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Regional Labor Economist (Economic Analyst 2)
Budget, Policy & Communications Division

(1) Full-time position

Salary: Salary range 55 ($44,928 - $58,944 annually DOQ)
Recruitment number: D1008EA20429JK
Location: Seattle, Wash.
Opening date: April 18, 2008
Closing date: Open until filled

The Labor Market and Economic Analysis (LMEA) branch is seeking a regional labor economist to conduct economic-impact studies.  

Agency profile
The Employment Security Department (ESD) is one of the largest executive agencies in Washington State government. The mission of the Employment Security Department is to help Washington's workers and employers succeed in the global economy by delivering superior employment services, timely unemployment benefits, and a fair and stable unemployment insurance system.

Budget, Policy & Communications Division profile
Services include:

  1. Labor Market and Economic Analysis information for employers and others.
  2. Financial Management, meeting regulatory requirements and optimizing the use of agency financial resources.
  3. Office Services, managing the agency's facilities, procurements, mail, records, printing, fleet, and exposure to risk.
  4. Communications, responsible for internal and external communications throughout the agency.
  5. Policy and Legislation, providing policy, analytic, research, and management assistance, and leading legislative efforts.
  6. Budget and Performance, monitoring and managing the agency's budgets and performance.

The opportunity
As a regional labor economist, you will support Washington's Workforce Development System by providing program administrators, business, individuals, and other customers with labor-market information they need to succeed in a changing economy. This position contributes to the achievement of the organization's mission by conducting comprehensive economic and labor market research, delivering LMEA products and services at the local level, and providing technical support to local labor-market information (LMI) clients.

You will conduct comprehensive economic-impact studies of major scope, significance and complexity. You will represent the unit in committees dealing with economic development, job creation, and labor-market issues. Also, you will provide technical support and develop local LMI products, and serve as a local-level information source for statewide economic analysis and planning.

Required qualifications
A master's degree or equivalent from a Ph.D. program in economics, public finance, or a closely allied field; and two years of professional experience in economic analysis.

OR

One year as an economic analyst in state service.

Professional experience in economic analysis may be substituted, year for year, for the required education, provided a bachelor's degree in economics, public finance, or a closely allied field has been attained.

Additional graduate training in economics or public finance may be substituted, year for year, for experience.

Desired qualifications
We are looking to complement our team with a regional labor economist who possesses the following competencies.

  • Economic analysis skills: Advanced economic-research-and-analysis skills in order to conduct comprehensive economic-impact studies of major scope, significance, and complexity for the Labor Market and Economic Analysis (LMEA) branch.
  • Communication: Ability to present information effectively in both formal and informal situations. Can deal effectively with the news media. Responds in a timely manner to requests and shares information both internally and externally. Stays open to feedback from clients, staff, peers and supervisor. 
  • Computer skills: Good computer skills, including proficiency in the use of Microsoft Access, to query and design tables; Excel, to create and manipulate spreadsheets, and create graphs and charts; and PowerPoint, to present data in visual form for presentations. Internet navigation skills.
  • Judiciousness: This job requires the ability to be very judicious about the use of a wide variety of data, some of which is confidential and intended for agency administrative purposes only. This knowledge is gained from a good understanding of both state and federal regulations and policies.

Why we work here
Employment Security employees:

  • Make a difference in the lives of people looking for work.
  • Receive affordable, quality healthcare, including medical, dental, and vision options.
  • Get a generous, paid time-off package.
  • Enjoy an employer-funded retirement plan.
  • Can sign up for a deferred-compensation program, flexible-spending accounts and tuition reimbursement.
  • Work in a challenging and fun environment with creative, talented, and diverse individuals.

Application process
Complete and submit: 1) Washington State Application and 2) Letter of interest

E-mail application materials to Jennifer Kellogg, human resource consultant. Only electronically submitted materials are accepted. Completed applications are screened for the requirements of the position and forwarded to the hiring office for further screening, testing, and interviewing.

Other information
As a condition of employment, the successful candidate accepting this position must comply with the Union Security clause contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington and the Washington Federation of State Employees.

Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or needing this job announcement in an alternate format can contact Jennifer Kellogg at 360-902-9571, via e-mail, or via telecommunications device for the deaf at 800-676-3777.