Economist Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. STB-12560075-24-TR-DHA Department Surface Transportation Board
Salary $82,764.00 to $181,216.00 Grade 11 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/22/2024 Close Date 11/5/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The Surface Transportation Board is an independent federal agency responsible for the economic oversight of the nation's freight rail system.

This position is located in the Surface Transportation Board's Office of Economics. As an Economist, the position will be responsible for utilizing econometric and quantitative techniques and analyze cases before the Board, including mergers and rates, and reviewing and analyzing data collected by the Board.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens. This position is being filled through Direct Hire Authority. Traditional rating and ranking of applications Does NOT apply. Veteran's preference Does NOT apply.

Duties

THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT has an applicant limit of 100. Therefore, the announcement will close the day 100 applicants have been received, which may be before the date listed above.

As an Economist in the Office of Economics, you will perform the following duties:

  • Analyze economic aspects of the rail industry and apply complex concepts and statistical methods, including cost-benefit analysis and econometric analysis, to the economic regulation of the rail industry and other industry segments subject to Board regulation.
  • Work with a wide variety of data sources ranging from accounting to waybill data; perform data analysis to answer questions raised by internal and external parties.
  • Participate in the Board's review of proposed rulemakings and legislation.
  • Employ a variety of quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluate disparate data sources and identify and resolve consistency/discrepancy issues that may exist.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • All qualification requirements must be met by 11/05/2024. Please Note: Your application package will not receive consideration if it lacks any of the required documents under the "Required Documents" tab.
  • Probationary Period: A One-year probationary period may be required.
  • Required to participate in the Direct Deposit program.
  • Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See http://www.sss.gov/
  • E-Verify: If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form 1-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System. The STB is an E-Verify Participant.
  • Employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation and the granting of a Federal suitability clearance. If selected, you may be offered a tentative offer until the background investigation has been adjudicated.
  • Transcripts are required to be submitted for this position.
  • Relocation expenses are not authorized
  • Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

Qualifications

TRANSCRIPTS - Transcripts are REQUIRED as proof of meeting the basic requirements for the series.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Individual Occupational Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet the additional grade level requirements.

(1) All applicants must meet the basic requirements under A or B to qualify for applying to a position under series 0110:

A. Successful completion of a degree in 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 which includes courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

For additional reference, please refer to the OPM qualifications standard for GS-0110: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/economist-series-0110/

(2) Upload all the appropriate document(s) to your application for verification purposes.

Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of the closing date of this announcement. If selected, the final transcript must be received before your start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

(3) Specialized Experience: To further determine eligibility, review the following grade-specific details. You will be asked a few questions as part of your application but make sure to verify how you meet these grade levels in your resume.

You must meet the Mandatory Education Requirements listed in the "Education Requirements" section and the "Specialized Experience" to qualify for this series as described below.

All applicants are required to submit a resume with your application. To receive full consideration for relevant and specialized experience, please utilize the following date format MM/YY to MM/YY - or - MM/YY to present and the number of hours worked per week for each period of employment/experience listed in your resume. Your responses to the questionnaire must be supported/demonstrated in your resume. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience or education. Read more about what should I include in my federal resume below: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/

Specialized experience must meet 52 weeks equivalent to the next lower grade level. A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must clearly indicate the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Specialized Experience is defined as the experience that has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position of the Economist, 0110 series.

GS-11 LEVEL
To be qualified for this position at the GS-11 grade level, you must demonstrate in your resume one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level of Federal service such as Performing general econometric and statistical techniques; individual economic research; conducting general studies to economic regulation or market analysis.
OR
Performing general economic analysis, general experience with Microsoft Office, or general experience with statistical software packages.
OR
3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

GS-12 LEVEL To be qualified for this position at the GS-12 grade level, you must demonstrate in your resume one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level of Federal service such as using econometric and quantitative techniques; working with econometric and statistical techniques; conducting studies related to economic regulation or market analysis; performing economic studies and economic impact studies.
OR
Performing economic analysis using statistical software packages; research experience in microeconomics; applying various methods from research; applying statistical methods to the investigation of complex issues.

GS-13 LEVEL
To be qualified for this position at the GS-13 grade level, you must demonstrate in your resume one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level of Federal service such as serving as a staff economist with proficiency in econometric and quantitative techniques; extensive experience working with econometric and statistical techniques (such as estimation, predictive modeling, empirical cost models); conducting studies evaluating complex issues related to economic regulation or market analysis;

OR
Performing robust economic analysis, experience with statistical software packages. conducting microeconomics research and reviewing economic literature; adapting methods from research; manipulation of large datasets; advising on economic matters; and presenting on economic issues.

GS-14 LEVEL
To be qualified for this position at the GS-14 grade level, you must demonstrate in your resume one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level of Federal service such as Conducting highly complex independent economic research including market analyses, cost benefit analyses, and development of decision support tools. Leads teams tasked with quantitative and qualitative analysis by using various complex statistical techniques - econometric analysis, market analysis, pricing, and industry analysis. Makes authoritative recommendations on policies that provides technical expertise to senior leadership on policy initiatives on economic analyses.
Or
Leading teams employing highly complex economic analysis, and mastery of statistical software packages. Conducting independent analysis market analyses, cost benefit analyses, and development of decision support tools. Conducts analysis using various statistical economic techniques including econometric analysis. Makes authoritative recommendations on policies that provides technical expertise to senior leadership on policy initiatives.

*Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (i.e, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This position has a basic education requirement.

You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

If you are applying for the grade 11 using education, please ensure your Ph.D. or equivalent Doctoral transcripts are included. As mentioned, above in the Qualifications section, in order to qualify for this position, applicants must meet the specialized experience* and you must have completed the following educational requirements for this series:

  • Degree in economics, which included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. OR
  • Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in economics, as indicated above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

TRANSCRIPTS - Transcripts are REQUIRED as proof of meeting the basic requirements for the series, and also if you are applying for the grade 11 using education. The transcripts need not be official but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements.

  • Official transcript(s) will be required if you are selected for the position.
  • Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.


There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12, GS-13, or GS-14 grade levels.

You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

Additional information

Once the application process is complete, a review of the resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered to more accurately reflect the submitted documentation.

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

In addition, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) has work/life-balance flexibilities that may be right for you, such as .A Flexible Work Schedule options.

This position is Telework eligible based upon the STB Telework policy.

Fitness Center: STB employees, at no cost, have access to the fitness center conveniently located in the building; and

A monthly transit subsidy for a portion of your commuting costs to help defray the commuting costs of employees who use mass transportation, including commuter bus, Metrorail or Metrobus, or commuter rail systems.

More than one position may be filled from this announcement.

The lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be rated well-qualified by scoring 85 or better on the assessment. Please use this link to find out additional information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, a review of the resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered to accurately reflect the submitted documentation.

All applicants will be reviewed to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for this position, specifically the educational and specialized experience requirements.

Please note, Applicants will not be rated or ranked for this position and Veteran's Preference does NOT apply.

All applications that are verified to meet the basic qualifications will be referred to the selecting official.

DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated by a resume. If, upon review, it is determined that your resume and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be removed from consideration.

Applicants will be evaluated on their resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience will be rated using an Assessment Questionnaire that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job:

  • Econometric Principles, Microeconomics and Industrial Organization, and Research

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. Well-qualified means you must be within the Best and Highly Qualified categories; meet medical, suitability, and minimum educational and experience requirements; all selective factors where applicable and appropriate quality ranking factor levels; be physically qualified, with reasonable accommodation where appropriate, to perform the essential duties of the position; meet any special qualifying condition(s) that OPM has approved for the position; and be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Information about ICTAP is on OPM's website at http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.

Preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12560075

Required Documents

Please be advised, the following documents are required even if you are already a current Federal or STB employee:

1. Resume that includes the experience you wish to be considered for the review of your qualifications, the dates of employment with month and year, and hours worked per week, if part-time. Resumes that do not contain all of the necessary information to determine qualifications may be marked as insufficient and applicants may not receive consideration for this position. Your latest resume submission is the one that will be used to determine your qualifications.

2. Responses to questionnaire.

3. Transcripts from all educational institutions where courses were taken.

4. Supporting documentation that will be used to verify your eligibility or any preference eligibility along with your application package. These documents may include, but are not limited to:

  • Veterans documentation: All veterans MUST submit a DD-214, MEMBER 4 copy, if you are currently on active duty, you must submit an official statement of service from your command or other official documentation that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions;
  • Preference eligible documentation: If claiming 10-point preference you must also submit a SF-15 and any other proof that you are eligible for 10-point preference if a job offer is extended to you, final VA letter including percentage (please do not include letter from VA noting specific private medical information);
  • ICTAP documentation: RIF separation notice along with last performance rating or appraisal; and
  • Transcripts are required due to this positions positive education requirement.
You may be asked to provide a writing sample as part of the interview process.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, which includes the submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on {INSERT DATE} to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
  2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
  3. Click the "Submit Application" button prior to 11:59pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by return to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to "Update Application." This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account, all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an "Additional Application Information" page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

You may preview the assessment questionnaire by clicking here: {insert assessment questionnaire}

Agency contact information

Tara Rauch
Address
Surface Transportation Board
395 E Street SW
Washington, DC 20423
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once referred, you may be asked to complete a structured interview, written demonstration, and/or fit interview. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you or for dismissing you from the position/agency during the probationary period.

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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