PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST                                                                                                              0710

 

 

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general direction an employee in this class designs and directs economic research associated with local, state and national economies, with particular emphasis on economic and statistical analyses relevant to Legislative policies. The employee designs the research methodology for major economic studies, may direct a staff in implementing such projects, monitors the local, state and national economies and provides technical assistance as needed.  Responsibility is included for making policy recommendations based upon thorough analyses of economic alternatives. The employee reports to the Director of Budget Review, who reviews work through conferences, reports and evaluation of the effectiveness of economic analyses and forecasts. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Develops a budget model for analyses of the County’s operating and capital budgets, including forecasts of revenue and expenditure items, such as sales tax and debt service;

Designs and directs economic studies of alternative tax structures, employment and labor market trends, income, wages, retail activity, banking activity, inflation, and related topics;

Analyzes the effect of changes in sales tax revenue under varying conditions, such as rate changes, tax exemptions, changes in neighboring counties’ sales taxes, and dedication of a portion of revenue to sewer districts, open space, public safety, water quality, etc.,

Performs debt service analyses, with long term forecasts and comparisons with a pay-as-you-go approach;

Prepares charts, publications and statistical data relating to economic studies;

Prepares oral and written presentations to government officials and busi­ness leaders;

Provides technical assistance to government agencies and to the business community, as requested by the Director of Budget Review.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of economics; thorough knowledge of regional economics, public finance, applied econometrics (statistical analysis), labor market analysis and economic data sources; considerable initiative in selecting study areas, developing research methods, and selecting data sources; ability to assign and supervise the work of subordinate personnel; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to analyze technical data, physical condition  commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited  college or university with a Masters' Degree in Economics or Business Administration with an emphasis in Economics and ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in economic research, at least five (5) of which must have involved the development of revenue/expenditure models, and/or the analysis of debt ratio models or related experience.

 

NOTE:  Additional education from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university may be substituted for experience on a year-to-year basis.

 

PROMOTIONAL

Two years of permanent competitive status as a Senior Economist.

 

01/01/01

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

RR2/28/03