Environmental Economic Modeling Specialist

RTI International seeks an Environmental Economic Modeling Specialist in Durham, NC. The role involves conducting quantitative analyses, developing models to assess environmental and economic impacts, and collaborating with economists and analysts. Responsibilities include data analysis, maintaining datasets, developing economic models, and presenting research findings. Candidates should have a Master's degree or relevant experience, skills in programming and data analysis, and an interest in agricultural and environmental issues.
About the position

RTI International is seeking an Environmental Economic Modeling Specialist to join their agricultural and environmental economics practice within the Center for Applied Economics and Strategy (CAES). This role involves conducting quantitative analyses and developing models to assess the environmental and economic impacts of various policies and programs. The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of economists and analysts to produce high-quality research for government and non-profit organizations, utilizing advanced modeling techniques and data analysis skills.

Responsibilities
• Conduct literature reviews to identify best available data and/or best practices for data processing and analysis.
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• Design, execute, and communicate data analysis and research.
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• Lead the maintenance of core datasets to our analyses in replicable code and version-controlled repositories (i.e. via GitHub).
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• Contribute to the development of national and global economic models, incorporating underlying datasets and understanding data availability and limitations.
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• Develop post-processing routines for analyzing, reporting, and visualizing model outputs.
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• Visualize data in clear and compelling graphics including dynamic implementations (e.g. in Tableau or R markdown).
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• Maintain currency with key issues and concepts in environment topic areas including climate change mitigation and adaptation in various sectors.
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• Work with a wide variety of data content and formats, including spatial data, energy data, and economic data.
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• Collaborate effectively with project team members and external scientists.
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• Manage workflow in a timely, realistic, and cost-effective manner to meet client expectations.
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• Contribute to grant, cooperative agreement, and contract proposals.
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• Present research methods and findings via technical reports, journal articles, and presentations.

Requirements
• Master's degree in a relevant field or a Bachelor's degree with three years of relevant work experience.
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• Demonstrated experience developing and programming linear optimization models and working in optimization model frameworks.
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• Demonstrated experience collecting, processing, managing, and analyzing data, including experience with GAMS, R, Python, Julia, or related programs.
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• Demonstrated interest in agricultural and environmental resource issues.
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• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues to a wide range of audiences.

Nice-to-haves
• At least 1 year of relevant work experience desired.
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• Demonstrated experience with geospatial analysis.
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• Demonstrated experience developing and programming machine learning or other types of models for predictive analysis.
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• Experience with partial equilibrium economic models, including linear optimization models, preferably in GAMS.
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• Experience working on topics related to agricultural, energy, environmental, or natural resource economics.

Benefits
• Dental insurance
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• Disability insurance
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• Employee assistance program
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• Paid parental leave
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• Paid time off