Economist, Antitrust and Consumer Protection

Salary: $70,140.00 - $96,768.00 Annually
Location : Denver Metro, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: LAA-00533-04/25
Department: Department of Law
Division: Consumer Protection
Opening Date: 04/18/2025
Closing Date: 5/2/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address: 1300 Broadway, Denver, Colorado
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: Susie Esparza at 720-508-6539 or susie.esparza@coag.gov
Hiring Pay Rate: Salary note: Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

Department Information
Find a rewarding career making a difference: Join the Office of the Attorney General!

The Consumer Protection Section, Antitrust Unit is seeking an experienced economist to join the team of professionals protecting competition in Colorado. The Antitrust Unit investigates and enforces violations of the Colorado Antitrust Act, the Colorado Consumer Protection Act, and federal antitrust laws. This position offers the unique opportunity to apply your skills with economic modeling and forecasting to assess market dynamics and predict the impact of mergers and anticompetitive behaviors, and assist with other matters across the Consumer Protection Section. The strongest candidates for this role will have expert level econometric modeling knowledge and experience, as well as policy evaluation and experience supporting litigation.
WHO WE ARE

The Office of the Attorney General/Department of Law is the "People's Lawyer." The Attorney General, Phil Weiser, was elected by the people of Colorado and is the State's chief lawyer and law enforcement official. Our vision for the Department of Law is: "Together, we serve Colorado and its people, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy and promoting justice for all." Our core values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive our actions and demonstrate our focus on being principled public servants who are innovative and better together.
Visit our website to learn more:
Description of Job
WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Economist III in the Consumer Protection Section will work with attorneys in the Department of Law to investigate and litigate proposed mergers and allegations of anticompetitive conduct; investigate and prosecute price-fixing cartels; and oversee contract economists hired for specific matters. The position will also serve as an internal economic expert, advising Department management on complex issues relating to economic analysis. Duties include the following:

• Study the likely economic effects of mergers and business strategies by identifying candidate theories of harm to competition, conducting empirical analyses to assess those theories, and developing pragmatic solutions to economic and empirical challenges that arise in fast-paced investigations
• Analyze the economic impact of mergers and business strategies by identifying potential competitive risks, conducting empirical assessments, and developing practical solutions to complex economic and empirical challenges in fast-paced investigations
• Design efficient plans for gathering and synthesizing confidential data and other economic evidence from market participants, such as discovery requests and workflows
• Plan and execute efficient strategies for collecting and synthesizing confidential data and economic evidence from market participants
• Develop and implement sophisticated econometric models to assess market dynamics and predict the impact of mergers and anticompetitive behaviors
• Conduct policy impact evaluation and comprehensive analyses to evaluate the economic implications of existing and proposed legislation, providing strategic recommendations to guide policy decisions
• Work in teams to build detailed understandings of markets and competitive strategies through research, empirical analyses, interviews with industry leaders, and review of company documents and internal communications
• Test analyses and defenses presented by economists advocating for the investigated firms
• Assess economic arguments and defenses presented by firms under investigation; draft neutral white papers and/or rebuttal reports to the defenses presented by economists advocating for the investigated firms
• Present evaluations and make recommendations to Section leadership and actively collaborate in the decision-making process; advise Department management on issues relating to economic analysis and enforcement matters
• Collaborate in teams to build a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and competitive strategies through research, empirical analysis, industry interviews, and review of company documents and internal communications
• Serve as a testifying expert for the Department of Law about the relevant economic structure and effects at issue in the underlying lawsuit
• Testify at hearings and other contexts about the economic effects of proposed legislation
• Work closely with legal teams to integrate economic insights into case strategies, ensuring a robust approach to enforcement actions
• Perform continuous research to stay abreast of the latest developments in economic theory and antitrust regulations to inform analyses and maintain best practices
• Produce reports and written recommendations and expert reports for own testimony
• Manage and lead teams of contract economists on a project-by-project basis
• Work with units across the department to understand if they need to use an economist, what kind of economist to use, and how to approach econometric issues given case-specific issues, and develop standards on how these resources will be utilized
• Work with DOL Purchasing team to define the scope of work, deliverables, and performance standards for contracts, regularly track the progress of contract workers to ensure they are meeting deadlines and achieving the desired outcomes; provide feedback to contract workers regarding performance and to address any issues
• Oversee strategic consultant engagement, leading the selection and management of external consultants, ensuring their work aligns with the Department's objectives and maintains high-quality standards

Salary note: Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in the Department of Law, Consumer Protection Section.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Minimum Qualifications and Substitutions: Please document all relevant experience in detail on your application. Experience will not be inferred or assumed. Any part-time experience listed will be prorated.

Experience Only:
Requires seven (7) years of experience assessing market dynamics and predicting the impact of mergers or other anticompetitive behaviors.

OR
Education and Experience:
Requires a combination of college education in economics, finance, math, statistics, or in a closely related field AND experience assessing market dynamics and predicting the impact of mergers or other anticompetitive behaviors totaling seven (7) years.

Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the minimum qualifications, the preferred applicant will also demonstrate and clearly describe the following skills and experience in their job application:

• Expert level knowledge, skills, and ability to lead development of processes and procedures for economic analysis
• Prior experience working with economic analysis in collaboration with attorneys or the court system
• Advanced degree in economics or related field
• Ability to lead other economists in the analysis of work described
• Experience in government investigations in consumer protection or antitrust
• Experience with academic research of issues related to competition
• Ability to serve as an expert advisor on market dynamics and the impact of mergers and anticompetitive behaviors and aspects of investigations and litigation including case intake, enforcement, and settlement decisions.
• Previous experience with policy evaluation and making policy recommendations
• Drive to conduct continuous research to stay abreast of the latest developments in economic theory and antitrust regulations
• Experience working with contract labor and vendor management skills
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Ability to explain complex information orally and in written material
• Ability to work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, ability to work on teams
• Strong organizational skills
• Flexibility to manage heavy workload and tight deadlines as well as multiple projects simultaneously

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.
• Requires occasional out of state travel
• This unit offers flexible work arrangements. New employees are generally expected to work in-office two to three days per week. Additional flexibility will be considered for employees after a successful onboarding and training period. Please note, flexible work arrangements may change at any time based on business needs.
• Colorado Department of Law participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The Office of the Attorney General offers challenging, interesting, and meaningful work. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLY

Required Application Materials

A completed State of Colorado Application- Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the application provided is fully completed and clearly describes their education, training and experience as it relates to this position. Applications left blank or marked "See Resume" will not be considered.

Resume- Applicant may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter- A detailed cover letter explaining your interest in the position, any information regarding your skills, qualifications, accomplishments, etc. and how you meet the listed preferred qualifications is due at the time of application.

Veteran's Preference: In order to be considered for veteran's preference you must attach a copy of your DD214 forms as well as any documentation required to prove disability or marital status.

Your application will be reviewed by a qualified Human Resources Specialist to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. If your application does not demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements, you will be notified that you will not proceed in the selection process for this position. If your application is rejected and you have questions, you may contact Mercedes Chansisourath at mercedes.chansisourath@coag.gov.

Assessment Information:
Colorado Revised Statutes require that all state employees be hired and promoted through comparative analysis of merit and fitness. Upon meeting the minimum qualifications, the next phase of the process is typically a structured application/resume review by a panel of subject matter experts against the job duties and/or preferred qualifications in this job announcement to determine technical competence, depth and breadth of experience and potential job fit.

• Technical Competence - Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.

• Depth and Breadth of Experience - Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement and demonstrates the level of responsibility assigned.
• Job Fit - Experience will be evaluated to determine how well experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred.

It is imperative that the "Work Experience" section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work product, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants as the materials may be used to identify a top group for additional assessment or establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.

Appeal Rights:

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email, US Mail, faxed or hand delivered within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at under Rules.

WHY WORK FOR US

We Embrace Flexibility
We aim to produce outstanding work product for our clients, be efficient with our time, and support each other as team members - which also means we embrace flexible working arrangements when and where possible.

We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At the DOL, our commitment to DEI is thriving. We know that we are better together when our differences are valued and everyone is inspired and empowered to contribute. As such, we strive to provide a safe environment where individuals feel valued and respected for who they are; demonstrate a behavior and mindset where differences are welcomed, and individuals are treated equally and empowered to do their best work; and promote growth and innovation through a diverse workforce. We empower an active Diversity Equity & Inclusion Impact Team that creates approaches to ensure safe spaces and a culture supportive of people being their authentic selves, hosts events and programs on DEI areas important to our employees, enables development and sustainability of resource groups that give a voice to historically marginalized populations, focuses on retaining our incredible talent, and more! If your professional goals include promoting growth and innovation with colleagues who recognize that we are better together when our differences are valued and respected, then DOL is your place to be!

We Have Strong Core Values
Our core values drive our actions. At the Department of Law, we are: 1) principled, maintaining the highest ethical standards, rigorous legal analysis, and careful evaluation of facts; 2) public servants, who are always ensuring our work is not about us, but instead is about the people of Colorado; 3) innovative, by seeking to identify the best approach, make deliberate decisions, and look to improve; and 4) "better together," by working to support each other and collaborate.

We are Committed to Developing our Employees
We are deeply invested in our talent and regularly provide meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth through training and coaching. Further, our professional development and performance goal setting process is collaborative and ongoing, and aimed at helping our employees grow and succeed.

We Offer Excellent Benefits
In addition to the comprehensive including competitive medical and dental health plans, employer-paid life insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans with , and vacation and sick leave earned each month, there are many other unique benefits that we offer, including:

• and health plans
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid vacation and sick leave earned each month
• 11 paid holidays per year
• - A borrower may qualify for forgiveness by making 120 on-time payments while employed full-time in public service, if they have certain kinds of federal loans in a qualifying repayment plan
• Free access to an on-site fitness center
• Strong, flexible including 401K and 457 plans
• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the State personnel system
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and an employee discount program

To learn more about our benefits visit:

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Department of Law is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Julie Christopher at hr@coag.gov.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information:

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01

DOL: Residency: Applicants for State of Colorado classified positions must be current residents of Colorado. Are you a current resident of the State of Colorado who can provide proof of Colorado residency?

• Yes
• No

02

DOL: A resume and cover letter are required along with the completed employment application. These documents can be submitted using the "Attach" feature. Please confirm that you have submitted all required documents. Applicant may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

• Yes
• No

03

Please describe your most significant experience developing and assessing market dynamics and predicting the impact of mergers and anticompetitive behaviors AND/OR analyzing market dynamics and competitive strategies. Include in your response the organization and dates during which you gained this experience. Experience described must be included in the Work Experience section of the application.
Required Question