Economist

General Purpose

Under general direction, develop, coordinate and participate in programs for the collection, research, analysis and interpretation of economic, financial and statistical data and serve as the main point of contact for city departments and individuals requiring economic data and analysis.

• Develop, coordinate and participate in the research, collection and analysis of economic data.
• Conduct research on resolutions, ordinances, statutes and federal laws that may impact city revenue.
• Project city financial resources as a basis for revenue and expenditure policy, preparation of the city’s annual operating budget, capital planning and budgeting, and debt issuance.
• Apprise city officials of resource constraints and advise as to options.
• Develop an understanding of the various revenue streams for the purpose of developing short and long term forecasts.
• Consult with the revenue generating entities as new estimates are developed.
• Present and explain economic and financial information and research results to members of city council, public, and private groups.
• Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives: establish schedules and methods for providing economic and financial data and analysis services; implement policies and procedures.
• Interpret economic and financial data relative to the city’s fiscal management; highlight issues and make recommendations to elected officials as needed; respond to and assist city council staff on related issues.
• Develop, oversee, coordinate and maintain an effective program to estimate and monitor city resources, particularly General Fund resources.
• Develop financial and economic databases; document revenue sources; develop an estimate methodology; work with departmental fiscal staff to improve their estimating capabilities and focus on revenues to encourage greater accountability.
• Provide oversight and participate in the city’s bond programs; forecast revenue sources and advise on debt structure; prepare and present materials on the city’s economy and finances in disclosure documents for the city’s bond issues.
• Maintain liaison with federal and state agencies, private employers and organizations; develop and maintain a working relationship with professional and technical personnel engaged in collection of financial and economic data, preparation of data series, economic and tax research, economic forecasting and revenue estimations.
• Establish, evaluate and interpret technical material, economic publications, research studies and regulations to management staff and subordinates.
• Oversee and participate in conducting fiscal impact analyses, including those involving computer-based models; provide training and technical assistance to staff.
• Schedule, assign and check work; appraise employee performance and review evaluations by subordinate supervisors.
• Enforce personnel rules and regulations and work behavior standards firmly and impartially; counsel, motivate and maintain harmony; interview applicants; recommend hiring, termination, transfers, discipline, and merit pay or other employee status changes.

MOS Code: 2085 (Navy), 3404 (Marine Corps), 13 (Army)

Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree or higher in Economics, Statistics or related field, plus four (4) years of experience in public finance, economic analysis or econometric forecasting; including two (2) years of direct supervisory experience in a management and/or administrative capacity.
• or Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Economics, Statistics or related field, plus six (6) years of experience in public finance, economic analysis or econometric forecasting; including two (2) years of direct supervisory experience in a management and/or administrative capacity.

This position will close when a preset number of qualified applications have been received.