Economist
Job opportunity
LSC's Legislative Budget Office (LBO) is seeking an economist to join our team. Economists work in one of six groups organized by subject and are assigned various state agencies that become the focus of their work. The day-to-day duties of an economist vary considerably depending on the activity of the General Assembly. Duties include:
Researching topics on behalf of a legislator and providing written or verbal summaries to the member or their staff;
Analyzing bills for potential fiscal effects on state and local government budgets and preparing fiscal notes;
Forecasting state tax revenues and Medicaid caseloads and costs;
Preparing extensive analyses of the executive's proposed and the final enacted agency operating budgets at the beginning and end of the biennial budget process;
Following assigned agencies throughout the budget process, including amendment drafting, research, preparing analysis pieces, and estimating the fiscal effect of proposed state tax and Medicaid policy changes;
Drafting appropriation and related language to be incorporated into legislation;
Creating written resources for the General Assembly on topics of interest.
Salary and benefits
The current starting salary for new economists is $65,000; a higher starting salary may be awarded based on applicant's experience. We offer our economists merit-based salary increases, opportunities to learn and grow in their careers, and a comprehensive state benefit package including:
Medical Coverage
Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits.
Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance
Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completed eligibility period.
Leave
Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave.
11 paid holidays per year.
Childbirth/Adoption leave.
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee's salary.
Deferred Compensation
The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan.
Minimum qualifications
Graduate degree in economics or a related field;
Experience in conducting research and writing papers in a school or work environment;
Demonstrated ability to use mathematical reasoning and to think analytically;
Demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely;
Willingness to limit public activity to not give any appearance of bias in work.
Characteristics of a strong candidate
Strong interest in non-partisan public service;
Preference for a variety of work assignments;
Desire to always be learning new things;
Ambition to become an expert on a topic of importance to the state of Ohio;
Wish to make a difference in state government in a "behind-the-scenes" role; and
Pride in being part of the legislative process.
How to apply
Complete the application on careers.ohio.gov and attach all of the following documents:
Resume;
Cover letter;
Three references (with email addresses);
Copies of transcripts for college and graduate school; and
Writing sample of between four and six pages.