Economist

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency

Economic Development
- Agency 72

Location: Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate $27.346

Job Posting JR Economist (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On 06-02-2026

As an Economist at Department of Economic Development, you will work as part of a professional team whose goal is to ensure good data governance and enable data‑driven decision making for the agency. The Economist will conduct program evaluations, policy evaluations, and create forecasts. The Economist will also assist with research requests such as market research, spatial analysis, industry or supply chain analysis, lead generation, and other requests from staff and outside partners.

Furthermore, the Economist will maintain and update data transparency initiatives. The Economist will also gather and analyze non‑DED data that is needed by DED staff, such as that from the U.S. Census Bureau or U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The Economist will assist in preparing agency reports for the Legislature.

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

At the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority.

Conduct program/policy evaluations and analyses based on state or federal legislation or regulations; complete ad hoc research requests from DED staff and external customers; design and implement methodology to create economic indicators or performance metrics; create reports for indicators or performance metrics; design and oversee data collection and analysis, and reporting and present conclusions; conduct economic impact analyses; prepare agency reports;

build econometric models; create data visualizations or maps; and provide revenue forecasts for the ImagiNE program. Other duties as assigned within the scope of classification.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics or a specialized field related to agency function plus four years experience in business or economic research. Master's degree highly desirable and may be substituted for two years work experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in R, Python, GIS software (such as ESRI Arc Pro or Business Analyst), query languages, and data visualization platforms such as Microsoft PowerBI. Masters or PhD in Economics preferred.

Other: Minimal travel may be required. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation. Pay commensurate with experience. Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Knowledge of research, statistical and investigative procedures and techniques; and of statistical theory and the application thereof. Ability to design and analyze research and statistical studies; to interpret the results of studies performed; and to effectively present these analyses and conclusions.

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The State of Nebraska values our teammates and a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.