Launch Your Career with the Bureau of Labor Statistics: Economic Assistant (Seattle)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the premier agency for labor economics and statistics in the United States. If you are looking for a role that combines community interaction, data analysis, and public service, the Economic Assistant position in Seattle offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the nation’s economic health.
Job Responsibilities
As an Economic Assistant, your day-to-day work is dynamic and independent. You will:
- Travel across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.
- Interview store managers, property managers, and professionals to collect price data.
- Gather information via E-commerce, telephone, and personal site visits.
- Use tablet computers to enter and verify data quality.
- Attend mandatory training sessions to sharpen your technical and professional skills.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Experience Level | GS-06 (1 year specialized experience) |
| Education | Relevant academic transcripts required if qualifying by education |
| Availability | Part-time (16-32 hours/week), incl. weekends/evenings |
| Travel | Field work required within assigned counties |
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must demonstrate one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade. You must also pass a background investigation and be capable of balancing a variable schedule. Please note that your resume must not exceed two pages; applications exceeding this limit will be deemed ineligible.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly rate ranging from $24.45 to $31.79. Hours will fluctuate based on project requirements, typically averaging 28 hours per week.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides unique benefits, including access to specialized training, professional development opportunities, and the satisfaction of contributing to critical national economic research.
Application Tips
- Watch the Clock: All documents must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
- Proofread: Ensure your resume clearly states the number of hours worked for each role.
- Assessments: Prepare for the USA Hire assessment as it is a critical part of the evaluation process.
This role is ideal for those who value autonomy, professional growth, and data integrity. Apply today to begin your journey with the Department of Labor and help collect the data that shapes America's future.
Why This Economic Assistant (Part-Time) Job Matters
Join the Bureau of Labor Statistics as an Economic Assistant and play a vital role in capturing the data that drives the nation’s economy.
Economic Assistant (Part-Time) Job Overview
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is seeking a detail-oriented Economic Assistant to support the Consumer Price Index (CPI) program in the Seattle area. In this part-time role, you will be responsible for gathering essential statistical data through field interviews and digital research. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys community engagement, meticulous data collection, and contributing to national economic research.
Requirements for Economic Assistant (Part-Time)
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Completion of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level.
- Ability to travel within King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties for data collection.
- Must be available for day, evening, and weekend shifts as required.
- Mandatory completion of initial training, which may involve travel to Washington, D.C. or other training sites.
- Resume must be limited to a maximum of two pages.
- Must undergo a background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Economic Assistant (Part-Time)
- Experience in data collection, surveying, or interviewing.
- Proficiency with digital record-keeping and tablet-based data entry systems.
- Strong interpersonal skills to obtain voluntary participation from businesses and individuals.
- Ability to interpret survey requirements and ensure internal consistency in data reports.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly compensation.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training within a federal agency.
- ✓Exposure to national-level economic data collection methodologies.
- ✓Participation in federal retirement and insurance programs (if eligible).
- ✓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 USAJOBS account profile with a resume that includes start/end dates and weekly hours.
- Apply through the USAJOBS portal by the closing date.
- Complete the mandatory DOL-specific application and questionnaire.
- Submit required documentation, such as transcripts or veteran preference forms.
- Complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if notified via email.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is strictly limited to two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Clearly list the number of hours worked per week for every position on your resume.
- Set aside at least two hours to complete the USA Hire assessments once you receive the link.
- Use the 'Track this application' feature in your USAJOBS dashboard to monitor your status.
- Double-check all responses before submitting, as edits cannot be made after the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is a field-based position in the Seattle area requiring travel throughout King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. It is not remote.
Can I transition to full-time later?
No, this position is strictly part-time and is not designed to lead to full-time employment within the agency.
What is the work schedule like?
Schedules vary weekly between 16 and 32 hours. Flexibility for days, evenings, and weekends is mandatory.
Do I need to be in the office?
This is a field position. You will report to assigned locations for collection tasks and may have some telework flexibility based on policy.
Job from Bureau Of Labor Statistics
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) works to ensure the safety, fairness, and prosperity of American workplaces. The BLS, specifically, serves as the fact-finding branch of the agency, providing the high-quality data used by Congress, businesses, and citizens alike. By joining this team, you become an essential part of the engine that tracks the Consumer Price Index (CPI).