Job Abstract

*See special application instructions for this non-Civil Service position at the bottom of this posting.*

The Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office is seeking applicants for a legislative economist and seeks to fill the position between August and November, depending on applicant availability. This position assists the Legislative Chief Economist with one or more responsibilities of the Economics Section, and independently develops a comprehensive subject matter expertise in one or more major state tax revenue areas, such as sales, severance, income or corporate taxes. The economist works with national, state and local entities and conducts independent research to gather and analyze econometric data to provide revenue forecasting and legislative impact analyses for the Louisiana Legislature to use in making informed policy decisions.

This position requires frequent and significant compensated overtime during legislative sessions (typically March through June of each year).

BENEFITS

Competitive salary (dependent on experience), state defined benefit pension system participation, health plan, paid time off (starting at 12 days annual and 12 days sick leave per year, plus approximately 10 state holidays per year), and available participation in the state’s deferred compensation program. This position allows a limited flexible work schedule outside of legislative sessions.

SALARY
$65,000 and up, dependent on level of experience and credentials.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and completed employment application (see below) to the Legislative Fiscal Office at fiscaloffice@legis.la.gov. You can direct questions to Rachael Feigley or Alan Boxberger by e-mail or at 225-342-7233.

Applications can be submitted by mail prior to August 10, 2024:
Legislative Fiscal Office, ATTN: Economist Job Posting,
P.O. Box 44097,
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4097.

Failure to provide sufficient evidence of qualifications in your resume may result in a “not qualified” determination.

The employment application can be found on the Legislative Fiscal Office website at http://lfo.louisiana.gov/employmentapplication.

Requires a minimum master’s degree in economics, agricultural economics, or a related field.

A minimum baseline of technical skills may be demonstrated with a master’s degree or higher in related fields that include 9 or more hours of graduate-level econometrics, statistics or quantitative modeling.

A successful candidate must have a demonstrated ability to perform independent economic research and analysis, commensurate with greater than one year of experience in applied economics or revenue/taxation forecasting.

Candidates should be capable to independently develop, operate and evaluate econometric models and output. All candidates must possess excellent English oral and written communication skills and comfort effectively presenting to and liaising with both technical and non-technical stakeholders in public settings, at times without specific preparation.

A PREFERRED CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS ONE OR MORE YEARS OF DEMONSTRABLE EXPERIENCE IN ONE OR MORE OF THE ACTIVITIES LISTED BELOW:

Tax revenue analysis/forecasting.

Application of economic impact study tools or methodologies (REMI, IMPLAN, RIMS-II, manual CGE modeling, etc.).

Macroeconomic forecasting.

Econometric program evaluation/treatment effect estimation.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Direct from the Chief Economist and broad review from Fiscal Office administrators.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Infrequent project coordination over peers.

LOCATION OF WORK
18th Floor of the State Capitol

JOB DESCRIPTION
Performs in-depth, independent reviews and analyses of economics trends, conditions and events impacting the state’s revenue and tax structure. Assists in the formulation of economic forecasts using econometric modeling and other analytical tools. Assists in the preparation of both short- and long-range state revenue estimates. Provides economic counsel to appropriate legislative committees on finance and taxation matters. Works with the Department of Revenue and administrative agencies to evaluate revenue trends and the impact of proposed legislation. Analyzes proposed legislation to determine five-year impacts on state and/or local revenues. This position requires the ability to work independently to draft deliverable documents at “final quality” level with minimal senior review.

Examples below are a brief sample of common duties, not all possible tasks are included.

Independently become a subject matter expert on assigned aspects of Louisiana’s tax code, capable of credible policy analysis and forecasting.

Interpret and evaluate state and federal legislation/policy to determine the impact on revenue forecasts.

Produce econometric forecasts for multiple revenue sources based on various economic variables.

Prepare formal, timely fiscal notes and fiscal and economic impact statements detailing potential revenue gains or losses associated with proposed legislation and administrative rules respectively.

Appear and testify before legislative committees on matters pertaining to state revenues and fiscal notes, sometimes without specific preparation.

Monitor state revenue collections, audits and media reports to maintain situational awareness regarding potential issues requiring legislative awareness or oversight.

May perform fiscal, budgetary, and legal research and analysis on assigned department budgets, revenues and program activities, prepare written and graphical reports, and formulate comparative and historical analyses.

May confer with agency personnel to compile data, review performance, and develop appropriate technical and substantive knowledge of operations.

Perform related duties as assigned.