Launch Your Career: Economic Assistant at the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Are you looking for a career that combines public service with meaningful, analytical work? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is currently hiring for an Economic Assistant in Buffalo, New York. This role is a unique opportunity to contribute to the nation’s most trusted economic data, specifically the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Job Responsibilities
As an Economic Assistant, your day-to-day will involve:
- Conducting in-person and telephone interviews with local business managers, landlords, and tenants.
- Collecting accurate retail price data from stores, service providers, and websites.
- Traveling throughout Erie and Niagara counties to conduct field surveys.
- Using handheld tablets to record and verify data quality.
- Maintaining rigorous standards of professionalism and confidentiality.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet several key criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level.
- Possession of a valid driver's license.
- Ability to work a flexible part-time schedule.
- Successful completion of mandatory training (including travel).
Salary and Work Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $22.75 - $29.58 per hour |
| Schedule | 16-32 hours per week |
| Location | Buffalo, NY (Field-based) |
| Job Grade | GS-06 (Promotion potential to GS-07) |
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Labor benefit from a supportive work environment and the pride of contributing to the public good. While this is a part-time position, it provides a stable path into federal service and excellent opportunities for professional growth.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Over-length resumes result in automatic disqualification.
- Be Specific: Include start and end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Assessments: Do not underestimate the USA Hire assessments. Review the practice resources provided by the agency.
If you have a sharp eye for detail, a passion for data, and a commitment to professional excellence, this position at the Bureau of Labor Statistics is the perfect step forward. Start your application today to help the BLS measure the pulse of the American economy.
Why This Economic Assistant (Part-Time) Job Matters
Launch a unique career in public service with the Bureau of Labor Statistics as an Economic Assistant, where your data-gathering expertise directly impacts the nation's Consumer Price Index.
Economic Assistant (Part-Time) Job Overview
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our team in Buffalo, New York. As an Economic Assistant, you will play a vital role in collecting essential statistical data that helps shape economic policy. This part-time, field-based position offers a dynamic work environment where no two days are the same, requiring a mix of in-person retail visits, data analysis, and professional communication with local business owners and property managers.
Requirements for Economic Assistant (Part-Time)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Must be able to pass a federal background investigation.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent.
- Ability to work a flexible part-time schedule (16-32 hours/week) including days, evenings, and weekends.
- Valid state driver's license for travel within Erie and Niagara counties.
- Must be able to attend mandatory training in Washington, D.C. or designated locations.
- Adherence to a 1-year probationary period upon hiring.
Preferred Qualifications for Economic Assistant (Part-Time)
- Demonstrated excellence in data collection and record-keeping.
- Experience in public contact or interviewing roles that require persuasion.
- Proficiency in utilizing handheld technology and software for data entry.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage electronic survey forms.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly compensation.
- ✓Contribution to vital national economic research.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities.
- ✓Opportunities for federal career progression.
- ✓Telework eligibility as determined by agency policy.
💡 How to Apply Economic Assistant (Part-Time) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Economic Assistant (Part-Time) Job
- Create or update your profile on the official federal hiring portal.
- Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages; ensure all experience lists hours worked per week.
- Apply to the vacancy via the portal and complete the required questionnaires.
- Navigate to the Department of Labor (DOL) site to finalize your application and submit supplemental documents.
- Complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments within the designated timeframe.
- Monitor your application status through your online dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly defines your specialized experience with start/end dates and average hours per week.
- Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume, or your application will be disqualified.
- Review your responses to the vacancy questions against your resume experience to ensure consistency.
- Check your email and the online portal frequently for notifications regarding assessment links.
- Set aside roughly two hours in a quiet environment to complete the USA Hire assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No. This is a field-based position requiring regular travel to establishments throughout Erie and Niagara counties.
Can I transition to full-time later?
This position is strictly part-time and does not lead to a permanent full-time role.
Do I need a degree to apply?
While education can be part of your qualification, you must demonstrate the equivalent of one year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level.
Job from Bureau Of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the principal fact-finding agency for the federal government in the field of labor economics and statistics. Part of the U.S. Department of Labor, the BLS provides the public and policymakers with essential, non-partisan data that informs decisions ranging from business investments to social security adjustments. Working here means contributing to a mission that protects workers and ensures the transparency of the American economy.