State of Montana

Chief Economist - (25141183)

Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at: https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

MISSION STATEMENT:

Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

DLI CORE VALUES:

• Responsiveness
• Respect
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Cohesiveness

It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here.

Watch this short video to see why people love working for DLI: DLI Employee Testimonials

BENEFITS:

Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Our mountains, waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling. Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs, rodeos, and theaters. Read more about our great state here.

See our other incredible benefits here. These are some of our benefits just to name a few:

• Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
• 38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
• Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click here to learn more.
• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to learn more.
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. – Click here to learn more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click here to learn more!
• Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
• State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026.

• This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)

JOB DUTIES:

As a Chief Economist, you will:

• Supervise a team of economists, guiding work while supporting professional development and connections among team members.
• Direct research and analysis of labor market and economic data for the purpose of informing workforce planning and economic development policy within Montana.
• Serve as the Department expert on Montana’s economic and workforce data, presenting information to a variety of audiences including lawmakers, stakeholders in workforce development, agency staff, and the public through written reports and presentations.
• Oversee projects to develop consistent data-gathering and reporting systems to be used in aiding policy implementation and execution.
• Coordinate with Department leadership to manage priorities and determine project requirements, working within the Department, across state agencies, and with external stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

If you are the right person for this opportunity, you will have the following knowledge, skills or abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of labor market information data and resources, including their methodologies, and appropriate uses.
• Experience working with large datasets and data systems for research, analysis, and visualization. Proficiency with tools and software such as SAS, R, and Tableau is required.
• Ability to generate clear and concise communications while exercising diplomacy and discretion on confidential, controversial, or otherwise sensitive issues.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of macro and microeconomics; advanced statistical analysis, regression and economic modeling techniques; professional research methods; data system processes.
• Experience reviewing and editing materials produced by others for usefulness, accuracy, and clarity.
• Ability to continuously learn new skills and methods.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with a strong mix of the attributes listed in the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) are desired. Candidates may demonstrate competency in the KSAs through experience, formal education (including certificates, credentials, or degree-based programs), or a combination of both.

Experience: Ten years direct job-related experience to include a minimum of two years management experience

OR

Education/Experience: Master’s degree in economics, statistics, data analytics, management, or another related field and four years job-related experience to include a minimum of two years management experience

OR

Any combination of equivalent experience and education to successfully perform the essential functions of the position

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY:

A complete state application is not required; however, you will need to initiate the application and attach the resume, cover letter or other required documents at time of application to be considered for this position. Resume will auto fill the application, but the application will not be scored or reviewed.

Failure to attach the cover letter and resume will result in your application being considered incomplete and will not be considered further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

Tip: When attaching your resume, cover letter or other required documents you must mark the attachments as “RELEVANT” or we will be unable to view your documents.

Required application materials:

• Cover Letter - In your cover letter, describe how your education, knowledge, and skills have prepared you for this position.
• Resume - include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position, including duties, dates of employment.

Only online applications will be accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents.

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

43.85 - 45.68 Hourly

Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type

: Standard

Shift

: Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Primary Location

: Helena

Other Locations

: Billings, Missoula, Miles City, Kalispell, Polson, Havre, Lame Deer, Libby, Sidney, Thompson Falls, Glendive, Lewistown, Cut Bank, Wolf Point, Lodge Grass, Butte, Bozeman, Great Falls Agency: Department of Labor & Industry Union: 000 - None

Posting Date

: Jun 3, 2025, 8:31:54 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)

: Jun 19, 2025, 5:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Office of Human Resources | Contact Email: dliapps@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-444-7069 The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Read Full Description