POSITION CLASSIFICATION STANDARD FOR ECONOMIST, GS-0110

Economist Series, GS-0110 TS-54 December 1964, TS-45 April 1963

Position Classification Standard for

Economist Series, GS-0110

Table of Contents

SERIES DEFINITION....................................................................................................................................2

GENERAL STATEMENT..............................................................................................................................2

SPECIALIZATION AND TITLING PATTERN ..............................................................................................5

SUPERVISORY POSITIONS......................................................................................................................13

FUNCTIONAL PATTERNS AND GRADE-LEVEL DISTINCTIONS ..........................................................13

ECONOMIST, GS-0110-05.....................................................................................................................15

ECONOMIST, GS-0110-07.....................................................................................................................16

ECONOMIST, GS-0110-09.....................................................................................................................17

ECONOMIST, GS-0110-11.....................................................................................................................18

ECONOMIST, GS-0110-12.....................................................................................................................20

ECONOMIST, GS-0110-13.....................................................................................................................22

ECONOMIST, GS-0110-14.....................................................................................................................24

ECONOMIST, GS-0110-15.....................................................................................................................26

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SERIES DEFINITION

This series includes positions that require application of a professional knowledge of economics

in the performance of duties that include: research into economic phenomena, analysis of

economic data, and the preparation of interpretive reports; advice and consultation on economic

matters to governmental officials and private organizations or citizens; and the performance of

other professional work in economics including supervision and the direction of economists

engaged in the various economics programs of the Federal Government.

With the publication of this new standard for the Economist Series, GS-0110, the following

series are abolished and the printed standards are rescinded:

GS-0110, General Economics Series (no printed standard).

GS-0111, Business Economics Series, issued in March 1953.

GS-0112, International Trade and Development Economics Series, issued under the

code P-172-0 in May 1949.

GS-0113, Fiscal and Financial Economics Series, issued under the code P-128-0 in

October 1948.

GS-0115, Transportation Economics Series, issued under the code P-198-0 in

November 1948.

GS-0116, Labor Economics Series, issued under the code P-174-0 in January 1948.

GS-0117, Agricultural Economics Series, issued under the code P-110-0 in

September 1948 and amended in November 1948.

Also, the fly sheet for the GS-0118, Forest Economics Series, issued in December 1957, has

served its purpose and should be removed.

GENERAL STATEMENT

Economics is classically defined as "the science of the laws and conditions which affect the

production, distribution, and consumption of wealth." Within so complex a society as ours,

however, this classical definition often seems to become lost in the variety of efforts which

absorb the attention of economists. Nearly every facet of modern life has an economic

implication. Our economic "wealth" is not only the raw materials of our mines and forests and

farms, but also our water and oil supplies, our power potentials, the whole fabric of our industrial

and agricultural organization, our individual and collective skills, and our capacity for work; our

"production" includes not only the gathering, growing and fabrication of every single thing we

have in the whole of our civilization, but also the myriad of services we provide for one another;

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"distribution" means not only the physical transporting of things from where they are produced

to where they are used, but the entire pattern of how and why all of the goods and services we

have are divided among us; and "consumption" means not only what we eat and wear out as

individuals, but the using up of resources within the processes of production (e.g., iron ore is

"consumed" by steel mills; steel is used up in the manufacture of farm machinery which, in turn,

is worn out in the production of food and fiber).

During the centuries of our history, society has developed a vast array of institutions to handle

these economic activities. These institutions include, for example, the concept of a common

medium of exchange -- money -- and the attendant complicated machinery of banking and credit,

and the equally vast complexities of marketing, industrial relations or governmental agricultural

policy, among others.

The earliest economists were social philosophers who observed and attempted to understand and

explain the most obvious social phenomena around them (say, poverty) in much the same way

that the earliest scientists made gross observations about the physical or biological world.

Today, the tools made possible by developing statistical theory allow the modern economist

vastly larger and more accurate observations, and these in turn have allowed him to develop far

greater insight into and understanding of the complex interrelationships of economic activity. In

a way, the development of modern statistics has done for the economist what the development of

the microscope has done for the biologist. It has not only allowed him to "see" more of the

working of economic phenomena, but to quantify and measure his observations with fair

precision, to test his hypotheses, and to discover laws of cause and effect within Man's society

which are subject to rigorous discipline.

Economists in the Federal Government contribute to some of the most fundamental processes of

Government, as follows:

1. One of the important provinces of Government is to gather and record information about

the society being governed, and many Government economic programs are designed to do just

this. The economists so employed collect, analyze, interpret, and publish a tremendous array of

economic information -- data which serve both contemporary and future scholars as

"observations of economic phenomena."

2. Frequently, Government decisions on seemingly non-economic problems have economic

connotations. (For example: Shall public land be used for the grazing of cattle, thus increasing

our food supplies, or developed as a park to help meet our growing recreation needs? Should a

highway pattern include an expressway between two major cities? Should the river be controlled

by one high dam, or by a series of low dams? What are the economic costs and gains to be

expected from a change in a prison policy, a public works project, a school program?)

Economists are used in a variety of such programs to provide interpretive information and to

advise and counsel officials charged with responsibility for such decisions.

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3. The planning of Government policy and the drafting of proposed legislation to meet the

problems of our times, current and anticipated, require economic knowledge and understanding.

From tax structures to foreign policy, from national defense budgets to agricultural surpluses,

Government economists are directly concerned with major national and international issues.

Research done in such an environment is inclined to be less a seeking of knowledge for

knowledge's sake, than a pragmatic search for information to solve real and immediate problems.

Economist positions distinguished from other positions

The relationship of professional work in economics to the function and activity of other

professional and managerial fields presents special classification problems. On the one hand, the

skills, techniques and methodology of such professions as mathematics or statistics are not only

essential to economic "observations" (data gathering, quantification, etc.) but also offer

perspectives important to valid economic analysis and interpretation. On the other hand, the

results of professional economics effort are knowledge, insight and understanding of social

phenomena, and, in Government, such information typically is gathered for use in

decision-making in a wide variety of fields. The result is that in the Federal service economist

positions are often hard to distinguish from related professional fields of work.

In general, the rule is that the requirements for the specific knowledges and skills which

determine the grade should guide the series determination, and when such requirements are

equally balanced between differing occupational series, procedures for interdisciplinary

positions should apply. However, such decisions should be made within the framework of the

entire occupational situation and not based upon brief or short-range assignment patterns.

Organizational structure, working relationships, career development patterns, and management

attitudes and objectives may have a bearing on final determinations in doubtful areas.

In line with the foregoing general guide, then, the following types of work are specifically

excluded from this series:

1. Professional work in basic mathematical principles, methods, procedures, or

relationships, or in the development and application of mathematical methods for the

investigation and the numerical analysis and solution of problems where the controlling

considerations are the exactitude of the relationships stated, the rigor and economy of

mathematical operations performed, and the logical necessity of the results. Such work should

be classified in the

Mathematics Series, GS-1520.

(Note: The specialized field of Econometrics which brings the discipline and efficiency

of mathematical methods to the analysis of economic problems is, however, specifically

included in the Economist Series, GS-0110.)

2. Work requiring the design, development and adaptation of mathematical methods and

techniques to statistical processes, or research in basic theories and science of statistics.

Positions involving such work should be classified in the

Mathematical Statistician Series,

GS-1529.

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3. Work or consultation which primarily involves the application of statistical theories,

techniques and methods to the gathering and/or interpretation of quantified information.

Positions in which the grade-controlling considerations involve knowledge and use of statistical

theory and techniques, and responsibility for the selection, adaption and use of proper statistical

methods of analysis and presentation, should be classified in the

Statistician Series, GS-1530.

(Note: For further discussion of the occupational relationship between Economists and

Statisticians see the classification standard for the

Statistician Series, GS-1530.)

4. Work on the design, development, installation, operation, or inspection of accounting

systems; the prescription of accounting requirements; or the examination, analysis and

interpretation of accounting data. Positions involving such work should be classified in the

Accounting Series, GS-0510.

5. Work involving support functions which require some technical knowledge and skill

related to economics activity, but do not require an academic background in economics or

professional competence in economic theories, principles, and concepts, should be classified in

the

Economics Assistant Series, GS-0119.

6. Work which involves the use of economic facts in the administrative or

decision-making functions of non-economic fields, rather than the development,

analysis and interpretation, of economic information. Just as it is possible, for

example, to understand and apply historical or biological facts without being an

historian or a biologist, so one may use economic information without being an

economist. The measure of a professional economist position, however, is that,

within the discipline of formal methodology, economic facts are being established,

validated and interpreted. The following list is illustrative of occupational series

where positions may involve the use of economic information. Such positions are

excluded from this series:

GS-0020, Community Planning Series; GS-0101, Social

Science Series; GS-0130, Foreign Affairs Series; GS-0150, Geography Series;

GS-0460, Forestry Series; GS-0850, Electrical Engineering Series; GS-1140, Trade

Specialist Series; GS-1146, Agricultural Marketing Series; and GS-1150, Industrial

Specialist Series.

SPECIALIZATION AND TITLING PATTERN

The profession of Economics is divided by three major specialization patterns which might be

designated as macro-economics, micro-economics, and economic methodology.

Macro-economics is concerned with economic aggregates (e.g., national figures, world totals,

etc.) and their implication on the economy as a whole. Specialization follows the distinctions

between fundamental economic factors, i.e., land, labor, capital, etc. Micro-economics is

concerned with the economics of particular cultural institutions and their subdivisions, that is,

with the interrelationship of all economic factors with regard to a particular human endeavor.

Thus, we find, for example, specialists in the economics of particular industries (e.g., steel,

cotton, air transportation, electric power), particular services (medicine, public roads, etc.), and

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even particular enterprises (e.g., those who apply economic principles and theories to the

operation of a single firm).

Cutting across these distinctions are the specializations by method: mathematics, statistics,

empiricism, etc. Whereas all economists may use any suitable method of observation, analysis,

and interpretation, certain techniques require intensive knowledge and training, and such

additional preparation often leads to methodological specialization. An example of this type of

specialization is found in the field of econometrics which is concerned with formulating

economic theories in mathematical terms in such a way that theories can be tested statistically

and used to explain and project economic trends and tendencies.

(These procedures require a word of explanation: The econometrician first constructs a

mathematical model -- a set of equations intended to represent various economic units. He then

gathers data and applies his equations to observed economic behavior. He modifies his original

equations by adding or deleting explanatory variables until the model provides an adequate

(although highly simplified) representation of the economic behavior involved. The model may

then be used for analysis of the past, for forecasting of the future or for the understanding and

interpretation of structural changes within the economy.)

These major specialization patterns within the profession of economics as a whole are generally

indicative of the patterns found in Government as well. In the Federal service, however, these

patterns have been altered somewhat -- first, by the organizational structure of the Executive

Branch and, second, by the tendency of legislation bearing on economic matters to relate to

particular subjects. The distinctions between micro- and macro-economics and between types of

methodology become subordinate to the subject-matter area of the economics activity.

The specializations provided in this standard are based upon differences in qualifications

required by the various types of positions found in the Federal service, and take into account the

traditional subdivisions of the field, the existence of large numbers of positions in particular

specializations, and the organization of economic activities within Federal agencies. Inasmuch

as the specializations are broad and encompass many restricted and highly specialized subject

areas, selective certification may be necessary in filling positions involving narrow aspects of

such fields. In such cases, however, the use of the major specialization title is mandatory.

Economist positions in the Federal service may be classified into the following specializations:

Economist

Financial Economist

Labor Economist

Regional Economist

Industry Economist

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International Economist

Agricultural Economist

Specializations beyond those identified above will not be used as part of official class titles.

However, if the needs of the organization make it desirable to reflect a more specific

specialization as, for example, a specific region or specific industry, such specialty may be

shown in an organizational title. (See

Introduction to the Position Classification Standards.)

Detailed discussion of the types of positions covered by each specialization is included in the

following paragraphs:

Economist. -- This specialization includes (1) positions which analyze and interpret

relationships incorporating economic factors which cut across all sectors of the economy, (2)

positions which specialize in methodology, (3) positions which are not appropriately classifiable

to any other specialization in this series, and (4) all positions at the GS-5 and GS-7 levels.

Positions in this specialization may be characterized by a variety of assignment patterns. Several

of these are discussed below:

Some economists in the upper grade levels apply the broadest economic concepts in analyzing

and interpreting relationships among the forces within the economy. Their considerations

incorporate all economic factors, their data sources cut across all sectors of the economy, and

their findings provide fundamental information on the operation and direction of the economy.

Typically, such positions are on the staffs of the major policy makers in Government, where they

provide counsel on the economic implications of all types of Government action. They

contribute to the development of proposed legislation and to policy determinations involving

economic knowledge and provide interpretations of economic significance in public events of

various kinds. Theirs is a function of distilling and synthesizing economic information for use in

the important decisions of Government. Therefore, both their responsibility and their influence

can be exceedingly great. The career patterns of economists in such assignments may include

experience in any of the specializations in this occupation. The classification decision to identify

a position with this specialization is not based on what the economist has done in the past, but

rather on the nature of his current responsibility and the breadth of his present interest.

At all grade levels there are economists who analyze, interpret, synthesize, and project the

movements and relationships among the many forces playing upon the economy. Typically,

such economists use secondary sources and depend on their colleagues in the various branches of

economics to collect and distill primary data. Frequently (though not necessarily), their work

results in publication, sometimes in the "learned paper" tradition, but more typically in regular

periodic publications of the Government.

Economists who specialize in methodology are also included in this specialization when the

required knowledge of particular economic specializations is incidental to the skill and training

necessary to the technique. For example, an economist skilled in statistical methods might serve

in a staff capacity in setting up or reviewing plans for data-gathering surveys in a variety of

subject-matter areas which involve several of the specializations provided in this standard.

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Similarly, an econometrician might be required to develop models for the analysis of economic

behavior in a variety of situations.

(Note: When such specialists are assigned in an organization concerned with one type of

economic investigation only, familiarity with the data and understanding of subtle peculiarities

in the relationships add to his value in the assignment. In such circumstances, classification

within the appropriate subject specialization is more accurate.)

The title Economist with no modifier is also used for all economist positions at the GS-5 and

GS-7 grade levels where the requirements are for broad educational backgrounds in economics

rather than for any detailed knowledge or skill in a particular specialization.

Finally, this specialization is appropriate for those economist positions which include work in

two or more specializations when no one specialization predominates or those positions which

are not appropriately classifiable to any other specialization established for this series.

Financial Economist. -- This specialization is intended to cover economist positions that require

specialized knowledge of a large body of economic theory and principles related to money.

Financial economics is concerned primarily with what might be described as "economic

machinery" -- with money and money markets, credit instruments and systems, banking

processes and institutions, capitalization, investment, Government taxing, borrowing and

spending. The basic questions of the field relate to how financing activities are affected by

various other economic phenomena and how other economic phenomena are affected by

manipulation or changes in financial activities. Financial economists in the Federal service are

characteristically concerned with providing technical information and interpretation on what has

happened, anticipating what is likely to happen, and making recommendations as to what should

be done with respect to the economic machinery.

Although economist positions involved with any of the broad areas and concerns of financial

economics are to be classified in this specialization, assignment patterns are frequently related to

various aspects of public finance. For example, financial economists specializing in budgetary

analysis study the various programs of the Government (national defense, social security,

education, etc.) in relation to economic trends and make recommendations on economic policy

for such programs. Such specialists also develop supporting data and prepare drafts of the

annual budget message and of periodic budgetary reviews.

Some financial economists specialize in public debt management, involving analysis and

interpretation of data and recommendations on policy decisions related to the public debt. Such

specialists may, for example, study the impact of changes in the amount, character and

distribution of the public debt for its implications on credit conditions, interest rates, or the level

and distribution of income, or analyze the relationships of public debt securities to the

requirements of various classes of investors.

A third type of financial economist specializes in Government revenue and taxation. Such

assignments involve the analysis and interpretation of a variety of economic information for

purposes of estimating Government revenues, estimating the economic effects of various tax

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plans, providing detailed knowledge of the distribution and implications of the tax burden, and

developing proposals for changes in tax structures.

Financial economists also make studies, analyze data, develop policies, and provide professional

advice on the economics of money, banking, credit, investments and securities as they relate to

particular problems or responsibilities of the Federal Government. For example, Government

responsibility in connection with the supervision of banks and other financial institutions

requires knowledge and evaluation of their financial status, the effect of their operation on credit

conditions and on the economy, generally.

(See discussion of dual specialization under the

International Economist option for classification

determinations related to financial economists engaged in the international aspects of monetary

and banking problems; exchange rates, stabilization, and control; capital movement; balance of

payments; foreign loans and international financial agreements.)

Labor Economist. -- This specialization covers economist positions that require specialized

knowledge of the economic theory and principles which treat of the role of labor in the economic

process. Labor economics is concerned with the demand, supply, use, and remuneration of labor

as a factor of production.

There are two aspects of the field of labor economics. The first is concerned with the operation

of the labor market, that is, with the economics of the supply and demand for labor, and the

conditions which reflect the actions of these forces: employment and unemployment, labor

turnover, wage trends, income distribution, etc. The second aspect is concerned with the

institutional arrangements that condition the impact of business, trade unionism and Government

on the labor market, that is, with the rules, practices and laws which regulate the conditions of

work and with the machinery for collective bargaining between employee groups, employers,

Government, etc.

The problems which influence assignment patterns of labor economics in the Federal service

may be grouped into four primary subject areas: wages, incomes, or earnings; employment and

unemployment; working conditions; and industrial relations. These subject-matter fields are not

discrete but tend to shade into one another.

Labor economists specializing in wages, incomes, and earnings, for example, collect, analyze

and interpret information on wage structures, wage relationships, wage patterns, and trends.

They develop and maintain data on the occupational composition of the work force, construct

wage rate indexes and study employer practices on hours of work, overtime pay, shift

differentials, and the whole range of supplementary wage benefits. Based on analysis and

interpretation of such data, they make recommendations for wage policy and legislation and

provide evaluations of the implication of such policy or legislation on wages as well as the effect

of wage levels and trends on economic development.

In connection with employment, labor economists collect and analyze data on the level and trend

of employment and unemployment, on factors affecting the demands for and supply of labor,

labor turnover and changing labor market conditions. They study changes in the size and

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composition of the working population and make projections related to labor force growth. They

make estimates of employment and unemployment, study current economic developments

particularly for their effects on employment, and evaluate the effect of changes in labor market

conditions on the national economy.

They study the functioning of the labor market for defects in its organization and imbalances in

its operation so that remedial actions may be instituted to reduce its deficiencies. Such studies

include the channels used by job seekers in obtaining jobs and employers in obtaining workers,

the mobility of the labor force, and the employment problems and participation of older workers

and youth in the job market.

Labor economists concerned with working conditions collect and analyze data on the effects of

the length of daily and weekly working hours and other working conditions (e.g., night work,

shift rotation, weight lifting, safety clothing, meal and rest periods, industrial hygiene, etc.) on

the efficiency and well-being of workers as measured in terms of changes in production,

spoilage, work stoppages, labor turnover, injuries, illnesses, or absenteeism.

In the field of industrial relations, labor economists are primarily concerned with the complex of

institutional arrangements that govern relationships between workers and employers, and with

the dynamic forces that produce alterations in these arrangements. Their work involves the

analysis of collective bargaining agreements and of developments in collective bargaining; the

structure and machinery of labor-management relations; the structure and functions of trade

unionism as an institution; the incidence of and the issues involved in work stoppages; the role of

mediation, arbitration, and other devices in the prevention and settlement of strikes; the impact

of industrial disputes on the economy; and related matters affecting the labor-management

relationship.

Regional Economist. -- Economist positions in this specialization are concerned with the

economy of a particular region. The region assignment may be a political division such as a city,

county, state or nation; it may be a geographical region such as a river valley or coastal area; or

it may be an economic area, for example, a metropolitan area, an "urban-rural" complex such as

Appalachia or the common market countries. The region of assignment may be either domestic

or foreign.

(A full discussion of the relationship between the Regional and International

specializations is contained in the discussion of the International specialization.)

Regional economists are particularly concerned with the area dimension which is often not a

factor in conventional economic analysis. Oriented toward analysis of regional economic

development they may be assisted in their tasks by urban and rural sociologists, geographers or

other specialists whose fields also contain this area dimension.

Regional economists are highly informed specialists on all factors bearing on the economics of

the region of assignment -- not only economic factors, but all of the non-economic conditions

which affect the economy as well. These non-economic factors may be cultural, geographic,

historical, sociological or other types of conditions. The understanding and assessment of such

contributing factors involve specific knowledge not usually required of professional economists,

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and may influence the specific qualifications required for individual positions within this

specialization.

The economic problems encountered by incumbents in positions in this specialization vary with

the type of region assigned. For example, the statistical data available on economic conditions in

a highly developed region is typically both voluminous and complicated, requiring considerable

facility with the economist's most sophisticated tools of analysis. On the other hand, the extreme

scarcity of meaningful or dependable data on the economies of some of the underdeveloped

regions places severe handicaps on economists trying to understand and evaluate these areas.

Some regions present still another type of specialized complexity involving, for example, labor

mobility, location of manufacturing plants, availability of housing, shifts in agriculture and

extractive industries, depressed areas or lagging industrial sectors, future growth potential of

specific areas, resource use and needs, and impact of governmental action on local economic

activity.

In any assignment area, pertinent economic factors may involve analysis of raw materials, land

productivity, power capacity and potential, transportation facilities, capitalization, production

potentials, trade patterns and institutions, population (both as a work force and as a consumer

factor), or any other condition bearing on the economic life of the region of assignment.

Specific analytical techniques used may include flow-of-funds analysis, input-output studies and

various demographic techniques. The development of impact or parametric models and

projections of growth and change are characteristic. Much of the data used comes from existing

governmental statistical sources, but new small area data need to be developed and the

economists involved in regional research programs are vitally interested in helping to develop

these new data in the most efficient and lasting way.

Industry Economist. -- This specialization includes the study and analysis of the production,

distribution and consumption of particular commodities or services; of the organization,

capitalization, markets, and other economic conditions affecting the industries which produce

these commodities or services; or the interrelationship between the forces of the economy as a

whole and the economics of a particular industry.

Assignments of industry economists characteristically concentrate in a particular industry or a

group of related industries, such as, for example, textiles, apparel, leather, steel, organic

chemicals, housing, electric power, railroads, air transportation. Economist positions of this type

are typically located in organizations where the breakdown has been established according to a

grouping of related commodities. This organizational grouping is determined according to the

nature and purpose of programs currently in operation. Although the industry of assignment is

occasionally indicated following the specialization title in some agencies, this practice is for

organizational purposes and administrative convenience. The use of the specialization title,

Industry Economist, is mandatory and subspecialization designations are not part of the official

class title. Positions concerned with food, fiber and other commodities produced by the

so-called "agricultural industries" should be classified in the Agricultural Economist

specialization.

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The industry economist is concerned with all factors bearing on the economics of the industry of

assignment: sources and supply of raw materials, methods of manufacture, availability of labor

force, capital funds, machine tools, transportation or power, nature of the demand, sales methods,

or any other condition or institution affecting the production, distribution, or consumption of the

commodity. Most of these factors involve other facets of the economy and the industry

economist must be aware of these implications and be able to relate economic facts from other

sectors of the economy to his industry of assignment.

Examples of the type of study which may concern an industry economist will illustrate the

variety of problems which characterize this specialization: studies on the movement of products

from producing districts to consuming areas; surveys of the size and characteristics of the

consumer market; data on the uses of the industry product, the price fluctuations, production

and/or distribution costs; studies on marketing patterns, manpower, capitalization, technological

improvements, etc.

International Economist -- This specialization is provided for economist positions concerned

primarily with the study of the interplay of economic forces between and among the nations of

the world. These economic forces include movement across national borders (1) of goods and

services (i.e., international trade); (2) of people -- both consumers and labor; (3) of money; and

(4) of ideas, particularly technological ideas but including also social, cultural, or political ideas

when pertinent to economic activity.

International economists are concerned with the facts related to these international movements of

economic forces, that is, with statistics and factual data on the extent, volume, frequency, nature,

distribution, etc., of such movements; they must understand and evaluate the variety of factors

and institutions affecting these international economic movements, factors such as national

tariffs, national and international law, transportation systems, climatic conditions, geographic,

historic or cultural considerations, etc.; and they must anticipate and interpret the implications

and trends in such economic activity, measuring the interrelated effect of these forces.

Care should be taken in using this specialization to be sure that the work involves knowledge,

understanding, analysis and interpretation of the movements of these economic forces across

national borders, and not merely a foreign setting or locale for one of the other specializations.

Every economic specialization provided in this standard may have an important international

application. We may have a position concerned with the economics of labor markets in a

particular foreign country, for example, or a financial economist position which specializes in

international banking problems. Regional economics very often involves regions outside the

boundaries of our country and an industry economics assignment frequently has some

international aspects either at the production or at the consumption level. Although these

international considerations are frequently of significant importance in such economist positions,

orderly personnel processes are better served by classification to the major field first.

Agricultural Economist. -- This specialization is provided for economist positions that require

specialized knowledge of the economic principles and the economic institutions which control

the production, distribution, and consumption of food and fibers. Agricultural economics is

concerned with the interplay of economic forces within this institutional framework.

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The agricultural economists are concerned not only with matters of supply and demand, costs of

production and transportation of agricultural commodities, etc., they are also concerned with the

basic institutions (established practices, formalized customs, the body of law and mores, social

habits and attitudes) which underlie and govern the production and distribution of agricultural

commodities and the economic health of agriculture as a major segment of our economy. Within

this century these institutions, and the economic position and role of the farmer, have been

profoundly affected by technological developments. Agricultural economists are therefore faced

not only with the problem of understanding and explaining these shifting forces, but with the

further responsibility of anticipating their direction, assessing their impact on agriculture as a

major segment of our society, and providing the information which is basic to policy

determinations in this area.

Although, as in other specializations in this occupation, assignments in the lower grades may be

limited to particular phases of economic investigation and analysis, all professional agricultural

economic positions function within the conceptual framework outlined above. The unique

requirement of positions properly classified in this specialization is professional knowledge of

both economic principles and the economic institutions of agriculture. When job requirements

include professional knowledge of agricultural techniques, care should be taken to be sure the

position is in fact that of a professional agricultural economist.

SUPERVISORY POSITIONS

Although supervisory economist positions are included in this series no grade-level criteria for

supervisory responsibility are provided in this standard. When supervisory duties and

responsibilities constitute a substantial part of an economist position and are of such significance

as to require supervisory qualifications, these responsibilities should be evaluated with reference

to the

General Schedule Supervisory Guide.

FUNCTIONAL PATTERNS AND GRADE-LEVEL DISTINCTIONS

The three basic functions which characterize professional economist positions are research and

analysis, program planning and administration, and consultant and advisory activities.

Economic research and analysis involve the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of

economic data and the presentation of economic knowledge in usable form. Basic procedures

follow classical research methodology: first, the orderly statement of the problem and of an

hypothesis, then the testing of the hypothesis by application of observed facts (usually economic

statistical data), and finally, the interpretation and presentation of the findings. Although in

programs involving very large data-gathering operations, assignments in the lower levels may

tend to relate to specific procedural steps, this classical procedure can be discerned at program

planning and direction levels. The research function may be found in professional economist

positions at any grade level. Distinctions between levels are related to the size and complexity of

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research assignments, the extent of the technical responsibility for the findings, and the character

and amount of direction and assistance received through supervision and established guidelines.

Program planning and administration functions (as distinguished from supervisory

responsibilities) frequently occur in economist positions above the GS-11 grade level. Criteria

for determining grade levels for program planning and administration functions involve, first, the

size, scope, and multiplicity of the program, and second, the finality of the technical and

administrative decisions being made.

Consultant and advisory activities, which involve recommendations on policy or administrative

decisions based on technical economics knowledge, are usually found in positions at the higher

grade levels. Considerations used in distinguishing between grade levels for this function relate

to the extent to which advice and recommendations are regarded as final and authoritative, the

complexity of the subject-matter area, and the importance of the actions or decisions for which

the information or advice is used, i.e., the level of the policy decisions, the scope of the proposed

legislative action or the implications of the administrative decisions.

Method for determining grade levels

The grade levels of economist positions vary with the relative differences in the conditions

discussed under each of the functional patterns described above. These variations may be

measured in positions involving the independent performance of professional economics work

by reference to the five following factors which affect the values of all economist positions:

Scope of assignment. -- Not only do economics studies and economics programs vary in size and

scope, but when large programs are broken down into individual assignments, these assignment

segments can also vary widely as to size and scope.

Technical complexities. -- Variations in this factor relate to the degree of creativity and

imagination necessary, the number of relationships and the subtlety of the variables involved, the

adequacy of established methods and techniques, and the availability of data.

Technical responsibility. -- This factor covers the degree to which the incumbent of a position is

held accountable for such functions as the statement of the economic problem and the

development of an hypothesis; for the effectiveness of the planning, the accuracy of the

economic facts, and the adequacy of the economic analysis; and finally for the validity of the

economic interpretations, and the significance of the research findings.

Administration responsibility. -- Variations in this factor relate to the extent of the incumbent's

responsibility for the allocation of agency resources reflected in decisions concerned with the

selection of economic studies, data sources including primary sources, techniques for data

processing and analysis, and methods of presentation of findings.

Policy responsibility. -- This factor covers the extent to which advice and consultation of the

economist may affect Government action relative to the economy of the nation, a large sector of

the population, an important segment of the national budget, an important non-economic policy

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of the Government (such as national defense or foreign relations) or other matters of such

importance.

Qualifications required. -- Although not included in a separate statement at each grade level,

variations in the qualifications requirements for economists at each grade are reflected in the

statements covering technical complexity and the three responsibility factors.

ECONOMIST, GS-0110-05

Scope of assignment

A typical on-the-job training situation is characteristic of economist positions at this level.

Assignments cover miscellaneous duties related to problems assigned to higher-graded

economists. Such assignments provide training and practice in the methods, techniques, and data

sources of a particular economic specialization. Many duties (such as the routine preparation for

statistical surveys, the tabulation and processing of data, the routine posting from secondary

sources, the preparation of simple charts, tables, etc.) may be similar to those done by clerical or

nonprofessional

technical workers. The distinguishing characteristic for professional economist positions lies in

the pattern of assignment which is arranged to provide a variety of training and experience and

to encourage the professional growth and development of the incumbent.

Technical complexity

Although the technical complexity of the program may be very great, assignments at this level

are broken down into simple steps. The greatest technical demand is that the trainee-economist

learn to relate the functions assigned to him to the broader aspects of the program.

Responsibility

Economists at the GS-5 level are expected to learn the procedures, master basic techniques, and

develop an understanding of agency objectives and policy so that they may advance to more

complex assignments and assume greater responsibilities.

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ECONOMIST, GS-0110-07

Scope of assignment

GS-7 economist positions typically involve an advanced on-the-job training situation.

Assignments characteristically are small unified segments of projects assigned to higher-graded

economists, or consist of specified duties in a continuing program. These assignments, which

are normally organized in such a manner as to provide the incumbent experience and increased

familiarity with the work of the organization, may include such duties as: the development of

the detailed plans for a study according to established specifications and precedent; the

collection and compilation of data from primary or secondary sources following detailed and

exact procedures and regulations; the preparation of preliminary interpretive reports, or portions

of such reports, following precise instructions.

The following are examples of the type of assignments which might characteristically be given

to GS-7 economists:

1. Visit a specified list of business firms to collect detailed economic information, such as

wage data or production figures, according to procedures and instructions which,

although administratively exact, still require judgment in comparability determinations,

recognition of data peculiarities, and similar technical evaluations.

2. Analyze and interpret factual economic statistics and draft simple press releases

explaining findings.

3. Compile and place in an orderly arrangement specified economic information from a

variety of indicated and readily available sources, making rough preliminary analysis

according to precise instructions.

Technical complexity

Procedures covering assigned program segments may be fairly involved and include techniques

of some complexity such as difficult calculations or exact comparability determinations. The

greatest technical demand is a continuing requirement to learn both the method and purpose of

the agency research effort and to master techniques, to become familiar with data sources and

relationships, and

to relate the immediate assignment to broad program needs.

Responsibility

GS-7 economists are expected to continue the learning process toward greater personal

proficiency. In addition, they are held accountable for accuracy in following complex

instructions and for developing initiative in following procedures without step-by-step guidance.

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ECONOMIST, GS-0110-09

Scope of assignment

Assignments are typically clearly defined segments of larger projects. They may be part of a

recurring or continuing program of economic data gathering, analysis, and interpretation, or they

may be units of a special research project assigned to a higher-graded economist.

Characteristically, assignments are so organized that objectives are limited and stated precisely

and results are integrated into the larger framework of the program as a whole. Such

assignments normally require the setting up and carrying out of working procedures, the use of a

variety of established methods, and the preparation of preliminary reports according to

established procedures. They do not involve responsibility for the statement of the problem, the

sequencing or planning of research steps, or the selection or development of research techniques.

They do, however, involve responsibility for understanding and following the design and

techniques of study which have been given.

The following are typical of the tasks and assignments undertaken by economists at the GS-9

level:

1. Perform several, or all, of the steps necessary to a project for collecting economic data

(employment statistics, for example, or marketing data) from primary sources such as the

records of business firms. Such a study may be assigned to a GS-9 economist after the

planning has been completed, if the procedures are exact and well defined, if precedents

for adjusting to unexpected events (sample substitution, for example) are well

established, and if supervisory assistance is readily available. Individual steps of such a

project, if assigned one at a time under close supervision, would be more characteristic of

the GS-7 level.

2. Be responsible for the work of a small organizational unit where economic statistical data

are being processed and where statistical schedules are being edited for technical

reasonableness. In such a situation, work must be done according to exacting, but clearly

stated standards and the GS-9 economist so assigned is held accountable for judgment in

the application of such criteria.

3. Parts, or all, of the work necessary to the analysis or interpretive-report examples shown

at the GS-11 level (examples number 2 and 3) might be assigned to a GS-9 economist

after the research plan was completed, the procedures carefully developed, and the

sequencing of each step of the project well worked out. In such a case, supervisory

assistance, instruction and training would be readily available. Such work might also be

assigned a GS-9 economist if the project were routine and similar to work done regularly

in the organizational unit so that procedures were well established and familiar and

unexpected problems were not anticipated.

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Technical complexity

Although the methods used are usually covered by procedures, the techniques necessary in

following procedures may be fairly complex. Some adaptation of established procedures, the

recognition of significance in variations from expected results, and interpretation of limited

findings in terms of the major project are typical of economist positions at this level. The

number of variables involved and subtlety of relationships tend to be somewhat limited.

Technical responsibility

Economists at this level are responsible not only for exactitude in following procedures and

precision in using techniques, and for the accuracy of information presented, but also for use of

professional judgment necessary to insure conformity with the technical intent of the research

plan.

Administrative and policy responsibility

Positions at this level do not typically involve responsibility of this nature.

ECONOMIST, GS-0110-11

Assignments at grade GS-11 are characteristic of the first level of independent professional

responsibility. This level of responsibility is represented by the full understanding and the

competent application of the basic tools of the profession. Assignments which require

independent professional responsibility are such that the validity of the results is presumed; that

is, there is an assumption that the findings are the product of competent application of accepted

professional techniques of research and analysis.

In a large and complex organization, assignments at the GS-11 level represent the smallest

division of work in which management is willing to invest full professional level ability and

talent. In other types of organizations where assignment patterns are made up of individual

studies, work is so preplanned and sequenced that the smallest studies or simplest series of

studies requiring such professional independence are assigned to GS-11 economists.

Assignments typically involve studies or program segments with readily definable objectives,

available information sources, and conventional research procedures. Such studies

characteristically fit within the pattern of a broad scheme of research which provides objectives,

controls sequencing, and establishes timing. Within these broad considerations, however,

studies assigned to economists at the GS-11 level require a thorough understanding of the basic

economic problem, the integration of the assigned study into the major research problem, and the

planning and execution of sequential work steps.

The following examples are typical of the type of individual assignments given to GS-11

economists:

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1. Plan and carry out a project for collecting detailed economic data (employment statistics,

for example, or marketing data) from primary sources such as the records of business

firms. This assignment characteristically will require a complete understanding of the

large research plan established by the agency, as well as considerable familiarity with

established practices and procedures, covering, for example, the statistical formulae for

determining sample size, procedures for sample selection, the method of organizing

actual data collection and reporting, procedures for data verification, processing and

tabulation, and the principles and policy governing analysis and coordination of findings.

Such a project is typically a part of a large and continuing program and will include this

year's data from a particular segment of the economy (like a single industry) or of the

country (a particular region).

2. Plan and prepare a quantitative analysis of data on the extent and type of change in land

value in a particular area resulting from a change in highway service. Such an

assignment when given to a GS-11 economist will be accompanied with suggestions as to

information sources and instructions covering procedures for analysis. It will require a

thorough understanding of the basic techniques involved and of the purpose of the major

program of which it is a part.

3. Plan and prepare an interpretive report on the productivity capacity of a particular

industry, including current and historical information on the ratio of capacity to

utilization, to be used as an important segment of a comprehensive industry analysis. In

such a case, the economist responsible for the larger project may suggest data sources

and will review the research plan, approve proposed procedures, make technical advice

and instruction available throughout the project, and provide thorough review of the

finished report.

Technical complexity

Although broad program planning and sequencing are provided by higher-grade economists, the

following technical requirements are characteristic of this level: (1) proficiency and precision in

the use of a variety of techniques, often considerably difficult and involving the correlation of

numerous factors; (2) the perception necessary to recognize, understand, and explain significant,

and possible subtle, variations from expected findings; (3) initiative and knowledge sufficient to

select, modify or develop procedures to meet unexpected or altered conditions; and (4) the

imagination, when necessary, to suggest investigations based on observations in related areas.

Technical responsibility

The economist performs each step of the research process in relation to his assigned area of

investigation. He states the problem, hypothesizes a solution and plans a method of proving the

hypothesis, locates and collects requisite data, analyzes and interprets pertinent information,

draws conclusions and presents findings, sometimes including recommendations for action to

affect related economic conditions.

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Administrative responsibility

Although the selection of problems to study is usually incorporated in the assignment instruction,

GS-11 economists have some responsibility for expanding or contracting studies or for initiating

auxiliary studies, subject to supervisory approval. Within the limitation of established research

plans, they are generally responsible for determination of data sources, selection and/or

modification of techniques for data processing and analysis, and for planning the method of

presentation. Supervisory assistance and guidance are readily available.

Policy responsibility

Although positions at this level do involve responsibility for the validity of data and accuracy of

information upon which policy decisions may be based, GS-11 economists do not directly make

or recommend policy.

ECONOMIST, GS-0110-12

Scope of assignment

At the GS-12 level the scope of assignments exceed the GS-11 level in either breadth or in depth.

Broader assignments, for example, are often characterized by a diversity of studies, that is, the

economist may be responsible for a number of studies similar in size to those found at GS-11,

but which are being conducted simultaneously; for several of the small program segments typical

of the GS-11 level; or for a similar pattern of duties requiring considerable planning and

coordination.

This multiplicity, which is characteristic of the GS-12 level assignment, is distinguished from the

"pattern of studies" described at the GS-13 level by the responsibility for planning of an

integrated research attack on a major problem which is typical of the higher grade. For example,

the variety of assignments at the GS-12 level may or may not all relate to a common problem or

project but, in either case, the responsibility at the GS-12 level is limited to the coordination and

completion of the studies assigned.

In addition to this pattern which relates increasing size and scope of assignments to increasing

breadth, the GS-12 level also encompasses positions characterized by increasing depth, that is,

the research may reach into unknown areas of economic understanding (involving new or

imperfectly documents theory, premise or technique, for example), or may provide more

thorough knowledge, more extensive data and more exact observations of particular economic

phenomena.

Here, too, assignments characteristically fit into a larger pattern of research planned by

higher-graded economists to which GS-12 economists make important and often sophisticated

contribution, but for which they are not primarily responsible.

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Assignments characteristic of this level include the full scope of the research process, from the

initiation of investigations and planning of methods, through the interpretation of findings and

the preparation of final reports.

The following examples of the type of assignments characteristic at the GS-12 level are

presented in terms of the hypothetical assignments described at GS-11, in order to illustrate the

distinctions between the two grades:

1. Plan and carry out a project for collecting detailed economic data similar to that

described in example number 1 for GS-11. Such a project would normally be assigned to

a GS-12 economist when it is a first-time survey, for although the research plan would be

more likely to involve sampling problems in an unexplored universe, unexpected

collection or processing difficulties, unprecedented data peculiarities or similar

unexpected difficulties.

2. The analysis-of-data assignment described in example number 2 for GS-11 would be

more typical of GS-12 assignments if the techniques to be used are new and

unprecedented, or if the methodology itself is the subject of the investigation.

3. The interpretive report example given at the lower grade would be assigned to a GS-12

economist if there was an anticipated dearth of data requiring a difficult search for

sources and complicated and imaginative extrapolation techniques.

Technical complexity

In addition to the technical complexities described at the GS-11 level, demanding technical

requirements in GS-12 assignments result from the necessity of relating the immediate

assignment into broader patterns of responsibility. These widening patterns may relate, in some

cases, to the broad agency program and, in others, to wide theoretical concepts. Distinction from

the GS-11 level of difficulty may be recognized by an increase in the number and subtlety of the

variables involved, by the need for modification and adaptation of methods or for the innovation

of new techniques or procedures, and by the necessity for deeper understanding and insight into

the implication of findings. Such difficulties characteristically require a substantial knowledge

of current economic events, movements and factors, and the implication of these factors in the

agency's program concern.

Technical responsibility

As an independent professional responsible for each step of the investigative process, the GS-12

economist is accountable not only for the factual accuracy of his results but for the thoroughness

of his research plan and the cogency of his interpretations. He must be able to recognize and

evaluate significant and critical factors, to solve complex problems and to draw rational

inferences based on research findings.

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Administrative responsibility

Subject to supervisory approval, GS-12 economists are responsible for recommending the

initiation, development or revision of projects or studies which fall within the framework of

established agency programming and policy. Freedom in decisions of this nature may often be

limited by budget considerations which are not normal responsibilities at this level. (For

example, a decision to use secondary sources rather than collect primary data could be dictated,

not by technical considerations, but by an unavailability of funds over which the economist has

no control.) The professional responsibility inherent at this level, however, is for the optimum

use of available resources -- money, men, and machines -- in meeting the requirements of

programmed research.

Policy responsibility

As at the GS-11 level, the primary responsibility here is for the technical validity of findings, and

economists at this level rarely have any responsibility for policy recommendations.

Occasionally, assignments may require reports, analyses and interpretations which higher

echelons incorporate into policy recommendations.

ECONOMIST, GS-0110-13

ope of assignment

The scope of economist assignments typical of the GS-13 level, as at other levels, may be based

on either breadth or depth. In a large and varied operation, the GS-13 economist will

characteristically be responsible for a pattern of small studies or program segments which

represents in itself an integrated program. Such assignments involve the initiation, formulation,

planning, execution, and control of major special studies or continuing projects.

When, on the other hand, the increasing scope coincides with deeper probings into economic

phenomena, assignments at this level require a systematic research attack on a problem area of

such size and complexity that it must be approached through a series of complete and

conceptually related research studies. The development of proposals for major legislation, for

example, frequently requires extensive and difficult analyses of the anticipated economic effects

of alternate plans. The GS-13 economist must initiate, formulate, plan, execute, coordinate, and

bring such studies to meaningful conclusions. Assignments of this nature typically are difficult

to define, require sophisticated research technique, or involve the development of new or

unconventional methods or approaches.

The distinguishing feature about assignments at the GS-13 level is that they are made in terms of

problems. That is, rather than being assigned to a study or a project in which the objective has

been established, the GS-13 economist is given a problem which must be analyzed and defined

and for which he must find a solution. The problems are such that solutions characteristically

involve the design of a research plan which the economist may complete himself or may break

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into projects or studies which can be done by economists at lower levels. In either case, the

GS-13 economist is responsible for the original plan, for coordinating the execution of the

project, and for the conclusions which represent the solution.

The following are examples of the type of projects which are initiated, planned and conducted by

GS-13 economists to solve particular assignment problems:

1. A series of data-gathering studies so designed and integrated as to provide an assessment

of the economic impact of particular legislation with considerable economic

complications.

2. A series of mathematical models to study the relationship of national income to prices

and the effect of various changes in the size of the public debt on the level of national

income and prices.

3. A series of studies designed to measure the effect of rising earnings, and employment

benefits on social security insurance funding.

4. A project to re-examine the basic measures of employment and unemployment involving

an orderly test of the sensitivity of available measures to changes in the economy and the

development of more accurate barometers if necessary.

5. An investigation to determine the effect of changes in the production or consumption

ratios for particular commodities on the balance-of-payments position of an

underdeveloped country, including an evaluation of anticipated consequences on the

country's economy.

Technical complexity

GS-13 assignments require the conceptualization of large or complex economic problems

typically presenting unprecedented aspects. Requirements of this nature demand not only

extensive knowledge of the problem area and related economics, but the imagination and

creativity necessary to innovation. Complexities may involve the development and application

of new techniques and original methods of attack to the solution of important and unusual

problems; the application of a high degree of insight to isolate and define critical features of the

problem; the application of considerable originality and ingenuity in adapting, extending and

synthesizing existing theory, principle or technique into new patterns; or the defining and

conducting of auxiliary research studies necessary to the solution of the assignment problem.

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Technical responsibility

Work at the GS-13 level is performed with a marked degree of professional independence and

technical authority. Economists at this level are responsible not only for the thoroughness of the

research but for the significance of the findings and the effectiveness of the presentations. The

work performed is expected to be a finished product, reflecting a high order of professional

competence as to accuracy and critical evaluation.

Administrative responsibility

Subject to supervisory approval, economists at the GS-13 level are responsible for identifying,

defining, and selecting specific problems for study and for determining the most fruitful

investigations to undertake. Professional responsibility at this level includes accountability for

the soundness of value judgments reflected in recommendations relative to proposed studies,

changes in technical procedures and regulations, alteration in the direction of programmed

research, and matters of similar difficulty and importance.

Policy responsibility

This is normally the lowest level at which a professional economist in the Federal service is

expected to provide technical advice which is relied on in decisions concerning official

Government action intended to affect important aspects of the economy of the nation. Such

responsibility does not occur in every position at the GS-13 level and when it is part of the

position it is likely to be an occasional demand, limited to the economist's immediate field of

expertise. However, advice, counsel and recommendations of this nature provided by

higher-graded economists and operating officials are frequently based on findings,

interpretations and informal suggestions provided by GS-13 economists.

ECONOMIST, GS-0110-14

Scope of assignment

When an economist assignment at the GS-14 level occurs within the hierarchy of a large,

complex operation, the responsibilities characteristically encompass two or more programs of a

size similar to those assigned at the GS-13 level. Such assignments involve the formulation,

programming and guidance of projects or continuing programs of great importance and

significance.

When, as indicated at other levels, the assignment scope relates to depth rather than breadth of

investigation, the GS-14 economist position involves responsibility for formulating and guiding

major research attacks on problems of great difficulty and critical importance.

Whereas the GS-13 economist is assigned particular problems to explore and solve, assignments

to GS-14 economists tend to be far less specific and to involve, rather, a broad and general

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responsibility for a particular area of economic activity, such as, for example, important facets of

international trade or labor law. Within his area of assignment, the GS-14 economist will be

expected to anticipate the need for economic knowledge, to assess the adequacy of existing

programs, to identify the problems and plan accordingly. The resultant programs may be

extensive and varied involving complex organization, extensive staff and elaborate research

machinery, or they can be confined to the individual activity of the economist who conceives

them, or they may fall somewhere between these extremes. The measure of the GS-14

economist is not the size of the program but his responsibility for authoritative knowledge in a

large, complex and usually critical area of Government economic activity.

As recognized authorities in their fields, economists at this level typically serve as consultants

and advisors to top-level agency officials, and occasionally may be called on to provide

authoritative professional advice in the highest councils of Government.

Technical complexity

GS-14 economists are almost entirely dependent on their own personal professional knowledge

and imagination in the assessment and understanding of problems of critical importance. The

solution to such problems often requires originality and creativity in the development of plans,

design of experiments, invention of methods or the extension of existing theory to new and

unusual applications. Frequently, there is a dearth of applicable precedent, pertinent literature,

or proved methodology.

Technical and administrative responsibility

GS-14 economists are expected to locate and explore the most fruitful areas of research in

relation to the agency=s program and needs; to take complete responsibility for formulating and

carrying through research plans; to assume full technical responsibility for the interpretation and

application of findings; and to develop and present budget recommendations to support these

plans.

Policy responsibility

GS-14 economists serve as authoritative technical advisors, within the area of assignment, in the

highest councils of Government. They contribute technical information regarding the state of the

economy, informed interpretation of observed economic phenomena, and evaluations and

forecasts of economic movements. Theirs is the responsibility for seeing that policy makers are

provided with accurate, meaningful, and properly evaluated and understood economic

information.

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ECONOMIST, GS-0110-15

Scope of assignment

Three major functional patterns characterize economist activities at the GS-15 level: They

provide the leadership and direction for major divisions of important economic programs which

gather, analyze, interpret and publish the vast array of economic information provided by our

Government, or which administer legislative decisions bearing on the economic well-being of

our society; they assume responsibility for economic research of great importance, significance,

and difficulty which, though usually undertaken to solve urgent, practical problems of

Government, frequently contributes new insights into the dynamics and relationships of an

economic society; and they furnish economic advice and counsel on important action decisions

of the Government, from the planning and execution of Government economic policy to the

drafting of proposed economic legislation. Although it is characteristic for one of these patterns

to predominate in GS-15 economist positions, most jobs involve aspects of all three.

In addition, there is a shift in emphasis in economist positions which begins to manifest itself at

GS-15. At grades GS-14 and below, and in many positions at GS-15, the responsibility of the

economist ends with his providing authoritative technical information and a recommendation for

action. In such cases, the economist says, in effect: "This is the situation; these are the causal

factors; these are the alternatives for action. If this alternative is followed, this should be the

result; if that alternative is followed, then expect that result."

Therefore, although the end product of much of the work of Government economists is a

decision for action based on the economic information and analysis, most of the positions in this

series carry no responsibility for the actual decision. However, responsibility for decisions as to

Government action on problems with important economic significance and consequences does

occur in some economist positions at GS-15. This responsibility is not, of course, typical of all

GS-15 jobs; when it is present it is characteristically limited to situations in which the

professional judgment is based on expertness in a narrow and specific area of economics, and the

decision will involve matters which, though of considerable scope and importance, will not have

a critical impact on major industries or national economic interests.

Responsibility

Normally, GS-15 economists bring to their assignments the professional authority of

demonstrated outstanding attainment within their individual fields. As a result, both their

professional influence and technical responsibility are proportionately great. As administrators

of major economics programs they are responsible for the integrity of the economic knowledge

produced; as researchers their contributions are of such importance and magnitude that they

serve to move forward the economic arts; as consultants, the validity of their professional

judgments can have significant impact on the economic forces of major national or international

consequence.

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On the other hand, there are specific limitations to the responsibilities at this level. GS-15

economists do not, for example, head up the largest and most important economic programs of

the Government. They are not expected to make policy and their authority as "Government

spokesmen" is limited to their area of assignment.

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