Launch Your Career with the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Are you looking for a part-time role that makes a genuine impact on the American economy? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is currently seeking a dedicated, professional Economic Assistant in Moses Lake, Washington. This role is perfect for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy data collection, interacting with the community, and supporting the integrity of national economic indices.

Job Responsibilities

As an Economic Assistant, you will spend your time in the field gathering critical pricing information. Your duties will include:

Visiting local retail and service establishments like department stores and supermarkets.
Interviewing managers, doctors, and professionals to track price changes for the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Collecting and entering data accurately using handheld tablet computers.
Visiting neighborhoods to interview tenants and property managers regarding housing costs.
Managing your schedule to accommodate day, evening, and weekend requirements.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent.
Availability: Must be able to work 16 to 32 hours per week, including non-traditional hours.
Travel: Ability to travel for site visits and mandatory classroom training.
Documentation: A two-page resume highlighting specialized experience.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly wage based on standard federal guidelines.

Pay Period	Rate
Minimum	$21.76 per hour
Maximum	$28.29 per hour

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides unique opportunities for professional growth. While this position is part-time, it offers unparalleled experience in statistical methodology and data integrity, which can be a stepping stone for future federal career opportunities.

Application Tips

Applying for federal jobs can be complex. Follow these steps to ensure your application stands out:

Watch the Length: Your resume must be no more than two pages. Exceeding this will automatically disqualify you.
Be Specific: List the month, year, and hours worked per week for every job entry to demonstrate your qualifications.
Test Readiness: If invited to take the USA Hire assessment, set aside two hours of quiet time. You only have a limited window to complete this requirement.
Check Status: Use the Talent Acquisition System (TAS) dashboard on USAJOBS to track your progress.

If you have a passion for accuracy and want to support the vital statistics that keep our nation informed, this position is for you. Submit your application before the closing date to be considered for this unique role in Moses Lake.

Why This Economic Assistant (Part-Time) Job Matters

Join the Bureau of Labor Statistics as an Economic Assistant and contribute to the vital data that shapes the American economy.

Economic Assistant (Part-Time) Job Overview

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is seeking a detail-oriented individual to join the Division of Price Programs in Moses Lake, Washington. As an Economic Assistant, you will play a crucial role in collecting essential statistical data for the Consumer Price Index. This part-time position involves field work, interviewing business professionals and residents, and ensuring data accuracy to support national labor economics.

Requirements for Economic Assistant (Part-Time)

U.S. Citizenship.
Must be 18 years or older.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level.
Ability to travel for mandatory training, including out-of-state sessions.
Must be available for a mix of day, evening, and weekend hours.
Pass a background investigation for facility and system access.
Submission of a resume limited to two pages.
Must meet all legal and regulatory requirements by the closing date.

Preferred Qualifications for Economic Assistant (Part-Time)

Strong oral communication and persuasion skills for gathering data from the public.
Proficiency in utilizing tablet PCs and electronic data collection software.
Experience in record-keeping, interviewing, or intake roles.
Ability to work independently in a field environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal career development opportunities.
✓Structured training programs.
✓Contribution to national labor statistics and public policy.
✓Experience within the Department of Labor environment.

💡 How to Apply Economic Assistant (Part-Time) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Economic Assistant (Part-Time) Job

Create a USAJOBS account and upload a resume (limited to 2 pages).
Search for the position and select the Apply button.
Complete the primary application on the USAJOBS portal.
Follow the redirect to the Department of Labor (DOL) site to finalize your application.
Complete the vacancy-specific questionnaire.
Submit all required documents (transcripts, DD214, etc.) through the DOL portal.
If notified, complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments within the provided timeframe.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume lists the start/end month and year for every job, as well as hours worked per week.
Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume, or your application will be ineligible.
Save your progress frequently, as the system will timeout after 30 minutes.
Check your application status regularly via the Talent Acquisition System (TAS) dashboard.
Ensure you have a reliable internet connection to complete the USA Hire assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a full-time position?

No, this is a part-time position with an average of 16 to 32 hours per week and does not lead to full-time employment.

What is the pay rate?

The hourly wage for this position ranges from $21.76 to $28.29 per hour.

Is travel required?

Yes, the role requires travel within Grant County and attendance at mandatory training, which may occur in Washington, D.C. or other locations.

Can I submit a long resume?

No, per federal guidelines for this announcement, your resume must be limited to exactly two pages to be considered.

Do I need to be an economist to apply?

No. This is not an entry-level economist position, but rather a specialized data collection role that requires diligence and attention to detail.

Is this a telework position?

This position is eligible for telework, but primary duties require field visits to establishments and residences.

What if I have a disability?

The BLS provides reasonable accommodations for applicants throughout the application and assessment process. You can request these during your online application.

Job from Bureau Of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the premier fact-finding agency for the federal government in the field of labor economics. Operating under the Department of Labor, the BLS collects, processes, and analyzes data that is used by Congress, businesses, and citizens alike. By joining this team, you are contributing to a noble mission of ensuring economic transparency and providing data-driven insights that guide policy and business decisions.