Summary The Agricultural Economist is responsible for coordinating and carrying out the programs and functions delegated to the economic analysis staff in support of Dairy Program's mission to facilitate the efficient marketing of milk and dairy products through its grading and standardization, market order, research and promotion, and market information programs. Responsibilities The duties may include, but are not limited to: Carries out a comprehensive economic analysis program to support all programs and functions of Dairy Programs. Develops and maintains a thorough understanding of Dairy Programs, including particularly Federal milk marketing orders. Evaluation of changes and trends in technology, marketing methods, consumer preferences and other factors which are likely to alter the pattern of milk marketing. Promotes effective relations and cooperation on matters pertaining to Dairy Programs functions with other USDA Agencies or Government Departments, industry representatives, academia, and the public. Develops informational materials relating to the operations, scope and economic aspects of the milk order program. Carries out program analysis to develop conclusions and recommendations regarding economic aspects/issues of the Federal milk order and other Dairy Programs. Reviews proposed economic research projects that would involve the cooperation and resources of Dairy Programs and recommends approval or rejection of Dairy Programs for approval. Participates in joint economic studies relating to the milk order program with market administrators and universities. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Degree: economics, that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus. or Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in 1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must demonstrate the below: FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Developed and applied economic techniques and principles using econometric methods and software. Conducting advanced data collection and management, including the use of application programming interfaces (API's), database programming languages, and data visualization tools. Independently researched and analyzed commodity markets and policy; writing and presenting analysis of complicated market and policy issues to both general and specialized audiences. Working as an expert on agriculture, agricultural policy, agricultural marketing, and agricultural economics, (especially dairy production and processing, dairy policy, dairy marketing, and dairy economics), including support for the development and interpretation of policy or evaluation of markets. Collaborated with customers and experts outside the organization in order to meet the organization's mission. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), or Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, or RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection.