Senior Economist/Economist
Legislative Analyst's Office
Sacramento, California
General Position Description
This position is in the LAO’s Economics,
Revenues, and Taxation Section which advises the office on
economics-related matters, including state and national economic
conditions and their impact on state revenues and expenditures.
This is an applied, production-oriented position whose purpose
is to provide: (1) in-depth economic analysis to the office and
the Legislature on a wide array of public finance issues, (2)
modeling and forecasting of state tax revenues, and (3) in-house
economics consulting on such diverse topics as health insurance
and the economic impact of climate change.
Specific Responsibilities
The responsibilities of this position
include:
-
Preparing reports, analyses, and
testimonies on important economics-related issues facing
California, such as housing and labor market developments.
-
Developing studies, analyses, and
testimonies on the economic and fiscal impacts in California
of various state spending and tax policies.
-
Preparing various economic and fiscal
forecasts—including developing and operating models to
forecast state population, employment, and state and local
revenues (such as tax simulation and projection models).
-
Providing assistance to other LAO staff
on economics-related matters involving their own subject
areas, such as education, resources, environmental issues,
energy, economic development, and capital outlay financing.
Recent examples include economics-related analyses of
electricity deregulation, workers’ compensation, bond
financing, and health insurance.
-
Conducting ongoing analyses of state
tax expenditure programs, such as enterprise zones, the
mortgage interest deduction, the Alternative Minimum Tax,
and Subchapter S corporations.
Desired Background/Experience
A PhD (or ABD) in Economics or a closely
related field is preferred, but we will consider candidates with
a Masters in Economics, with additional graduate-level economics
training a definite plus. Special consideration will be given to
candidates with economics-related work experience or abilities
and strong interests involving public policy issues—particularly
in such areas as economic studies, taxation, demographics, and
forecasting and modeling. Excellent writing and speaking skills
are required, including the ability to effectively communicate
technical concepts and complex information to policy makers and
their staff in straightforward, non-technical terms. Of special
importance is the ability to work both independently and in team
environments.
Compensation
We prefer to fill the position with a
senior-level person at either the office’s Principal or Senior
Analyst range. Principal analyst salaries range from $7,800 to
$9,030 per month. Senior analyst salaries range from $6,111 to
$7,429 per month. We will, however, also consider candidates at
the entry level
($3,752 to $5,820 per month).
The LAO also provides a comprehensive
package of health, vision, dental, and retirement benefits.
In addition, the LAO provides vacation,
sick leave, compensatory time-off for overtime above a specified
level, and about 15 holidays per year.
Background Information
The LAO is the nonpartisan fiscal and policy advisor to the
California Legislature. It has served the Legislature and the
people of California for over 65 years. The office currently
employs 44 analytical and 13 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 on the LAO can be found at www.lao.ca.gov.
Application Process
Questions about the specific duties of
the economist position should be directed to Dave Vasché at
Dave.Vasche@lao.ca.gov
or at (916) 319‑8305.
Applicants should submit a letter,
resume, and three references (name, relationship, and phone
number only) to:
Legislative Analyst's Office
925 L Street, Suite 1000
Sacramento, California 95814
Attention: Larry Castro
(Or, online to
lao.employment@lao.ca.gov)
Applicants who remain under consideration
towards the end of the selection process may be asked to submit
school transcripts and a writing sample.
Questions
about the LAO or the application process should be directed to
Larry Castro at
Larry.Castro@lao.ca.gov
or at
(916) 319‑8304.
The LAO
is an equal opportunity employer.