Economist, Regional Planning and Research Division

Position: Economist, Regional Planning and Research Division
NF-110-13/14

Salary Range: $82,961–$127,442

Who May be Considered:
Applications will be accepted from all sources.

Job Summary:
The incumbent of this position is assigned to the Division of Regional Planning and Research and is the agency’s sole expert in the field of research as it relates to regional economic development by both the public and private sectors. The individual will report to the division director and is responsible for carrying out the overall functions of the research program—both long-range assignments as well as day-to-day operations.

This includes responsibility for the development of, planning for, and evaluation of ARC and state research programs and projects.

Major

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides advice and guidance on the development of Commission and state research programs and projects utilizing statistical procedures, economic feasibility studies, and prior research in order to determine the validity of proposed research programs and advises on the attainability of goals and objectives. Assists Commission and state officials in the redesign of research proposals, including recommending alternative research methods and evaluating the qualifications of potential contractors.
• Analyzes economic and social data and provides the Commission with advice regarding the impact of economic and social trends in the Appalachian Region and on the Commission’s programs.
• Assists the Commission with the design and content of information prepared for public consumption concerning the economic aspects of the Commission’s regional development programs and projects, ensuring that the information is valid and understandable to the general public.
• Recognizes and determines those areas where investigations, studies, research, and demonstration projects are desired. Prepares a research plan for ARC and supervises the implementation of the plan through staff research and study efforts or contracts with consultants.
• Attends Commission meetings as a resource person for research and economic development programs, responding to inquiries and questions as they relate to all phases of the ARC research programs related to economic development.

Qualifications

Required:

• Success in completing a federal background investigation;
• United States citizenship;
• A Ph.D. in economics or closely related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Five years of experience in directing and conducting research in the economic development field;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Strong knowledge of the principles of regional and economic development;
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and translate conclusions into useful program guidance;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams.

Salary and Benefits:
Pay will be commensurate with experience. This is not a federal position; however, if a federal employee is selected for this position and transfers without a break in service of more than three calendar days, he/she is entitled to continue his/her retirement, life and health insurance benefits, and leave entitlements. A non-federal selectee will be offered a comparable benefits package.

How to Apply:
Applicants should submit a resume or other form of application and a cover letter or separate statement addressing the knowledge, skills, and abilities shown above to:

Appalachian Regional Commission
Human Resources Office, Suite 700
1666 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
You may also e-mail your application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax your application to . Applications must be received by the closing date.

Closing Date:
September 1, 2008