This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
This is specialized professional work in the economic analysis and evaluation of public utility operations, natural resources impacts and energy trends, or health policy and public health issues in the State of Missouri .
Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
A Ph.D. in Economics from an accredited college or university including 6 earned credit hours in Microeconomic Theory, Regulatory Economics, or Econometrics, or a closely related field.
OR
Completion of all coursework requirements for a Ph.D. in Economics including 6 earned credit hours in Microeconomic Theory, Regulatory Economics, Econometrics, or a closely related field; and,
One or more years of professional applied research or teaching experience in the field of Economics.
OR
A Master's degree in Economics from an accredited college or university; and,
Two or more years of professional applied research or teaching experience in the field of Economics.
This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.
Performs and/or reviews economic analysis and research in the areas of: public utility operation/energy supply and consumption patterns; natural resources usage and impacts/economic feasibility of renewable energy applications; or health issues and associated public policy.
Designs and develops computer software packages for statistical estimation of the parameters of models developed.
Coordinates and monitors research efforts of private contractors/consultants.
Supervises part-time research assistants.
Assists and trains staff in incorporating economic data and analyses into planning and evaluation activities.
Assists legal staff with the preparation of briefs and cross-examination of witnesses ; testifies as an expert witness in hearings and cases before boards and commissions .
Participates in planning and organizing the design and development of economic research projects pertaining to the operation of electric, gas, telephone, sewer, and water companies throughout the state; constructs theoretical and economic models for studies of public utilities, including cost of service, price and income elasticities, projections of future demand, and comparative operational efficiency of companies in a given industry; develops and presents economic (employment, environmental, and other) analyses of alternative policy scenarios with respect to regulatory changes in the utility power industry, especially its impact on low-income and other smaller consumers, and utility investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy resources; provides economic analysis of testimony filed by investor-owned utilities and the Missouri Public Service Commission technical staff, including integrated resource planning filings and efficiency and resource plans; organizes and presents testimony as an expert witness in proceedings involving rates, rate design, generation expansions, integrated resource plans, and other regulatory issues before the Missouri Public Service Commission; answers cross examination questions posed by public utility legal staff.
Participates in planning and organizing the design and development of economic research projects pertaining to the forecasting of future water and/or energy needs throughout the state; develops economic analyses of alternative strategies and actions to reduce energy consumption, minimize environmental impacts, and promote production and use of renewable fuels in Missouri; develops and performs economic analysis and research on alternative policy scenarios associated with issues on present and future surface water and groundwater use; develops economic studies associated with natural resources usage and impacts; reviews economic analysis prepared by the Corps of Engineers or others as it relates to water supply, hydropower, or water commerce; provides economic analysis of testimony filed by the Corps of Engineers, governments, groups, and individuals involved with Missouri natural resources issues.
Estimates the burden of disease by applying econometric methods to national data sources and applying the estimated coefficients to Missouri-specific data; provides quantification of the explicit and implicit economic burden of certain disease, co-morbidities, or other pathological conditions resulting from disease in the state; provides cost-of-illness analysis and cost-benefit/effective/utility analyses when appropriate; provides forecast and projections on the impact of demographic and institutional shifts with respect to the demand for health in the state; provides economic analyses of existing or potential departmental programs and intra-governmental funding transfers in terms of equity and efficiency; presents findings in state, federal, or community forums; empirically and theoretically test departmental funding formulae and policy with respect to efficiency and equity; devises and assists in the implementation of strategies to better capitulate state or federal tenets to bolster social benefit in the state.
Exercises significant independence and initiative in the performance of responsibilities; receives general administrative direction.
Performs other related work as assigned.
Intermediate knowledge of modern economic principles and theories and their specific application to research and planning.
Intermediate knowledge of, and familiarity with the methods used in establishing samples, devising comprehensive surveys and research projects, and making analyses involving the application of statistical measures.
Intermediate knowledge of energy supply and demand patterns and their relation to short- and long-term energy economic forecasting.
Intermediate knowledge of public utilities, including labor costs and rate theories, and the legal framework within which utilities operate.
Intermediate knowledge of economic analysis and planning as it relates to Missouri River and State Water Plan alternatives.
Intermediate knowledge of the fields of health economics and public policy, and familiarity with public health, gerontology, epidemiology, and industrial organization.
Ability to utilize economic models and econometric techniques to interpret and forecast economic, demographic, health, energy supply/demand trends, and their impact on utilities, businesses, the environment, and residents of the state.
Ability to utilize statistical methods and mathematical techniques to develop economic studies and econometric models.
Ability to testify as an expert witness under cross-examination.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff and with representatives of other public and private agencies.