Economist (Austin)

WHO WE ARE:
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is seeking to fill an Economist II position in the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) unit of the Labor Market Information (LMI) Department which is located in Austin at 101 E. 15th Street. The selected candidate must be willing and able to commute to the Austin metro area 5 days/week. The QCEW program produces a comprehensive tabulation of employment and wage information for workers covered by state unemployment insurance laws. As part of our team, you’ll help ensure the accuracy and completeness of this critical labor market data.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

WHO YOU ARE:
The ideal candidate works in a fast paced, team-oriented environment with an emphasis on excellence and continuous improvement. Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills are highly preferred. Must have ability to prioritize workload, manage time effectively, and adapt to shifting priorities. Position involves multi-tasking, attention to detail, and the ability to work accurately and consistently with repetitive, critical data.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
The Economist II performs complex (journey-level) economics work. Work involves conducting economic studies and analyses, collecting economic information, and preparing reports. May provide guidance to others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO:
- Perform and lead complex economic work for the Multiple Worksite Report (MWR) Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) reporters.
- Assist with the validation of requested administrative changes from outside sources.
- Update, research, and analyze reports for firms reporting MWR data through EDI.
- Maintain and update a quarterly list of EDI reporters.
- Request production jobs, process, and load data to appropriate datasets.
- Communicate and coordinate with EDI Center, QCEW management, BLS, and TWC on all EDI activities.
- Assist with the validation of requested administrative changes from outside sources.
- Develop training procedures and train new staff on an as-needed basis.
- Collect and process employment, wage, and business information for individual establishments through surveys, such as the Multiple Worksite Report (MWR) and the Annual Refiling Survey (ARS).
- Process large amounts of paper MWRs using established manual procedures, by hand with pen and paper, to prepare data for electronic processing.
- Process employer responses to the Annual Refiling Survey, assigning or revising their industry and geographic codes, addresses, and adding worksite locations.
- Process several sets of quarterly reports to validate, edit, and code large amounts of data through research and analysis at the micro and macro levels to document and reconcile employment, wages, and contributions by industry and location. Work performance includes heavy periods of in-depth review of employer data to track, explain, and resolve inconsistencies.
- Assign North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) industry and geographic codes to hundreds of new and established businesses every month following the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) procedures and guidelines.
- Perform extensive research using databases, internet and software as analytical and research tools.
- Collect and validate confidential data from reluctant employers.
- Key data directly into the appropriate BLS or Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) automated systems.
- Respond to data requests for both internal and external customers.
- Comply with BLS and TWC rules of confidentiality.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:
-Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with courses in economics, statistics, mathematics, business, or public administration.
-Skill in/knowledge of personal computers, Microsoft Office Suite software (Outlook, Access, Excel, Word, etc.).
-Knowledge of LMI programs, products, and services.
-Bilingual (English/Spanish).
-Excellent Excel skills.

YOU QUALIFY WITH:
- One year of experience in economic research or statistical or analytical work.
-Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.

YOU GAIN:
- Competitive salary: $4,523.17-$5,066.59/month
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
- Medical Insurance - Currently, the state pays 100% of the health plan premium for eligible full-time employees and 50% of the premium for their eligible dependents. Eligible part-time employees get a 50% state contribution for themselves and 25% for their dependents. Employees pay the remainder of the premium by paycheck deduction before taxes are withheld.
- Optional Benefits such as dental, vision, and life insurance
- 8 hours sick leave per month
- 8 hours vacation leave per month with potential to earn more with longevity
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
- Additional benefits for active employees: https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active- Employees/Health-Benefits.

Duty requires up to 10% travel within the state of Texas and the ability to lift 30 pounds. A writing sample will be given at the time of interview.

VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_PlanningResearchandStatistics.pdf

HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or on Taleo (Job Search). TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.