Economist

About us

The Legislative Service Commission (LSC) is a nonpartisan agency providing the Ohio General Assembly with drafting, research, budget and fiscal analysis, training, and other services. We serve all members of the General Assembly and are trusted to provide objective, nonbiased, and confidential answers to questions covering all of state government so that members can make informed policy decisions. We foster a professional work atmosphere that includes a system of review, collaboration, and support to help employees meet our commitment to excellence in the services we offer to the General Assembly.

Job opportunity

LSC's Legislative Budget Office (LBO) is seeking an economist to join our team. Economists work in one of six groups organized by subject and are assigned various state agencies that become the focus of their work. The day-to-day duties of an economist vary considerably depending on the activity of the General Assembly. Duties include:

• Researching topics on behalf of a legislator and providing written or verbal summaries to the member or their staff;
• Analyzing bills for potential fiscal effects on state and local government budgets and preparing fiscal notes;
• Forecasting state tax revenues and Medicaid caseloads and costs;
• Preparing extensive analyses of the executive's proposed and the final enacted agency operating budgets at the beginning and end of the biennial budget process; 
• Following assigned agencies throughout the budget process, including amendment drafting, research, preparing analysis pieces, and estimating the fiscal effect of proposed state tax and Medicaid policy changes;
• Drafting appropriation and related language to be incorporated into legislation;
• Creating written resources for the General Assembly on topics of interest.

Salary and benefits

The current starting salary for new economists is $65,000; a higher starting salary may be awarded based on applicant's experience. We offer our economists merit-based salary increases, opportunities to learn and grow in their careers, and a comprehensive state benefit package including:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completed eligibility period.

Leave

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth/Adoption leave.

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

•  OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary.

Deferred Compensation

•  The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan.

How to apply

Complete the application on careers.ohio.gov and attach all of the following documents:

• Resume;
• Cover letter;
• Three references (with email addresses);
• Copies of transcripts for college and graduate school; and
• Writing sample of between four and six pages.