Job Description
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is seeking an Economist to join the Data and Analytics Office (DAO) – Research, Applied Analytics & Statistics (RAAS) in Anchorage, Alaska.
This Direct Hire position focuses on applying economic theory and statistical methods to improve tax administration and taxpayer compliance. You will design studies, perform quantitative and qualitative analyses, develop predictive models, and evaluate tax policies.
This role is ideal for economists who want to use data-driven insights to support federal tax compliance and revenue estimation.
Qualification
To qualify for this GS-13 Economist position, you must meet the basic education requirement and have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12. Federal experience is not required; experience from the public, private, or volunteer sectors is accepted.
- Degree in Economics with at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus.
- OR a combination of education and experience equivalent to a major in economics.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level applying economic theory, statistical methods, and data analytics to evaluate tax administration, compliance strategies, or organizational operations.
- Experience using data systems or research tools to perform compliance, research, or analytics studies and provide recommendations.
- Experience utilizing data and analytics programs to support decision-making.
- Experience using statistical software, programming tools, and data visualization techniques to analyze data and present findings.
- Experience developing, analyzing, and presenting statistical information, and preparing complete reports.
- Experience communicating technical analytical findings orally and in writing to executives, senior leadership, and non-technical audiences.
- Minimum age of 18 years (or 16 with high school diploma or equivalent).
- U.S. Citizenship or National status required.
Role Responsibilities
Define study parameters including objectives, scope, methodology, and data requirements, independently determining the most appropriate analytical approach.
- Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses, including cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis, to support program evaluation, workload selection models, and compliance risk identification.
- Develop and revise predictive models to identify noncompliance risk, audit selection criteria, revenue estimation, and tax gap analysis.
- Perform a wide variety of economic studies to evaluate policies affecting tax administration and taxpayer compliance.
- Analyze long-range effectiveness of issues and recommendations in relation to the IRS mission and strategic goals.
- Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to align research with Data and Analytics priorities.
Conditions & Requirements
U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Must provide two forms of identification for Personal Identity Verification (PIV).
- Probationary period of 1 year for new competitive service employees.
- Must obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business travel.
- Must undergo a tax compliance check and prior employment screening.
- Fingerprint and criminal history background check required.
- May be required to serve a 3-year career conditional appointment.
Benefits
Complete federal benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.
- Eligibility for telework as determined by agency policy.
- Career development and training opportunities within the IRS.
- Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Additional Information
This announcement is open to U.S. Citizens and Nationals.
- Multiple locations are available; Anchorage, AK is one of many. If selected for Anchorage, that will be your official duty station.
- Telework is eligible but not guaranteed; determined by agency policy.
- Former IRS employees may be subject to prior conduct screening under the Taxpayer First Act.
- Tax compliance check: you must be in compliance with tax obligations.
- Reasonable accommodations for disabilities are available upon request.
- Contact IRS Memphis External at [email protected] for questions.
- Application status updates are provided via the official application portal; hard copy notifications are not sent.
About Company
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the federal agency responsible for tax collection and enforcement. The Data and Analytics Office (DAO) within the IRS uses data-driven research to improve tax administration and compliance. This Economist position is part of the Research, Applied Analytics & Statistics (RAAS) division, which focuses on economic analysis and predictive modeling. Working at the IRS offers a stable federal career with complete benefits and the opportunity to contribute to public service through data and analytics. Data and Analytics Office (DAO)-Research, Applied Analytics & Statistics (RAAS) is named as the hiring organisation for the Economist
- Direct Hire post.
FAQs
What does an Economist at the IRS Data and Analytics Office do?
You will define study parameters, perform quantitative and qualitative analyses, develop predictive models for noncompliance risk, and evaluate tax policies. The work directly supports tax administration and compliance strategies.
Can I qualify with a combination of education and experience?
Yes, if you have courses equivalent to a major in economics (21 semester hours in economics and 3 in statistics, accounting, or calculus) plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Is this position remote or telework eligible?
Telework is eligible as determined by agency policy, but it is not guaranteed. This is not a remote position; you will be assigned to a specific duty location such as Anchorage, AK.
What is the selection process under Direct Hire Authority?
Under Direct Hire Authority, competitive rating and veterans' preference do not apply. Your qualifications are evaluated based on your resume, questionnaire, and assessments. Qualified applicants are referred on a first-in, first-out basis.
What documents are required for a federal economist application?
You need a two-page resume, transcripts (official if selected), and any applicable veterans' preference or CTAP/ICTAP documentation. For current federal employees, include an SF-50.