Environmental Economist - Economic Policy Analyst

The State of Minnesota is seeking an Environmental Economist - Economic Policy Analyst in Albert Lea, MN. The role involves conducting economic analyses to support environmental regulatory policies, assessing ecosystem services, and providing financial analysis for compliance cases. Candidates should have three years of relevant experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate findings effectively. Preferred qualifications include experience with economic principles in environmental contexts and proficiency in statistical software. The position offers telework options and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
About the position

The Environmental Economist position at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency involves conducting economic analyses to support regulatory and policy efforts aimed at protecting water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. The role requires evaluating and quantifying the benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of various alternatives using economic principles and statistical techniques, as well as assessing ecosystem services related to water quality. The incumbent will conduct independent research, correlate complex technical findings, and interpret economic theories and reports, providing financial analysis support for compliance cases, natural resource damage assessments, and water quality variances.

Responsibilities
• Conduct economic analyses to support regulatory and policy efforts.
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• Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of various alternatives.
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• Assess ecosystem services tied to maintaining water quality.
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• Conduct independent research and correlate complex technical findings.
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• Interpret economic theories and reports.
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• Provide financial analysis support for compliance ability-to-pay cases and natural resource damage assessments.
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• Support agency staff by performing economic, financial, and statistical analyses.

Requirements
• Three years of advanced professional experience in economic and policy analysis.
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• Ability to develop creative solutions to complex issues using economic principles and scientific processes.
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• Experience preparing comprehensive reports summarizing information into tables or texts.
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• Ability to present information both in writing and verbally to various stakeholders.
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• Experience coordinating and participating in stakeholder engagement activities.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience applying economic and financial principles to inform environmental regulatory decisions.
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• Experience with state government financial policies and practices.
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• Experience managing large data sets and statistical design within the environmental field.
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• Expertise with statistical computer packages (R, SAS) and mastery of Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
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• Familiarity with the environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP).

Benefits
• Telework eligible
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• Full-time position
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• Equity and inclusion commitment
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• Training and development opportunities