Launch Your Career as an Economist with the USDA APHIS
Are you an analytical thinker passionate about the intersection of economics, agriculture, and public policy? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking a qualified Economist to join the Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory (PERAL) in Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the nation’s agricultural security and trade stability.
Job Responsibilities
As an Interdisciplinary Risk Analyst, you will conduct complex economic evaluations. Your primary responsibilities include:
- Economic Impact Analysis: Evaluating how invasive species and regulatory actions affect trade and natural resources.
- Risk-Based Decision Making: Developing and applying statistical methods to support agency priorities.
- Benefit-Cost Analysis: Creating technical reports that justify regulatory safeguarding programs.
- Collaboration: Working with scientists and program personnel to bridge the gap between biological data and economic outcomes.
Requirements
Candidates must meet rigorous academic and professional standards, including:
- Education: A degree in economics with specific semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level or equivalent.
- Assessment: Successful completion of the USA Hire online assessment is required for candidacy.
Education vs. Experience Comparison
| Candidate Type | Basic Requirement |
|---|---|
| Traditional Academic | Degree in Economics (incl. 21 hrs Econ, 3 hrs Stat/Calculus) |
| Combination | Post-high school coursework (24 sem/36 qtr hours) + relevant experience |
| Advanced Degree | Ph.D. in related field (Economics, Finance, Stats) |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $77,983 to $101,383 per year. As a federal employee, you will also enjoy comprehensive benefits, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Telework options to support work-life balance.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. The system will automatically exclude longer resumes.
- Documentation: Ensure all transcripts are legible and include English translations if earned abroad.
- Assessment Preparation: The USA Hire assessment is a pass/fail gateway. Use available practice materials on the OPM website to prepare.
This role is an exceptional chance to apply your economic expertise to tangible, national-level issues. By joining the PERAL team in Raleigh, you are not just taking a job; you are taking a stand for the health and economic prosperity of the United States. Apply today to start your federal journey.
Why This Economist Job Matters
Shape the future of U.S. agricultural policy and risk management as an Economist with the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Economist Job Overview
Join the Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory (PERAL) in Raleigh, North Carolina, as an Interdisciplinary Risk Analyst. In this vital role, you will perform high-level economic analyses that directly influence regulatory decisions, international trade security, and the protection of America's natural resources against exotic plant pests and diseases.
Requirements for Economist
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Degree in economics including at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
- Alternatively, a combination of education and experience with major equivalent to 24 semester/36 quarter hours in economics.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level.
- Completion of the online USA Hire assessment is mandatory.
- Resume must be strictly limited to two pages.
- Submission of transcripts if qualifying based on education.
Preferred Qualifications for Economist
- Experience in agricultural or natural resource economics.
- Proficiency in developing benefit-cost analyses for regulatory programs.
- Advanced technical writing skills for policy and scientific communication.
- Experience with quantitative analytical methods in an ecological or plant-health context.
- Ph.D. degree in Accounting, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Agricultural Economics, or Finance.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary structure
- âś“Comprehensive health insurance options
- âś“Federal retirement benefits including FERS
- âś“Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- âś“Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- âś“Telework eligibility as authorized by the agency
đź’ˇ How to Apply Economist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Economist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your relevant experience.
- Submit your application and required documents, such as transcripts, online.
- Monitor your email for a notification regarding the USA Hire assessment link.
- Complete the online USA Hire assessment within the specified deadline.
- Track your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the major duties listed in the announcement.
- Use standard file formats like PDF or Word and keep documents under 5MB.
- Set aside at least 1-2 hours of uninterrupted time for the USA Hire assessment.
- Double-check that your transcripts clearly display your name and relevant course hours.
- Ensure your resume includes supervisors' contact information for every job entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of the PERAL team?
The Plant Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Laboratory focuses on safeguarding American agriculture by addressing complex issues in exotic pest management, facilitating safe trade, and conducting rigorous risk assessments.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
The position is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is telework-eligible, though it is not a fully remote position.
Why is the resume restricted to two pages?
To ensure fairness and efficiency in the evaluation process, the agency enforces a strict two-page limit for resumes; exceeding this will result in removal from consideration.
Job from Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is a critical component of the USDA’s mission to facilitate international and domestic trade while protecting the health and care of America’s plants and animals. Working within the Marketing and Regulatory Programs division, you will be part of a team that addresses high-stakes environmental and economic challenges.