Environmental Economist - Economic Policy Analyst

The State of Minnesota is hiring an Environmental Economist to conduct economic analyses for regulatory and policy efforts related to environmental protection. Responsibilities include evaluating benefits and costs of alternatives, assessing ecosystem services, and engaging with stakeholders. Candidates should have three years of experience in economic and policy analysis, strong reporting skills, and the ability to interpret financial policies. This is a full-time position based in Woodbury, MN.
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, while also assessing ecosystem services related to water quality.

Responsibilities
• Conduct independent research and 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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• Provide financial analysis support for compliance ability-to-pay cases, natural resource damage assessments, and water quality variances.
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• Interpret economic theories and reports for agency staff and management.
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• Coordinate and participate in internal and external stakeholder engagement activities.

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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• Experience interpreting governmental or financial policies.
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• Ability to present information in writing and verbally to various stakeholders.

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 (including R and 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