Associate Economist

The State of Connecticut, Department of Labor (DOL) is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of Connecticut workers. In order to accomplish this in an ever-changing environment, we assist workers and employers to become competitive in the global economy. We take a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of workers and employers, and the other agencies that serve them. We ensure the supply of high-quality integrated services that serve the needs of our customers.

DOL's Office of Research has a promotional opportunity for a Associate Economist position located in Wethersfield. This position will provide leadership in the analysis and communication of Connecticut labor market Information produced by the Office of Research and other sources.

This position is first shift, 40 hours per week.

Questions about this position should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office: DOL.HR@ct.gov. 

 

This position is competitive. In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee of the Department of Labor, who has permanent state status*, and meets the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.   

 *For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period.  For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).

Please be advised this is a promotional opportunity for employees in the Department of Labor.  The selected employee will be promoted by reclassification in his or her position.  This is NOT A VACANCY and, therefore, merit system and reemployment rules do not apply.

Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

In a state agency, this class is accountable for performing as a specialist in economic research and developing economic strategy.

Performs specialized related duties in the area of economics; assists in planning, development and improvement of business and commerce in state; conducts economic studies including research and analysis in industrial, commercial, labor, financial and regulatory areas; reports findings and writes articles; formulates recommendations and drafts proposals; assigns and maintains cost benefit analyses on economic development programs; studies trends in labor and/or business activity and its components; researches and provides oral and written reports; elicits and evaluates testimony on legislative proposals; cross examines witnesses about economic impact, models and methodologies; develops procedures and econometric tests for improved monitoring of financial institutions; builds economic models and forecasts; performs studies of corporate expansion into Connecticut including site location, fiscal incentive, utilities rate and labor market skills availability; may participate in grant preparation; performs related duties as required.

Specific duties include;

-Production of short-term and long-term Connecticut employment projections by industry and occupation

-Write an annual outlook of the U.S., Connecticut and regional economies include detailed analysis of industries and trends

-Write industry analysis research reports

-Write analytical articles for the Connecticut Economic Digest regarding labor market and other economic trends

-Analyze job posting data (HWOL) and produce monthly report of job postings within Connecticut and labor market areas

-Maintain a publically available database of state and local economic data sourced from various state and federal departments for use for workforce development planning

-Provide timely and thorough response to data requests from government officials at all levels and the public

-Assist with grant applications

-Conduct presentations about the contemporary economy and labor market to government and private sector audiences

-Produce quarterly reports on business employment dynamics in accordance with BLS requirements

-Conduct major research projects as assigned

Considerable knowledge of economic theory and analysis; considerable knowledge of principles, techniques and factors involved in financial and/or regulatory economic development; considerable knowledge of urban and regional economics; considerable knowledge of methods and techniques of inferential statistics and econometric modeling; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to develop programs and use prepackaged computer programs to perform economic, statistical and econometric analysis; ability to construct and destruct econometric models; ability to determine need for, organize and conduct economic studies and surveys.

Seven (7) years of experience in applied economics or economic research.

1. College training in economics or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in economics or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience
3. A Doctoral degree in economics or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

Ability to develop and analyze econometric models to produce forecasts.  Excellent oral and written communications skills.  Demonstrated analytical skills.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.