Economist

The Bureau of Labor Statistics measures labor market activity, working conditions, price changes, and productivity in the U.S. economy to support public and private decision making. This is an appointment under the DOL Recent Graduates program. The program duration is one year. Upon successful completion of the program and at the agency's discretion, the appointee may be converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service. For more information, click Pathways Programs.

Duties include but are not limited to: Collects data from businesses for the Producer Price Index (PPI) and the Import/Export Price Indexes (MXP). Plans, schedules, and conducts data collection assignments using fairly complex economic or statistical techniques which are covered by established methods and procedures. Makes arrangements preparatory to obtaining voluntary data from enterprises for which the collection of data is expected to present relatively few complexities and for which precedents exist. Performs internet research on sampled companies, makes phone calls to schedule appointments, and travels to sampled establishments. Conducts interviews with high-level company officials. Applies standard practices and techniques to the solicitation of data and reports information in accordance with survey requirements. Evaluates the data collected and makes adjustments to ensure reliability and comparability as well as reasonableness and conformance to survey requirements. Makes follow-up contact to respondents providing data to ensure accurate and timely survey results. While most data requirements are straight forward, some analysis is necessary to ensure that the data reported are accurate. Critically evaluate collection experiences in relations to survey design and specifications, survey materials, economic conditions affecting the industry and area studied, and trends in the industry and area. Recommends modifications in survey methods oriented toward improvements in the survey plan. Performs other duties as assigned. For training and development purposes, assignments may include some segments or aspects of work that are typically at a higher level. Duties at the GS-09 are developmental leading up to the full performance level of the GS-12