Economist

Job Description:

Economist

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

The City of Austin’s Economic Development is seeking our first Economist-a dynamic role that blends micro and macroeconomics, econometrics, statistics, finance, and urban planning to guide local, regional, and national economic strategies.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Support financial decision-making by analyzing and interpreting economic data and trends.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Assembles and analyzes economic data by establishing methods, procedures, sources, models, and schedules for collecting and processing data, utilizing knowledge of available sources of data and various econometric and sampling techniques analyzing economic data for trend analysis, statistical analysis, and economic forecasting.
  
• Develops, monitors, and analyzes city-wide revenue projections responsible for projection of City property tax and sales revenue for development of annual budget; acts as liaison with Appraisal Districts and Counties in all matters related to property tax.
  
• Interprets economic information by planning, designing, and conducting research to aid in interpretation of economic relationships.
  
• Develops economic recommendations by formulating recommendations, policies, or plans to aid in market interpretation or solution of economic problems by drawing conclusions from analyzed data.
  
• Presents information by organizing and explaining data, assumptions, and recommendations; representing the organization at hearings.
  
• Prepares special reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing economic information and trends for project status reports.
  
• Completes operational requirements by providing guidance to other section members on works plans. Ensures operation of organization by serving as member of various committees, task forces, etc.
  
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
  
• Secures information by keeping information and recommendations confidential and by securing economic information.
  
• Performs economic feasibility analysis by compiling economic data, analyzing, and performing net present value calculations.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of mathematical forecasting and estimating methods and techniques, statistical concepts, engineering etc.
  
• Knowledge of computer science terminology.
  
• Knowledge of research methods, survey techniques, and report writing.
  
• Knowledge of economic theory.
  
• Skill in generating and analyzing statistical reports.
  
• Skill in communicating effectively, orally and in writing.
  
• Skill in mathematical and statistical compilations, development of graphic presentations and written reports.
  
• Skill in basic programming and computer operation.
  
• Skill in researching information by locating appropriate data sources.
  
• Skill in training, directing and coordinating an administrative or service staff.
  
• Skill in performing quantitative analysis.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Economics, Math or Statistics including twelve (12) graduate semester credit hours in economics plus two (2) years experience in economic trending, forecasting or modeling.
  
• Twelve (12) semester credit hours in economics, math or statistics may substitute for six (6) months of the required experience.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience applying economic and statistical analysis to real-world problems, ideally in urban or regional economic development.
  
• Proficiency in quantitative modeling, econometric methods, and data visualization tools.
  
• Strong background in microeconomics and macroeconomics with the ability to translate complex analysis into actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders.
  
• Demonstrated skill in research design, survey methods, and data interpretation to support evidence-based decision making.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting findings to executive leadership, internal staff, and community stakeholders.
  
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to partner across disciplines, including finance, contracts, IT/data, cultural planning, and workforce initiatives.
  

Notes to Candidate:

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

As our in-house Economist, you will play a pivotal role in analyzing and interpreting complex economic data, modeling economic impacts, and providing insights that influence policy, strategic planning, and program development. This position will work across diverse areas such as business retention and expansion, cultural and creative economies, workforce development, and urban planning initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity to bring advanced economic expertise to a public service environment, where your research and analysis will directly shape Austin’s economic future. If you thrive on solving complex challenges, collaborating with diverse teams, and making a measurable impact, we invite you to join us.

Worksite Location: 5202 East Ben White Blvd. Austin, Texas 78741

Salary Range: $35.50 - $45.27 per hour

Days and Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Hours may vary due to operational needs. An alternative schedule and remote work/teleworking options are available, but position requires a minimum of 40% per week in office standard.

Travel:

If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:
A detailed, complete City of Austin application is required for the position to help us better evaluate your qualifications. For each of your positions, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience that is relevant to this position, including your supervisory and/or leadership experience, if applicable. This is the criteria that will be used to select candidates for interview, and the starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience.
• This position may allow for a resume or cover letter to be included but relevant entries on your employment application will primarily be considered for interview qualification and compensation purposes.

If you are selected to interview: If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, to include High School graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required.

Benefits:
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Additional Information:
Assessment(s) may be administered as part of this recruitment.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-09-22