Economist Data Analyst

Under the direction of the Modeling & Forecasting Division Supervisor this position serves as a technical analyst responsible for supporting quantitative modeling dataset maintenance and technical analysis. The primary focus of this role is leading the research predictive modeling database quality checks and analytical support for Title IV Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs. Additionally this position maintains programming code supports short-term and long-term employment projections and conducts quantitative research for special workforce projects.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona based upon the departments business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility autonomy and trust. Across our many agencies boards and commissions many State employees participate in the States Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes in offices and in hoteling spaces. All work including remote work should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Lead technical analysis and quantitative research into the operational workings and outcomes of VR programs. Develop predictive models perform complex data cleaning and execute database quality checks to support data integrity. Build data visualization tools and regularly present technical findings and reports to the Vocational Rehabilitation Director and agency leadership.
Support the maintenance and enhancement the predictive models evaluating Title I adult services training programs and the statewide Workforce PELL initiative to estimate how participant demographics and local economic conditions impact outcomes. Maintain data files for the Applied Analysis Division to analyze participant enrollments outcomes and program characteristics. Collaborate with the Applied Analysis Division to identify partner needs and ensure evaluation data accurately informs training provider assessments.
Serve as a project lead or core contributor on the AI Risk of Automation initiative to identify and calculate risk scores for various state occupations. Utilize advanced AI workflows to safely scan extract and properly categorize national AI-related layoff events into standard Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) categories. Combine highly theoretical literature reviews with real-world event tracking and historical QCEW employment loss data to incorporate automation risks directly into official employment projections.
Support the creation update and programming maintenance of the States official Short-Term (ST) and Long-Term (LT) employment projections. Lead the development and maintenance of the UI Benefits Exhaustion Model using historical UI claimant demographics and environmental outcome records.
Assist with the development maintenance and execution of SAS/Python programming scripts for internal data tools and database updates. Serve as an operational backup for critical internal processes. This includes assisting with database updates for monthly employment reports or executing automated extraction scripts when the lead or supervisor is unavailable.

Knowledge of:

Extensive knowledge of econometrics statistical modeling predictive analytics and forecasting techniques;
Understanding of integrated data systems database structure and administrative record matching;
General knowledge of workforce development programs

Skills in:

Advanced proficiency in statistical programming languages (SAS and Python) for data manipulation ETL processes and predictive modeling;
Proficiency in creating data tools and visualizations using Tableau Excel or custom code interfaces;
Strong technical writing skills to document modeling methodologies and prepare analytical briefs for state partners.

Ability to:

Ability to clean manage and validate large complex administrative datasets for data quality and accuracy;
Ability to translate complex statistical results into clear visual and verbal communications for non-technical leadership and partners;
Capacity to collaborate closely with other division and state agencies to turn raw predictive outputs into actionable policy tools.

Three (3) plus years of experience in quantitative data analysis economic modeling or statistical research.
Bachelors degree in Economics Statistics Data Analytics or a related quantitative field Experience

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business then the following requirements apply:Drivers License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program)
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance deferred compensation plans and supplemental life insurance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule employees enjoy improved work/life balance report higher job satisfaction and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave programhere. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
Please note enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Rose Ibe at