Economist

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Plan, organize, manage, and administer countywide expenditures and revenue sources; develop and implement program and strategic planning; implement and assist in the development of countywide expenditures and revenue source policies, procedures, and business practices; evaluate goals, objectives, priorities, and activities to improve performance and outcomes; recommend and establish administrative controls and improvements; develop procedures to implement new and/or changing regulatory requirements; serve as an advisor to elected officials.
• Develop, administer, assist, and monitor budgets; develop justifications for budgetary recommendations and/or adjustments; participate in forecasting additional funds for staffing and resources; participate in the interpretation, negotiation, management, and enforcement of contracts; coordinate the finalization of budgets to maintain the county's fiscal health.
• Develop annual and five-year General Fund forecasts, analyze major General Fund revenue sources, and identify long-range financial issues facing the county; manage the internal process for allocating General Fund dollars among departments; provide regular financial updates to the Budget Office, Chair, and Board of County Commissioners.
• Perform complex financial analysis and provide budget perspective on a variety of topics/issues; estimate costs of proposals made during collective bargaining and present findings; consult with key advisors to establish insurance and benefits rates for Personnel Cost Planning (PCP).
• Provide expert guidance to other departments, the general public, and/or outside agencies; represent the county to the public, elected officials, other agencies, governments, and organizations including making presentations, participating in meetings, and conducting community outreach; act as representative on committees, interagency task forces, and special projects; respond and resolve confidential and sensitive inquiries; investigate complaints and recommend corrective actions as necessary.
• Provide direction, guidance, and leadership to staff; advise on the more complex and sensitive concerns and issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

LEVEL AND TYPE OF WORK AND/OR SUPERVISION:

Economist

• Advanced level
• Professional
• Perform the most difficult assignments requiring a higher level of responsibility, applying advanced subject knowledge, and exercising significant independent judgment and initiative.
• Receive work assignments in terms of objectives, priorities, and deadlines.
• Work is reviewed for technical accuracy, compliance to program objectives, and overall results.
• Receive direction from executive management.                                                                                  
• May exercise technical and functional supervision over staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  Requirements are determined at the time of recruitment based on responsibilities of the individual position and business needs of the department.

Economist

Training and experience for advanced level, professional classifications are typically equivalent to a bachelor's degree and three (3) to six (6) years of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.  (Equivalency 7-10 years of qualifying training and/or experience).

Depending upon assignment, candidates may be required to pass a criminal background check, have a valid driver license, and /or additional training, licenses, or certificates.