Economist

Mark Thomas is hiring an Economist to add to the Business Development team! The Economist is a specialist who performs economic research and analyses, econometric modeling, and impact evaluations to assist in our business development efforts related to transportation and infrastructure funding opportunities for our clients. The Economist is also a skilled grant writer/administrator and supports transportation planning activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors legislative and regulatory developments affecting the transportation industry and provides timely analysis and recommendations; maintains an active awareness of federal/state/regional policy and grant funding offerings and guidelines.
• Conducts economic analyses to include economic feasibility studies for infrastructure projects, benefit-cost analyses (US DOT & Caltrans), forecasting, economic impact assessments of infrastructure projects, economic development projections, and market analysis.
• Plans assigned economic analysis and research activities internally and with external partners and stakeholders.
• Creates estimates of the key economic factors shaping transportation patterns and future trends, including available transportation options; and the impact of land costs, labor markets, job creation, and other socio-economic factors; provides insight to the impact of demographic and economic geographic patterns on the economic viability of transportation modes and service options.
• Conducts advanced data analysis, modeling, geospatial analysis, and tool development in support of transportation, infrastructure, and economic assessments; presents information on how these economic patterns affect government and user transportation costs, cost-effective modal and network options, and overall system performance.
• Performs research to support the formulation of analytical solutions, the development of economic models, and the interpretation of results, and completes research projects within cost, schedule, and approved scope, including all reviews and report development.
• Recommends policies/plans to aid in market interpretation or solution of client issues with specified objectives and limited variables.
• Establishes and actively contributes to internal and external client relationships.
• Prepares written reports, white papers, and presentations on micro and macroeconomic information related to the transportation industry for economic analysis, grants, client presentations, and marketing.
• Supports federal/state/regional grant application development and post-award administration to include research, economic analysis, competitive analysis, funding strategy advisory services, narrative development, grant application development/oversight, compliance/reporting requirements, and contracting.
• Organize and complete multiple tasks in a schedule-sensitive environment; accountable to deadlines and client targets, communicates appropriately.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in economics, applied economics, spatial economics, transportation planning, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in economic analysis, preferably in the context of infrastructure, urban development projects, etc.
• Experience with grant application development and/or grant administration.
• Knowledge of public grant funding programs from California Senate Bills, USDOT discretionary grants, etc. preferred.
• Experience working with public agencies, state DOT's, and/or federal government.
• Experience in conceptualizing and developing economic or business models using analytical methods.
• Knowledge of economic/econometric methods.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Proficiency with analytical packages and/or programming languages for data analysis and economic modeling purposes; proficiency with Microsoft Windows, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and MS communication tools.
• Knowledge of transportation and urban planning principles and activities preferred.
• Familiarity with geospatial modeling and data visualization tools.
• Ability to interact with clients on a regular basis.
• Superior interpersonal skills including courtesy, professionalism, and a cooperative attitude.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with a variety of unique and diverse people and personalities within and outside the Company.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and resourceful; responsive to feedback.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

Mark Thomas offers a fantastic benefits and compensation package to include:

• Competitive salary and incentives to include employee referral bonuses, and eligibility for year-end performance incentives
• 401k and ESOP retirement benefits to include profit sharing and a 401k match
• Paid-time off benefits to include PTO, public holidays + additional holidays, bereavement leave, jury/civic time, licensing & certification exam time
• Employer-paid vision insurance, basic life insurance, short-term & long-term disability, long-term care insurance, inclusive family planning & fertility resources, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), travel insurance, and in-house wellness education & challenges
• Voluntary medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and pet insurance
• FSA programs for medical, dependent care, commuter & parking
• Reimbursements for certification and licensing exams and study classes and materials
• Tuition reimbursement, paid annual dues for industry professional/societal organizations, memberships, and events
• Budgeted time for training and career development
• Flexible schedules and hybrid and primarily remote work environments

The offered rate of compensation (California locations only) will be based on individual education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and geographic location. The base compensation range for this position is $36.00 - $62.00 per hour.

For more detailed information on our flexible and inclusive culture, please visit https://www.markthomas.com/about-us/culture/.

Mark Thomas is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. Mark Thomas welcomes all.