Become an Economist for the NTIA: Your Path to Shaping National Telecommunications Policy

In an era defined by rapid digital transformation and the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity, the role of an Economist within the federal government has never been more vital. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is currently seeking a highly qualified Economist (GS-14) to join its Office of Spectrum Management (OSM). This is a unique opportunity to directly influence the policy frameworks that govern spectrum allocation, wireless broadband deployment, and the overall health of the American telecommunications landscape.

Job Responsibilities

As an Economist, you will act as a primary technical advisor to high-level policy makers. Your day-to-day work will involve:

Economic Analysis: Conducting in-depth studies on spectrum resources, including valuation, leasing, and secondary market impacts.
Policy Formulation: Developing innovative models to address short and long-term policy challenges in telecommunications.
Report Generation: Drafting and presenting authoritative reports on market-based alternatives, regulatory governance, and wireless broadband standards.
Strategic Research: Investigating cost structures affecting wireless systems and translating these into actionable policy insights.

Role Comparison

Feature	Details
Agency	NTIA / Dept. of Commerce
Job Series	0110 (Economist)
Grade Level	GS-14
Location	Washington, D.C.
Security Clearance	Secret

Requirements

To be considered for this high-impact position, you must demonstrate strong academic and professional credentials:

Education: A degree in economics that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
Specialized Experience: At least one full year (52 weeks) of experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal service. This must include conducting economic research, developing methodologies, and analyzing major economic developments.
Compliance: You must be a U.S. citizen, be able to pass a background check for a Secret clearance, and successfully complete a drug test.

Salary Overview

This position is compensated at the GS-14 level, with an annual salary range of $143,913 to $187,093. This represents a competitive federal salary, reflecting the high level of responsibility and the technical expertise required for this role within the Department of Commerce.

Benefits

Working for the federal government offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:

Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
Participation in the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS).
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Flexible work schedules and telework eligibility to support work-life balance.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position is a rigorous process. To stand out:

Customize your resume: Ensure every role clearly lists the dates and the average hours worked per week.
Avoid PII: Remove Social Security Numbers, photos, and personal information like age or religion.
Take the Assessment Seriously: The USA Hire assessment is a critical component. Allocate enough time, ensure you have a quiet environment, and utilize the practice resources available on the OPM website.

If you are an economist with a passion for public policy and telecommunications, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to impact the nation. The work you do at the NTIA will resonate through America's broadband infrastructure and spectrum policies for years to come. Ensure your application is thorough, follow all instructions carefully, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in federal service.

Why This Economist Job Matters

Shape the future of America's connectivity. Join the NTIA as an Economist and influence policy at the intersection of spectrum management, telecommunications innovation, and economic growth.

Economist Job Overview

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is seeking a highly skilled Economist to join the Office of Spectrum Management (OSM) in Washington, D.C. This role serves as a key technical advisor, providing high-level economic analysis to guide national policy regarding spectrum valuation, broadband deployment, and telecommunications governance. As part of the Department of Commerce, you will work at the forefront of the digital economy, bridging the gap between complex economic data and impactful federal policy.

Requirements for Economist

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Completion of a pre-employment drug test and participation in random drug testing.
Registration with the Selective Service System (for males born after 12/31/1959).
One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent.
Degree in economics (21 semester hours) plus 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus (or a combination of equivalent education and experience).
Must be able to pass a rigorous background and suitability investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Economist

Proven track record in developing economic methodologies for organizational research.
Strong ability to analyze and articulate cost structures within governmental and private-sector frameworks.
Expertise in spectrum valuation, including both monetary and non-monetary societal factors.
Experience in cross-functional collaboration with policy-makers and technical experts.
Strong written communication skills for producing high-level policy reports.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Competitive paid leave, including federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Flexible work arrangements (telework eligibility).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching.

💡 How to Apply Economist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Economist Job

Review the full announcement on the USAJobs portal.
Prepare a detailed resume, ensuring dates, hours worked, and citizenship status are clearly indicated.
Complete the online questionnaire via the official USA Staffing link.
Complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments within the designated timeframe.
Submit your application and all supporting documentation, such as transcripts or SF-50s, by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Do not include sensitive personal information like your SSN or personal photos in your resume.
Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire assessment without interruptions.
Ensure all transcripts are clear and include course names, grades, and credit hours.
If you have a disability, explore the reasonable accommodation process before starting your assessments.
Regularly track your application status via your USAJobs dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, allowing for a flexible work environment while supporting the mission of the NTIA.

What level of security clearance is required?

This position requires a Secret security clearance, which must be finalized prior to your start date.

How is foreign education evaluated?

If your education was completed outside the U.S., you must obtain an equivalency evaluation from an accredited private organization and submit it with your application.

Job from National Telecommunications And Information Administration

The NTIA is the Executive Branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy. Its mission is critical to America’s competitiveness, focusing on expanding broadband access, maximizing the efficient use of the nation’s spectrum, and ensuring the Internet remains a robust engine for innovation and economic growth. By joining the NTIA, you are becoming part of an agency that touches upon education, healthcare, public safety, and the future of the global economy.