Economist

Legislative Budget Office (LBO), Legislative Service Commission (LSC) is seeking an economist to join our team. Economists work in one of six groups organized by subject and are assigned various state agencies that become the focus of their work. The day‑to‑day duties of an economist vary considerably depending on the activity of the General Assembly.

Duties include:

• Researching topics on behalf of a legislator and providing written or verbal summaries to the member or their staff;
• Analyzing bills for potential fiscal effects on state and local government budgets and preparing fiscal notes;
• Forecasting state tax revenues and Medicaid caseloads and costs;
• Preparing extensive analyses of the executive's proposed and the final enacted agency operating budgets at the beginning and end of the biennial budget process;
• Following assigned agencies throughout the budget process, including amendment drafting, research, preparing analysis pieces, and estimating the fiscal effect of proposed state tax and Medicaid policy changes;
• Drafting appropriation and related language to be incorporated into legislation;
• Creating written resources for the General Assembly on topics of interest.

The current starting salary for new economists is $65,000; a higher starting salary may be awarded based on applicant's experience. We offer merit‑based salary increases, opportunities to learn and grow in careers, and a comprehensive state benefit package.

• Medical coverage:
  Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits;
• Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after the completed eligibility period;
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave; 11 paid holidays per year; childbirth/adoption leave;
• OPERS – employee contributes 10% of salary towards retirement; employer contributes 14%;
• Ohio Deferred Compensation program – 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan.

Minimum qualifications:

• Graduate degree in economics or a related field;
• Experience in conducting research and writing papers in a school or work environment;
• Demonstrated ability to use mathematical reasoning and think analytically;
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely;
• Willingness to limit public activity to avoid any appearance of bias in work.

Characteristics of a strong candidate:

• Strong interest in non‑partisan public service;
• Preference for a variety of work assignments;
• Desire to continually learn new things;
• Ambition to become an expert on a topic of importance to the state of Ohio;
• Wishes to make a difference in state government in a behind‑the‑scenes role;
• Pride in being part of the legislative process.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.