Occ. Code 2450320

SENIOR ECONOMIST (LABOR RESEARCH), GRADE 18	2450320
ASSOCIATE ECONOMIST (LABOR RESEARCH), GRADE 23	2450420
PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST (LABOR RESEARCH), GRADE 27	2450550

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

Positions in this title series apply economic theories to the collection and analysis of information related to various labor market information, employment by area and industry, labor supply and demand, and occupational wages. This analysis is used to interpret economic data, and formulate solutions to solve economic problems.

These positions are only classified at the Department of Labor.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

SENIOR ECONOMIST (LABOR RESEARCH): entry level professional; performs a variety of analytical, statistical and mathematical processes to gather and produce interpretive and quantitative information; may supervise clerical staff.

ASSOCIATE ECONOMIST (LABOR RESEARCH): first supervisory level; plans economic analysis and supervises staff in the collection, analysis and reporting of data; performs the more complicated analysis and interpretation of data.

PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST (LABOR RESEARCH): managerial level; administers a major phase of the agency economic program; performs the most advanced analysis and interpretation of data.

RELATED CLASSES

Program Research Specialists plan studies; collect and analyze data; interpret and report findings on current or proposed programs, policies, and legislation related to such programs to determine the actual or potential effectiveness in achieving objectives; identify weaknesses in programs and make recommendations for modifications; and provide advice and consultation to agency management on program operations.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

SENIOR ECONOMIST (LABOR RESEARCH): under the general direction of an Associate Economist (Labor Research) or higher-level supervisor, assists in developing plans for economic analysis, including data collection methods, development of reporting forms and procedures, methods of analysis, and presentation of results; collects economic data from a variety of public sources such as surveys; contacts a variety of outside sources including State and federal agencies and representatives of business and industry to obtain and confirm information; reviews data for reliability and use and determines if additional or more detailed information is required; organizes and summarizes data into forms suitable for analysis as prescribed by project design and/or procedures; prepares reports with appropriate graphic and tabular presentation; assists in the interpretation of data based on economic significance to subject or problem of study; assists in preparing the publication of economic materials; provides information orally and in writing on economic inquiries from individuals and groups within and outside the agency; assists in the review of legislation with economic implications that affect agency programs; and may supervise support staff assisting with economic reviews and analysis.

ASSOCIATE ECONOMIST (LABOR RESEARCH): under the general direction of a Principal Economist (Labor Research) or higher-level supervisor, utilizes economic theories and principles to design, plan and conduct economic analysis; prepares interpretive reports; provides guidance and counsel on economic matters to management; assists management in the solution of economic problems and to meet legislative mandates; provides information on areas of the labor market such as employment and unemployment data, labor force participation, wages and income, and occupational and industrial growth to management, federal and State officials and the public; supervises professional staff in the systematic collection and analysis of economic information; plans, assigns and reviews the work of subordinate staff; establishes staff performance plans and evaluates staff performance; contacts a variety of outside sources including State and federal agencies and representatives of business and industry to obtain and confirm information; responds to economic inquiries from individuals and groups within and outside the agency; and reviews legislation with economic implications that affect agency programs, groups and interests.

PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST (LABOR RESEARCH): under the general direction of a higher-level manager, communicates with representatives of federal and State government, business and industry, and the general public to share and obtain data concerning economic analysis; prioritizes assignments, reviews work, provides instructions and assists subordinate staff performing economic analysis and interpretation of results; develops plans for economic analysis based on program needs as expressed by agency management; analyzes or directs the analysis and interpretation of data and recommends a course of action based on study findings; provides advice, consultation and assistance on economic matters to agency management; prepares or assists in the preparation of agency publications on economic matters; and performs administrative functions related to the operation of the economic program including the preparation of budget requests and progress reports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

SENIOR ECONOMIST (LABOR RESEARCH)

Open-Competitive: bachelors degree in economics or a bachelors degree including or supplemented by 18 semester credit hours in economics and an additional 6 credits in computer science, econometrics, mathematics, operations research, research methods or statistics, and completion of a two-year traineeship.

ASSOCIATE ECONOMIST (LABOR RESEARCH)

Promotion: one year of service as a Senior Economist (Labor Research).

PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST (LABOR RESEARCH)

Promotion: one year of service as an Associate Economist (Labor Research).

Revised: 5/18

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe. Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class. The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written. Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.