Environmental Economist - Economic Policy Analyst

The State of Minnesota is hiring an Environmental Economist to conduct economic analyses supporting environmental policy and regulatory efforts. Key responsibilities include evaluating benefits and costs, assessing ecosystem services, and conducting independent research. Candidates should have three years of relevant experience and strong analytical skills. The position is full-time and eligible for telework, emphasizing equity and inclusion, with opportunities for training and development.
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.
,
• Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternatives.
,
• Assess ecosystem services related to maintaining water quality.
,
• Conduct independent research and correlate complex technical findings.
,
• Interpret economic theories and reports.
,
• Provide financial analysis support for compliance ability-to-pay cases and natural resource damage assessments.
,
• Support agency staff by performing economic, financial, and statistical analyses.

Requirements
• Three years of advanced professional experience in economic and policy analysis.
,
• Ability to develop creative solutions to complex issues using economic principles and statistical techniques.
,
• Experience preparing comprehensive reports and interpreting governmental or financial policies.
,
• Ability to present information in writing and verbally to various stakeholders.
,
• Experience coordinating and participating in stakeholder engagement activities.

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

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