Economic Analyst
The Economic Analyst is a member of a small team of research professionals within the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) Division. LMIS works in partnership with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to collect, analyze, report, and publish data on economic activities for the state of Kansas. Labor market information can help data users make informed decisions for a variety of purposes, including career planning and exploration, public or private workforce investments, employer recruiting plans, and business investment decision making. Find out more about what we do at www.klic.dol.ks.gov.
Position Responsibilities:
The Economic Analyst works with the Labor Economist to produce long-term industry and occupational employment projections for Kansas and seven sub-state areas, as well as one of our most popular data products, the High Demand Occupation Lists.
The Economic Analyst works with the Labor Economist to analyze and present Monthly Labor Report estimates which are produced by our Program Analysts in cooperation with BLS.
The Economic Analyst may be responsible for delivering or assisting with LMI presentations. This is one method LMIS can utilize to get labor information and data products out to the public and maintain its reputation as a reliable and unbiased source for labor market information in Kansas.
The Economic Analyst assists with the preparation of the Statewide Economic Analysis Report. This may include data gathering, writing up analysis, or reviewing data gathered and analysis written by other analysts.
The Economic Analyst compiles or assists with special data requests from internal and external customers. This requires the use of internal data published and maintained by KDOL, as well as data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Employment and Training Administration (ETA), and other sources as needed.
The Economic Analyst should have the following characteristics:
- A strong ability to interpret a problem or request; extract and analyze accurate and relevant data with the appropriate tools; and provide succinct and easily digestible information using charts, tables, and/or other visuals.
- An intellectual curiosity/desire to learn new things with a proven ability to learn quickly and work with limited supervision.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects concurrently and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills; excellent professional judgement; and a team-based approach towards work.
- Ability to document processes and transfer knowledge/information to other team members.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Applied Statistics, Economics, or related field.
- Mastery of Microsoft Excel (use of formulas specifically, no VBA required for this position).
- Basic understanding of relational databases (knowledge of SQL would be beneficial).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of statistical software such as R or Stata.
- Experience with data visualization software such as Microsoft Power BI.
- Working knowledge of federal economic datasets.
- Experience delivering presentations.
Special Knowledge Skills & Abilities:
- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Strong time management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team.
- Ability and willingness to learn new skills in order to further enhance current reports and data products.