Launch Your Career as a U.S. Air Force Economist
The Department of the Air Force offers a unique opportunity for analytical professionals to pivot their careers toward national security. As an Economist, you will not just crunch numbers; you will provide the evidence-based intelligence that drives military strategy and global operations.
Job Responsibilities
Economists in the Air Force work across various functions, including:
- Evaluating operational data to drive efficiency.
- Developing economic models to assess regional political and military contexts.
- Conducting operations research to support defense acquisitions.
- Providing actionable briefings and documentation for high-level command decisions.
Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet the OPM qualification standards for the 0110 series, which requires a strong foundation in economics, statistics, and quantitative social science.
| Grade Level | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-11 | 1 Year Specialized Experience (GS-09 level) |
| GS-12 | 1 Year Specialized Experience (GS-11 level) |
| GS-13 | 1 Year Specialized Experience (GS-12 level) |
| GS-14 | 1 Year Specialized Experience (GS-13 level) |
| GS-15 | 1 Year Specialized Experience (GS-14 level) |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive federal salary range of $74,678 to $192,331 per year, depending on the specific grade level and the cost of living associated with the duty location.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health benefits.
- Federal retirement pension plans and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous leave policies including paid holidays.
- Continuous professional development opportunities.
Application Tips
- Mind the Resume: Your resume must be strictly limited to two pages.
- Be Detailed: Every job entry must include hours per week and specific dates of employment.
- Verification: Ensure your transcript verifies your required semester hours in economics and statistics.
If you are ready to apply your economic expertise to a mission that spans the globe, this is your chance. Submit your application today to join a team dedicated to excellence and global reach.
Why This Economist Job Matters
Launch a high-impact career as an Economist with the U.S. Air Force, providing critical analytical intelligence to support global operations and defense strategy.
Economist Job Overview
The Department of the Air Force is seeking talented Economists to join their professional team. These Direct Hire Authority (DHA) positions offer the opportunity to apply advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis to complex defense challenges. Whether you are performing operations research, developing economic models for regional strategy, or analyzing adversary systems, your work will directly influence global vigilance and reach. These roles are available across numerous installations nationwide, providing significant growth potential from GS-11 to GS-15.
Requirements for Economist
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Completion of a degree in Economics, including at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
- Combination of education and experience equivalent to an economics major.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Resume must not exceed two pages and include hours worked per week and dates of employment.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service (for males born after 12-31-59).
- Must meet specialized experience requirements for the specific grade level (GS-11 through GS-15).
Preferred Qualifications for Economist
- Experience in operations research analysis and modeling.
- Background in quantitative and qualitative analysis of adversarial economic systems.
- Expertise in designing experiments and simulations to support manpower and funding recommendations.
- Proven ability to communicate complex economic data to senior leadership through briefings and reports.
- Strong foundation in political and social science contexts as they apply to military strategy.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Life insurance options.
- ✓Competitive federal retirement plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- ✓Direct deposit for all compensation.
💡 How to Apply Economist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Economist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages, including all required employment details.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including academic transcripts (unofficial is acceptable at application stage) and any veteran preference documents if applicable.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes the specific hours worked per week and exact dates of employment for each entry.
- Double-check that your resume is under the two-page limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
- Use the 'Searchable' feature in your USAJOBS profile to make yourself visible to recruiters for other openings.
- Verify that all documents are legible and have cleared the system's virus scan before the deadline.
- Read the questionnaire carefully; your answers must be fully supported by the narrative in your uploaded resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
Positions may be filled as permanent or term, depending on the specific vacancy needs.
Can I apply for multiple locations?
Yes, this public notice covers multiple locations across the United States. Applications are accepted for each site, and selections are made as vacancies occur.
Do I need to be a current government employee to apply?
No, this is open to the public; however, current federal employees are also encouraged to apply.
What is the security clearance requirement?
This position requires a Secret level security clearance.
Are relocations provided?
Relocation benefits are not typically included; please review the announcement details closely regarding tax implications for PCS.
Job from Department Of The Air Force - Agency Wide
The United States Air Force is dedicated to flying, fighting, and winning. Operating with core values of integrity, service, and excellence, the Air Force relies on a robust workforce of civilian professionals to maintain its status as a premier global military power.