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Chief Regulatory Economist

This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.

Class Number: 
0842
Annual Salary Range:
$60,384.00 – $96,468.00
Twice-a-Month Salary Range:
$2,516.00 – $4,019.50
Pay Grade: 
10
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Definition

This is technical and administrative work in the economic analysis and evaluation of public utility operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement; no other substitutions will be permitted. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)

One or more years of experience as an Economic Analysis Manager or Regulatory Economist III with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.

OR

A Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in Economics including 3 earned credit hours in Econometrics, Microeconomic Theory, or Regulatory Economics; and,

Two or more years of professional applied research experience or teaching experience at the college level in the field of Economics, Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, or professional experience performing economic analyses using statistical methods and techniques in a regulatory or utility environment.

OR

A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Economics; and,

Three or more years of professional applied research experience or teaching experience at the college level in the field of Economics, Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, or Statistics or professional experience performing economic analyses using statistical methods and techniques in a regulatory or utility environment.

OR

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 24 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Economics, Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, or Statistics, including 3 earned credit hours in Econometrics, Microeconomic Theory, Regulatory Economics, or a closely related field; and,

Five or more years of professional experience performing economic analyses using statistical methods and techniques in a regulatory or utility environment.

(24 earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified fields may substitute for one year of the required experience.)

Job Duties

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

Directs or reviews economic analysis and research in the area of public utility operation and rates; performs or analyzes theoretical and economic analysis of utility sales and revenues; and develops short and long-term forecasts.

Plans and organizes the design and execution of economic research projects at the state and federal level pertaining to the operation of electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, sewer, and water companies.

Provides expert testimony or comments in regulatory proceedings, findings of theoretical and econometric analysis of utility sales and revenues, class cost of service, rate design and rates, estimation of income and price elasticities, and short and long-term economic forecasts.

Prepares or supervises the preparation of both oral and written expert testimony; testifies and is subject to cross-examination regarding the results of analysis or studies.

Assists in the preparation of legal briefs on economic and rate design issues.

Provides supervision of research assistants and Regulatory Economists, as required.

Prepares reports on the economic impact of utility rate changes.

Designs or analyzes suitable formats for carrying out research studies by devising data collection and processing methods.

Studies utility rate theories, formulates methods and procedures explaining these theories, and establishes new sampling and other procedures designed to improve existing techniques.

Cooperates with other agencies in conducting surveys and research projects in the area of public utilities; participates in activities at the regional and federal level.

Maintains essential files and records.

Exercises significant independence and initiative in the performance of responsibilities; receives general administrative direction.

Performs other related work as assigned.

Key Skills

Comprehensive knowledge of modern economic principles and theories and their specific application to research and planning.

Comprehensive knowledge of, and familiarity with, the methods used in establishing samples, devising comprehensive surveys and research projects, and making statistical analyses involving the application of statistical measures.

Comprehensive knowledge of utilities and regional transmission operators, and of their economic and legal framework.

Ability to assume responsibility for conducting special research programs and give suitable assignments and instructions to assigned staff.

Ability to interpret economic facts and trends as they affect utility operations and rates, and forecast their impact upon consumers.

Ability to travel.

Ability to testify as an expert witness under cross-examination.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, representatives of other public and private agencies, and the general public.

(Revised 10/1/15)