Economist/Fiscal and Policy Analyst
(State and Local Finance)
Legislative Analyst's Office
Sacramento, California
The Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) is
seeking an Economist and/or a Fiscal and Policy Analyst (State
and Local Finance) to conduct high-level analytical work in the
areas of economics, taxation, revenue forecasting, and overall
public finance policies. The LAO is the non-partisan fiscal and
policy advisor to the California Legislature and provides
analysis and recommendations on the state's revenues and
expenditures; economic policies; and federal, state, and local
financial issues.
Duties and Responsibilities
This position will contribute to the LAO's efforts to
advise the Legislature and inform the public on a variety of
state and local finance and economics issues. Among other
duties, this position will be expected to:
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Lead the office's efforts related to
tax policy and forecasting concerning one or more state
revenue sources, such as corporate taxes, sales taxes,
cigarette taxes, alcohol taxes, and/or motor vehicle-related
taxes and fees.
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Represent the office in various venues,
including meetings with legislators and legislative staff,
legislative committee hearings, policy conferences, research
symposia, and in discussions with the media.
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Draft parts of the LAO's key state
budget overview publications, including parts of those
publications that summarize key developments in the state's
economy and revenues.
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Assist other LAO analysts and managers
in evaluating economic issues applicable to various state
policies and programs.
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Work with colleagues to identify and
produce topical publications concerning important
developments in the California and national economies.
-
Assist other LAO economics analysts on
various elements of the office's budgetary, economic, and
revenue forecasts.
Desired Background/Experience
Applicants for the position of Fiscal and
Policy Analyst (State and Local Finance) must, at a minimum,
have a Master's degree in economics or in a closely related
field with a significant economics focus. Applicants for the
position of Economist must have a Ph.D. or ABD in economics or a
closely related field. Special consideration will be given to
candidates with economics-related work experience and a strong
interest in public policy issues. Candidates must possess strong
quantitative and analytical skills; be able to communicate
effectively through clear, concise writing and oral
presentations; be able to meet sometimes tight deadlines; work
well with others in a fast-paced and production-oriented
environment; learn quickly; show initiative; and be willing to
take on increasing levels of responsibility. Successful
candidates will be (1) interested in applying economics concepts
to timely, real-world policy issues facing California's elected
policy makers and (2) able to effectively communicate technical
concepts and complex information to policy makers, the press,
and the public in straightforward, nontechnical terms.
Writing Samples Required
Candidates who remain under consideration
after a first round of interviews will be asked to submit two
short writing samples concerning economics or tax-related
topics. Ideally, these short writing samples should display the
applicant's ability to help lay audiences understand complex
economic topics.
Compensation
Entry-level salaries for Ph.D. or ABD
Economists are approximately $85,000 per year. Entry-level
salaries for the Fiscal and Policy Analyst (State and Local
Finance) are approximately $57,000 per year. The office
considers salaries above these entry levels depending on the
candidate's qualifications and experience. For example, salaries
of the LAO's Senior and Principal Fiscal and Policy Analysts, as
well as Economists, range from $85,000 to $114,000 per year.
The LAO also provides a comprehensive
package of health, vision, dental, and retirement benefits, as
well as vacation, sick leave, compensatory time-off for overtime
above a specified level, and about 13 holidays per year.
Background Information
The LAO has served the Legislature and
the people of California since 1941. The office currently
employs 44 analytical and 14 support staff. Staff of the LAO are
hired and promoted on a merit basis and are exempt from civil
service. The LAO enjoys a national reputation for the quality
and nonpartisanship of its analyses and staff. Additional
information about the LAO can be found at
www.lao.ca.gov.
Application Process
Applicants should submit a cover letter,
resume, and three references (name, relationship, and phone
numbers only).
Online to:
lao.employment@lao.ca.gov
By Mail:
Legislative Analyst's Office
925 L Street, Suite 1000
Sacramento, California 95814
Attention: Larry Castro
The LAO will
respond to applicants within two weeks of receiving application
materials. Applicants will be notified whether or not we wish to
schedule a first round interview. Some candidates will be
selected for second round interviews, which will take place in
Sacramento at our expense. Applicants who remain under
consideration towards the end of the selection process may be
asked to submit school transcripts.
Questions
on this position or about the LAO should be directed to
Larry Castro, Administrative Officer at:
Larry.Castro@lao.ca.gov
or at (916) 319‑8304.
The LAO
is an equal opportunity employer.