Position Announcement
Regional Labor Economist (Economic Analyst 3) - Bellingham, WA
Budget, Policy & Communications Division
(1) Full-time position
Salary: Salary range 61 ($53,148 - $69,756 annually DOQ)
Recruitment number: B1610EA30444PS
Location: Bellingham, Wash.
Opening date: February 17, 2010
Closing date: Open until filled
The Labor Market and Economic Analysis (LMEA) Branch of Employment Security Department (ESD) provides businesses, individuals and other customers with the labor market information they need to succeed in a changing economy. The Economic Analyst position contributes to the achievement of the organization's mission by conducting comprehensive economic and labor market research; delivering LMEA products and services at the local and state level; providing technical support to clients and operating as the informational and communications link between the department, the customers and the general public.
The opportunity
This position is located at WorkSource Whatcom in Bellingham, Washington. This position serves as the labor market expert in the local WorkForce Development Area (Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties) in a highly visible position that responds to frequent media interviews. The position is responsible for monitoring state and sub-state economic activities, compiling economic data and preparing reports as well as disseminating information to various clients in the local WorkSource office and to the public. Works in a fast-paced team environment with ESD partners in a variety of strategic planning efforts where the position provides useful economic analysis to help them with their strategic planning and short-term performance goals.
Major duties
Direct and oversee an economic program's activities in researching, measuring, estimating, analyzing and forecasting economic, employment, or labor market behavior, impacts or trends. Conceive, design and initiate all aspects of studies conducted within the program area. Interpret study results to include in reports, presentations or other products for customers. Document research methodologies to ensure reproducibility, standardization and quality of study results.
Prepare articles, reports, briefing papers and other written materials about economic, employment, labor market or public policy issues or study findings for use by federal, state and local government, businesses, elected officials, the public, Workforce and Economic Development Councils or other customers. Create summary tables, graphs and charts to display statistical calculations and results.
Provide customers technical advice and information about economic, employment or labor market data, forecasts, statistics or study results.
Communicate with and support unit and branch co-workers.
Increase knowledge and skills related to economic analysis and area of expertise.
Conduct performance reports, training and administrative tasks and other duties as assigned.
Required qualifications
Skills and abilities / competencies required upon entry to the position:
Mastery level knowledge of principles, theories and concepts of micro- and macro-economics.
Mastery level knowledge of math and statistics.
Mastery level analytical skill - Use logic and reasoning to assess data, form logical conclusions, evaluate options and make decisions or recommendations.
Mastery level research skill - Identify, collect, organize and document data in ways that make the information most useful for assessment, analysis, investigation and drawing conclusions.
Mastery level writing skill - Convey information in writing according to the needs of the audience.
Working level customer service skill - Build and maintain customer satisfaction with products and services.
Working level knowledge of economic, employment and labor market information.
Working level knowledge of economic factors that influence or are influenced by changes in the workforce.
Working level reading comprehension skill - Understand written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents and apply what is learned from written material to specific work situations.
Working level oral communication skill - Convey information orally according to the needs of the audience and receive and understand spoken information.
Working level personal computer skill - Use computer hardware and software to complete assignments.
Desired qualifications
Skills and abilities / competencies that are preferred or desired upon entry to the position:
Working level knowledge of ESD and LMEA programs, products and services.
Working level knowledge of mandates, policies, rules, regulations and laws related to economic research and analysis, including confidentiality requirements.
Mastery level knowledge of economic, employment and labor market information.
Mastery level knowledge of economic factors that influence or are influenced by changes in the workforce.
Planning skill - Integrate ideas and data to form effective goals, objectives, timelines and action plans to conduct research studies.
Workload management skill - Organize assignments, work efficiently, remain focused and handle interruptions effectively.
Innovation - Adapt existing products and develop new ones to meet customer needs.
Attention to detail - Produce accurate, thorough, quality work products containing few if any errors.
Confidentiality and Professionalism - Share information only with those authorized, keep commitments made to others, avoid conflicts of interest and use good judgment about the use of confidential data intended for agency administrative and research purposes.
Why we work here
Employment Security employees:
Make a difference in the lives of people looking for work.
Receive affordable, quality healthcare, including medical, dental, and vision options.
Get a generous, paid time-off package.
Enjoy an employer-funded retirement plan.
Can sign up for a deferred-compensation program, flexible-spending accounts and tuition reimbursement.
Work in a challenging and fun environment with creative, talented, and diverse individuals.
How to apply
Complete and submit:
To download an ESD application, click the link below. ESD Application
Résumé
A letter of interest that describes thoroughly how you met each of the skills and abilities/competencies under the "Required Qualifications" listed with the mastery proficiency level and the customer service skill listed at the working proficiency level. See the proficiency matrix for further explanation of competency levels.
A sample document that demonstrates your ability to present analytical-based information.
Send your complete applicant package via e-mail to HRrecruiting@esd.wa.gov. Please reference the recruitment number in your email subject line.
To be considered for this position, you must submit a complete applicant package and follow the application instructions. Incomplete applicant packages will not be considered.
Application materials must be in Word format (no PDF or scanned files).
A signature is not required on the application form.
Please do not password-protect the application form.
Only electronically submitted materials are accepted.
The application package will be evaluated on quality and completeness as part of the screening/evaluation process. Should you have any questions regarding the application process please check the Frequently Asked Questions - Jobs at Employment Security page.
Agency profile
Employment Security Department (ESD) is one of the largest executive agencies in Washington State government. The mission of Employment Security Department is to help Washington's workers and employers succeed in the global economy by delivering superior employment services, timely unemployment benefits, and a fair and stable unemployment insurance system.
Labor Market and Economic Analysis information for employers and others.
Financial Management, meeting regulatory requirements and optimizing the use of agency financial resources.
Office Services, managing the agency's facilities, procurements, mail, records, printing, fleet, and exposure to risk.
Communications, responsible for internal and external communications throughout the agency.
Policy and Legislation, providing policy, analytic, research, and management assistance, and leading legislative efforts.
Budget and Performance, monitoring and managing the agency's budgets and performance.
Other information
As a condition of employment, the successful candidate accepting this position must comply with the Union Security clause contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington and the Washington Federation of State Employees.
Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.
Individuals with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or needing this job announcement in an alternate format should provide contact information via e-mail, or via telecommunications device for the deaf at 800-676-3777.
