Economist: Bureau of Economic Analysis (GS-0110-05/07)

BEA produces economic accounts statistics that enable government and business decision-makers, researchers, and the American public to follow and understand the performance of the Nation's economy. To do this, BEA collects source data, conducts research and analysis, develops and implements estimation methodologies, and disseminates statistics to the public.

Although it is a relatively small agency, BEA is one of the world's leading statistical agencies, and produces some of the most closely watched economic statistics that influence the decisions made by government officials, business people, households, and individuals. BEA's economic statistics, which provide a comprehensive, up-to-date picture of the U.S. economy, are key ingredients in critical decisions affecting monetary policy, tax and budget projections, and business investment plans. The cornerstone of BEA's statistics is the national income and product accounts (NIPAs), which feature the estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) and related measures.

Today, BEA prepares national, regional, industry, and international accounts that present essential information on such key issues as economic growth, regional economic development, interindustry relationships, and the Nation's position in the world economy.

WRITTEN TEST REQUIREMENT:  Qualified applicants will be required to take a two-part written examinination consisting of logic and quantitative reasoning. These individuals will be provided specific information regarding the date and time for the examination via mail. The examination takes approximately two and one-half hours to complete.

The incumbent serves as an entry level economist working on segments of larger projects designed to provide experience and familiarity with work of the organization. Analyzing data using tables, charts, etc. developed from statistical software packages. The incumbent will receive further training in the detailed study, planning, collection and compilation of data from primary or secondary sources, preparation of preliminary interpretive reports; and use of computer applications in economic research.

A. Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus .

OR

B. Combination of education and experience-courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Examples of qualifying experience include:

(1) individual economic research assignments requiring planning, information assembly, analysis and evaluation, conclusions and report preparation;

(2) supervisory or project coordination assignments involving a staff of professional economists, and requiring the evaluation and interpretation of economic information; or

(3) teaching assignments in a college or university that included both class instruction in economics subjects and one of the following: (a) personal research that produced evidence of results, (b) direction of graduate theses in economics, or (c) service as a consultant or advisor on technical economics problems.