PD Library

This position is responsible for providing leadership and direction for major divisions of important economic programs, involving complex economic research, development of analytical techniques for economic studies and special analyses of major economic issues, writing, editing, planning and coordinating major reports.

II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

the incumbent is responsible for economic programs which gather, analyze, interpret, and publish the vas array of economic information provided by the Department, or which administer legislative decisions bearing on the economic well-being of our society. He/she assumes responsibility for economic research of great importance, significance, and difficulty. Furnishes economic advice and counsel of important agency programs. May spearhead interagency projects or conduct presentations for officials outside the agency on key programs within his/her area of specialization.

III. FACTOR LEVELS

Factor 1 - Knowledge Required by the Position

FL 1-9

1850 points

Knowledge of a subject matter area in economics sufficient to be recognized as an authority within area of specialization.

Knowledge of economic theory and methodologies and statistical procedure in order to improve existing methodologies and create new methodologies.

Ability to make presentations of controversial finding to a wide range of audiences.

Factor 2 - Supervisory Controls

FL 2-5

650 points

The supervisor provides administrative direction making assignments in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. Incumbent is completely responsible for formulating and carrying through research plans and for the technical interpretation and application of findings and preparing budget recommendations to support these finding as necessary. Recommendations for new projects and alteration of objectives usually are evaluated for such considerations as availability of funds and other resources, broad program goals, or national priorities.

Factor 3 - Guidelines

FL 3-5

650 points

Guidelines consist of broadly stated agency policies. Frequently guidelines are based upon legislation that requires extensive interpretation. The economist must use judgement and ingenuity in interpreting the intent of the guides that do exist and in developing applications to specific area of work. Frequently, the economist is recognized as a technical authority in the development and interpretation of guidelines.

Factor 4 - Complexity

FL 4-6

450 points

The incumbent is entirely dependent on his/her own personal professional knowledge and imagination in the assessment and understanding of problems of critical importance in the area of understanding of problems of critical importance in the area of specialization. The solution to such problems frequently requires originality and creativity in the development of plans, design of experiments, invention of methods, or the extension of existing theory to new and unusual applications. Assignments are characterized by breadth and intensity of effort and involve several phases pursued concurrently or sequentially with the support of other economists and technical experts within or outside the agency. Decisions regarding what needs to be done include largely undefined issues and elements and require extensive probing and analysis to determine the nature and scope of the problems. The work requires continuing efforts to establish concepts, theories or programs, or to resolve unyielding problems.

Factor 5 - Scope and Effect

FL 5-6

450 points

The purpose of the work is to manage a program or programs of critical importance to the agency. The programs managed by the economist are essential to the missions of the agency.

Factor 6 - Personal Contacts

FL 6-4

110 points

Contacts are with high-ranking officials from outside the Department at national or international levels in highly unstructured setting. Typical contacts include Members of congress, leading representatives of foreign government, presidents of large national or international firms, and nationally recognized representatives of the news media.

Factor 7 - Purpose of Contacts

FL 7-4

220 points

The purpose of the contacts is to justify, defend, negotiate, or settle matters involving significant or controversial issues. The work usually involves active participation in conferences, meetings, hearings, or presentations involving economic problems or issues of considerable consequence or importance.

Factor 8 - Physical Demands

FL 8-1

5 points

The work is sedentary.

Factor 9 - Work Environment

FL 9-1

5 points

The work is performed in an office setting.

TOTAL = 4390 POINTS

IV. UNIQUE POSITION REQUIREMENTS