination
    • Analyzing impacts of proposed DOI land acquisitions
    • Evaluating the potential impact of new legislation

  • Senior:

    • Developing and interpreting policies for land use
    • Reviewing economic impacts related to environmental policy compliance or regulatory rulemaking
    • Advises leadership on economic aspects of policy and program or project issues

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Strengths by Level

Journey 11-13
Senior 14-15
  • Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning
    Performs computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division correctly; solves practical problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical techniques such as formulas and percentages.
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    Journey 11-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Compliance
    Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
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    Journey 11-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Decision Making
    Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
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    Journey 11-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Information Management
    Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
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    Journey 11-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Oral Communication
    Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
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    Journey 11-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Problem Solving
    Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
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    Journey 11-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Reasoning
    Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.
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    Journey 11-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Technical Competence
    Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
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    Journey 11-13
    Senior 14-15
  • Writing
    Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
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    Journey 11-13
    Senior 14-15

Common Pathways

Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...

42.9%

Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences

See Position Details
28.6%

Environmental Protection Specialist

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14.3%

Management and Program Analysis

See Position Details

Where We Are

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