Economist (STEM - Direct Hire) at USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Are you an economist passionate about public health and policy? The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is seeking talented individuals to join their team as an Economist through Direct Hire Authority. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to critical food safety initiatives, conduct in-depth economic analyses, and shape policies that protect consumers nationwide. With multiple locations available and a competitive salary, this role offers significant career growth and the chance to make a tangible impact.

About the Agency: Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the public health regulatory agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) responsible for ensuring the safety of meat, poultry, and processed egg products consumed by the public. FSIS works to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses by setting and enforcing science-based safety standards, conducting inspections, and responding to outbreaks. The agency is committed to a science-driven approach and plays a crucial role in maintaining consumer confidence in the U.S. food supply. The Policy Analysis Staff (PAS), within the Office of Policy and Program Development (OPPD), is at the forefront of this mission, providing the economic and analytical foundation for FSIS policies and regulatory activities.

Job Responsibilities

As an Economist with FSIS, your responsibilities will vary depending on the grade level, but will generally involve:

• Leading Economic Analyses: Conduct and lead complex economic and regulatory (cost-benefit) analyses of FSIS policies and regulatory activities. This involves defining problems, selecting analytical approaches, and developing models with varying levels of supervisory guidance.
• Project Management: Plan, manage, and coordinate the economic components of multiple projects simultaneously. This requires collaboration with experts from various disciplines to gather necessary data and develop appropriate economic models.
• Policy Assessment: Evaluate the potential impacts of significant rulemaking and policy changes. You will document your findings clearly and be prepared to defend your analyses under scrutiny, often negotiating solutions with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Technical Advising: Serve as a key technical advisor to FSIS officials at various levels. Provide informed interpretations of economic phenomena and their implications for food safety policy.
• Data Analysis and Management: Aggregate, manage, and utilize existing data effectively. You may also contribute to the development and implementation of new data collection methods, such as designing questionnaires or conducting surveys.
• Reporting and Documentation: Develop comprehensive documentation and reports to support economic analyses of policies and regulations. These reports will be tailored for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Presentations: Co-develop or develop presentations of economic studies and research findings for team members, interdisciplinary groups, supervisors, and leadership.

Requirements for the Economist Position

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet both basic and specialized experience requirements by the closing date of the announcement. The fundamental qualifications include:

• Basic Qualification Requirement:
  • A bachelor's degree in Economics, which must include at least 21 semester hours in Economics and 3 semester hours in Statistics, Accounting, or Calculus.
  • Alternatively, a combination of education and experience that is equivalent to a major in Economics, along with appropriate experience or additional education.
• Specialized Experience (Varies by Grade Level):
  • GS-11: One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level or equivalent. This experience must include at least three of the following: drafting an analysis plan, implementing analytical techniques, aggregating/managing data, contributing to team analyses, documenting economic studies, or presenting economic research.
  • GS-12: One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent. This experience must include at least three of the following: drafting research plans, implementing research as the sole economist, contributing to data collection, serving as the sole/lead economist on a team, developing policy analysis reports, or presenting research to interdisciplinary teams.
  • GS-13: One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent. This experience must include at least three of the following: evaluating/planning assignments with novel approaches, implementing research as the sole economist, co-developing research questions and data needs, leading research teams, developing policy analysis reports for various audiences, or presenting research to leadership.
• Education Verification: Transcripts are required and must be submitted with your application. Official transcripts will be needed upon selection. Education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required.

Education vs. Experience

For the GS-11 level, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or at least three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., can qualify you. A combination of graduate education (beyond the first two years) and experience can also be used. For higher grades, specialized work experience is the primary qualification pathway, though relevant education can supplement experience.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $75,284 to $154,280, depending on the grade level (GS-11, GS-12, or GS-13) and the qualifications of the selected candidate. The federal pay scale ensures that compensation is commensurate with experience and responsibilities.

Benefits

FSIS employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support their well-being and financial security:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program options.
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and sick leave accrual, plus federal holidays.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Work-Life Balance: Potential for flexible work schedules and telework options (though this specific announcement is not listed as remote).
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, career advancement, and continuing education.
• Creditable Service: FSIS offers Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual, which can help determine your annual leave accrual rate.

Application Steps

Applying for this Economist position is a straightforward process:

1. Review Announcement: Carefully read the entire job announcement and all instructions on USAJOBS.
2. Apply Online: Click the 'Apply Online' button on the USAJOBS announcement page.
3. Complete Questionnaires: Accurately answer all required job-related questions and assessments.
4. Submit Documentation: Upload all necessary supporting documents, including your resume (max 2 pages) and transcripts.
5. Submit Application: Ensure your complete application package is submitted by the closing date: October 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
6. Assessments: You may be required to complete USA Hire assessments. Instructions will be provided via email and your USAJOBS account. Be sure to complete them by the specified deadline.

Application Tips

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize the specific 'specialized experience' requirements outlined for each grade level. Use keywords from the announcement to demonstrate your qualifications.
• Support Your Answers: Ensure your resume directly supports every answer you provide in the online questionnaire. Inconsistencies can lead to disqualification.
• Accuracy is Key: Double-check all information for accuracy. Overstating qualifications or providing false information can have serious consequences.
• Organize Documentation: Make sure all uploaded documents are legible and meet the specified format requirements (PDF, Word, etc.).
• Plan for Assessments: Allocate sufficient time to complete the USA Hire assessments, as they are a critical part of the evaluation.
• Track Your Application: Regularly check your USAJOBS account for status updates and any communications from the hiring agency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this position?	The annual salary range is $75,284 - $154,280, depending on the grade level (GS-11, GS-12, GS-13) and qualifications.
What are the basic education requirements?	A degree in Economics with specified credit hours in economics and math/stats, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to an economics major.
How is 'specialized experience' defined?	It refers to relevant work experience gained at the next lower grade level (e.g., GS-09 for GS-11) that directly aligns with the duties of an economist, such as analysis planning, research implementation, data management, and report writing.
Can this position be performed remotely?	This announcement does not indicate remote work capability. Primary locations are Fort Collins, Colorado, and Urbandale, Iowa.
What does 'Direct Hire Authority' mean for applicants?	It allows the agency to expedite the hiring process. All qualified applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be referred to the selecting official. Veteran's preference does not apply in this context.
Are official transcripts required for the initial application?	Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the application. Official transcripts must be provided upon selection before employment begins.
What is the promotion potential for this role?	The position has a promotion potential up to the GS-14 grade level.
When is the application deadline?	The application deadline is October 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
What documents are considered 'specialized experience'?	Examples include drafting analysis plans, implementing economic research methods, managing data, documenting studies, and presenting findings, particularly as the sole or lead economist on projects or teams.
What is the role of the Policy Analysis Staff (PAS)?	PAS conducts economic and regulatory analyses to inform FSIS policies and regulatory activities, contributing to the agency's mission of ensuring food safety.

This Economist position with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service represents an exceptional career opportunity for individuals with a strong background in economics and a commitment to public service. By leveraging your analytical skills, you will play a pivotal role in shaping food safety policies and protecting the health of millions. With competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to work on impactful projects, FSIS offers a rewarding environment for professional growth. Don't miss this chance to contribute to a vital mission – apply today!