Agricultural Economist

This position is located in the USDA, Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) which is responsible for conducting advanced economic analysis and analyzing policy options related to complex domestic and global agricultural issues. The position requires recognized expertise in agricultural economics and substantial experience analyzing policy and legislative options for complex issues, particularly related to agricultural input markets, international agricultural trade, and/or biofuel markets.

Serves as a senior agricultural economist and recognized expert in the economic analysis of policy options of complex issues, specializing in agricultural input markets, international agricultural trade, and/or biofuel markets.

Develops and recommends appropriate research methods and analytical techniques to analyze the economic impact of relevant policy options.

Applies mastery of economic theory, quantitative methods, econometrics, and interdisciplinary analytical techniques to resolve difficult problems of substantial importance to USDA.

Designs, conducts, and presents sophisticated economic research and multi-disciplinary analyses that inform OCE leadership, USDA agencies, and interagency partners.

Compares the likely economic impact of alternative proposals; independently plans and executes assigned analyses.

Supports the Chief/Deputy Chief Economist by framing analytical options in areas where significant differences of opinion or political sensitivities exist.

Provides advice so interpretations and recommendations can be grounded in rigorous economic analysis, and provides guidance on data and statistical issues involved in analysis of agricultural policy, input markets, trade, biofuels, and/or production.

Exercises substantial responsibility in shaping analytical approaches and ensuring alignment with OCE priorities.

Collaborates with senior staff across USDA agencies, represents OCE in interagency working groups, and maintains professional relationships with universities, industry groups, and stakeholders.

Analyzes and evaluates legislative proposals that cut across agriculture and trade areas for policy and program implications.

Prepares briefings, speeches, and reports explaining economic and policy implications of key issues for internal leadership, interagency partners, Congressional audiences, and external stakeholders; contributes expert perspectives.

Communicates clearly, both orally and in writing, to convey complex technical results for use by both technical and nontechnical personnel.

Reviews, consolidates, and synthesizes economic and statistical analyses across agency lines.

Responsible for adequacy of data, analytical methods and reliability of results.

Responsible for the interpretation, coordination, and technical application of research and analysis.

All applicants must meet at least one of the Basic Requirements as outlined in the above Qualifications section.