Become an Economist for the Department of Energy at NETL

The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is seeking a visionary and analytical professional to serve as an Economist. This role sits at the intersection of complex economic modeling and national energy strategy. If you possess a deep understanding of economic systems and a desire to contribute to the nation’s energy future, this opportunity in Morgantown, West Virginia, offers a challenging and rewarding career path.

Job Responsibilities

As an Economist, you will be instrumental in bridging the gap between theoretical models and practical policy. Key responsibilities include:

Economic Modeling: Developing advanced parametric models to evaluate the impact of new energy technologies and policies.
Policy Guidance: Acting as a lead consultant for senior agency officials on economic implications and budget strategy.
Project Management: Directing large-scale economic research projects from inception to final report delivery.
Dissemination: Presenting findings at professional conferences and publishing technical research for peer review.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-14 position, you must meet strict educational and professional criteria:

Education: A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in economics, including 21 credit hours in economics and 3 credit hours in a quantitative field like statistics, accounting, or calculus.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level involving complex socioeconomic impact analysis and project leadership.

Candidate Comparison

Requirement	Junior Economist	GS-14 Economist (This Role)
Experience Level	Entry to Mid-level	Expert/Senior
Analytical Scope	Supportive/Assisting	Authoritative/Lead
Project Management	Component support	Full lifecycle ownership
Policy Interaction	Information Gathering	Strategic Advice

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $125,776 to $176,183 per year. As a Federal employee, this remuneration is complemented by comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits, including:

Extensive healthcare options through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.
Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for retirement planning.
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Clear pathways for professional growth and institutional advancement.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of success:

Be Detailed: Use your resume to tell a story about your impact. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
Check Your Formatting: Use PDF for your documents to ensure the hiring team sees exactly what you prepared.
Transcripts: Do not forget to attach all relevant transcripts; failure to do so is the most common reason for disqualification.

Serving as an Economist at the NETL is more than just a job; it is a chance to influence the energy policy of the United States. If you are prepared to lead in a professional, research-heavy environment, apply via the USAJOBS portal before the July 13, 2026 deadline.

Why This Economist Job Matters

Shape the future of American energy through high-impact economic research and policy analysis at the Department of Energy’s premier National Energy Technology Laboratory.

Economist Job Overview

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking a highly skilled Economist to join the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Morgantown, West Virginia. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide authoritative economic guidance, perform complex cost-benefit modeling, and influence national energy policy. As part of a mission-driven team, you will translate data-driven insights into strategic recommendations that address the nation’s critical energy, environmental, and infrastructure challenges.

Requirements for Economist

U.S. Citizenship
Degree in economics including at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level
Proficiency in cost-benefit or socioeconomic impact analysis
Experience managing complex research projects and multidisciplinary teams
Ability to provide executive-level policy briefings and budget justifications

Preferred Qualifications for Economist

Advanced technical skill in parametric economic modeling
Experience in the energy sector or with hydrocarbon and geothermal resource research
Strong track record of disseminating research findings through peer-reviewed publications
Proven success in stakeholder management and project lifecycle oversight

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance
✓Federal Retirement Programs and Thrift Savings Plan
✓Paid Federal Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Leave
✓Opportunities for professional development and research leadership
✓Supportive and inclusive work environment

💡 How to Apply Economist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Economist Job

Prepare a resume that clearly outlines your paid and unpaid experience, including full employer addresses, work schedules, and salary information.
Obtain copies of your college transcripts to satisfy the positive education requirement.
Log into your USAJOBS account to complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation as a PDF (recommended) to preserve formatting.
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date of July 13, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes detailed descriptions of your duties and specific accomplishments, not just job titles.
Use a clean, professional font such as Lato, Arial, or Calibri at a readable size.
Verify that your transcript includes the institution name, course titles, credits, and grades.
Double-check your application in the USAJOBS portal before the deadline to ensure all documents were uploaded correctly.
Take screenshots if you encounter technical issues with the portal during the submission process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the educational requirement for this role?

You must hold a degree in economics that includes at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. A combination of equivalent education and experience is also acceptable.

What is the work location?

The position is based in Morgantown, West Virginia.

How is the specialized experience evaluated?

Specialized experience must be equivalent to a GS-13 level, focusing on areas like conducting socioeconomic impact analysis, leading project workflows, and translating findings into policy recommendations.

Job from Department Of Energy - Agency Wide

The Department of Energy (DOE) is the primary government body responsible for energy policy, nuclear security, and transformative scientific research. The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) and the NETL specifically focus on maximizing the potential of America’s hydrocarbon and geothermal resources. As the only Government-Owned, Government-Operated (GOGO) laboratory, NETL is at the forefront of mission-aligned applied research, providing the technical and economic intelligence necessary to secure America's energy independence.