Economist: Policy Evaluations, Forecasts & Analytics

The work we do matters!Hiring Agency:Economic Development - Agency 72Location:Lincoln, NEHiring Rate:$27.346Job Posting:JR2026-00026337 Economist (Open)Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):06-02-2026Job Description:As an Economist at Department of Economic Development, you will work as part of a professional team whose goal is to ensure good data governance and enable data-driven decision making for the agency. The Economist will conduct program evaluations, policy evaluations, and create forecasts. The Economist will also assist with research requests, such as market research, spatial analysis, industry or supply chain analysis, lead generation, and other requests from staff and outside partners. Furthermore, the Economist will maintain and update data transparency initiatives. The Economist will also gather and analyze non-DED data that is needed by DED staff, such as that from the U.S. Census Bureau or U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The Economist will assist in preparing agency reports for the Legislature.Look at what we have to offer!13 paid holidaysVacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediatelyMilitary leave156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirementTuition reimbursementEmployee assistance program79% employer paid health insurance plansDental and vision insurance plansEmployer-paid $20,000 life insurance policyPublic Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal governmentWide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the StateOpportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public serviceTraining and Development based on your career aspirationsFun, inviting teammatesA safe and secure environmentAt the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!Job Duties: Conduct program/policy evaluations and analyses based on state or federal legislation/ regulations; Complete ad hoc research requests from DED staff and external customers; Design and implement methodology to create economic indicators or performance metrics; Create reports for indicators or performance metrics; Design and oversee data collection and analysis, and reporting and present of conclusions; Conduct economic impact analyses; Prepare agency reports; Build econometric models; Create data visualizations or maps; and Provide revenue forecasts for the ImagiNE program. Other duties as assigned within the scope of classification.R equirements / QualificationsMinimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics or a specialized field related to agency function plus four years experience in business or economic research. Master's degree highly desirable and may be substituted for two years work experiencePreferred Qualifications: Experience in R, Python, GIS software (such as ESRI ArcPro or Business Analyst), query languages, and data visualization platforms (such as Microsoft PowerBI ). Masters or PhD in Economics preferred.Other: Minimal travel may be required. As such, the incumbent must be able to present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation. Pay commensurate with experience. Regular and reliable attendance is required.Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Knowledge of: research, statistical and investigative procedures and techniques; and of statistical theory and the application thereof. Ability to: design and analyze research and statistical studies; to interpret the results of studies performed; and to effectively present these analyses and conclusions.If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: Opportunity StatementThe State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics. #J-18808-Ljbffr