Shaping National Policy: A Career as an Economist with the OMB
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) serves as the engine room of the Executive Office of the President. For economists, it represents the pinnacle of public service, where technical expertise directly influences the fiscal and economic health of the nation. We are currently seeking an experienced Economist to join our Economic Policy Division to help navigate the complex financial challenges facing the United States today.
Job Responsibilities
As a GS-13 Economist, your daily work will be anything but routine. You will:
- Analyze industrial organization and market structures in response to Presidential priorities.
- Estimate the impact of tariffs, trade measures, and tax policies using sophisticated econometric models.
- Draft high-level memoranda and briefings for senior policy makers.
- Lead interdisciplinary research teams across the federal government.
Requirements
To qualify for this role, you must demonstrate a deep understanding of economic principles. Applicants must meet the OPM basic requirements for the 0110 series, including a degree with significant focus on economics, statistics, and calculus. Furthermore, you must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (or private sector equivalent) in conducting economic studies.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Degree with 21+ hours in economics and 3+ in statistics/calculus |
| Experience | 1+ year at GS-12 equivalent performing economic analysis |
| Clearance | Ability to obtain Top Secret status |
| Technical Skill | Proficiency in microeconomic and econometric modeling |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $121,785 to $158,322 annually. As a federal employee, you will also have access to comprehensive benefits, including robust retirement plans, health insurance, and paid time off.
Application Tips
- Keep it Brief: Your resume must be strictly limited to two pages.
- Be Detailed: Ensure every job entry includes the number of hours worked per week and specific dates.
- Use the Builder: The USAJOBS resume builder is the best way to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
Serving as an Economist for the Executive Office of the President is a unique chance to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world policy outcomes. If you are ready to take the next step in your career, we invite you to review your qualifications and apply today.
Why This Economist Job Matters
Shape national economic strategy at the highest levels of government within the Executive Office of the President.
Economist Job Overview
The Economic Policy Division of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is seeking a highly skilled Economist to join its team. In this pivotal role, you will perform high-stakes analysis on industrial organization, trade policy, tax structures, and public economics. Your work will directly support Presidential priorities, influencing short and long-term federal fiscal policy. This is an exceptional opportunity for an expert to contribute to the nation's economic framework in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Requirements for Economist
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Must meet OPM qualification standards for the 0110 Economist series.
- 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 a major in economics.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent in the private sector.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Subject to a mandatory drug screening program.
- Submission of a two-page resume detailing specific hours worked per week and dates of employment.
- Completion of the online assessment questionnaire.
Preferred Qualifications for Economist
- Proven track record in conducting complex economic studies in trade, industrial organization, or public economics.
- Advanced proficiency in econometric and microeconomic modeling tools.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex data into actionable briefings for executive leadership.
- Expertise in identifying and analyzing fundamental economic objectives and assumptions.
- Superior communication skills with experience presenting findings to diverse policy groups.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Health and Life Insurance
- ✓Federal Retirement Benefits
- ✓Paid Time Off
- ✓Telework Opportunities
💡 How to Apply Economist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Economist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, ensuring it lists dates of employment and hours per week.
- Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
- Gather supporting documents such as SF-50 (for federal employees), DD-214 (for veterans), and transcripts.
- Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Limit your resume to the first two pages; supplemental pages are not reviewed by the panel.
- Clearly document your specific economic duties, including methodologies used and project outcomes.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all required federal employment data is captured correctly.
- Verify your documents clear the virus scan after uploading to avoid submission errors.
- Submit early to ensure your application package is fully received before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of an Economist at the OMB?
You will design studies, develop economic models, and provide findings to advise policymakers on industrial, trade, and tax policies.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position is designated as Critical-Sensitive/High Risk, requiring a Top Secret security clearance.
Can I submit a cover letter?
While you can upload documents, the hiring panel will only conduct a structured review of the first two pages of your resume.
Job from Office Of Management And Budget
The OMB is tasked with assisting the President in overseeing the implementation of their vision across the Executive Branch. Working within the Economic Policy Division, you will join a team of multidisciplinary experts who use data to model the long-term effects of federal policies. The environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and deeply rewarding for those committed to public service.