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LSC Career Opportunities / Staff Roles

Legislative Budget Office

Duties

LSC's budget analysts' and economists' responsibilities include the following:

  • Serving the General Assembly by providing well-researched, clearly-communicated, objective, and nonpartisan fiscal information
  • Analyzing the fiscal effects of legislation and preparing fiscal notes
  • Conducting research for all members and staff of the General Assembly while maintaining the confidentiality of the requester
  • Preparing various budget documents to assist the General Assembly in enacting state budgets
  • Communicating results of research and analysis orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
  • Becoming an expert on the budgets of assigned state agencies and on assigned subject areas

Qualifications

Employment qualifications for budget analysts and economists include the following:

  • A graduate degree in public policy, public administration, economics, or a related field
  • Superior writing, research, analytical, and quantitative skills
  • An ability to communicate in a concise and effective manner
  • Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Excel
  • A strong interest in public service
  • An ability to provide nonbiased, accurate information to all members of the General Assembly on a timely basis
  • Willingness to work more than 40 hours per week when necessary and to adjust personal schedules to changing legislative priorities
  • An ability to work collaboratively
  • An ability to work under pressure and perform multiple tasks

Careers

Successful Legislative Budget Office staff members are given assignments with increasing levels of complexity and, in time, may be asked to review the work of less experienced staff. Staff promotions to higher responsibility levels and salary grades are based on performance. When openings occur, senior staff members may apply for supervisory or project coordinator positions that require coordinating and reviewing the work of several staff members.

Senior staff members who are not interested in pursuing a management role may mentor less experienced staff members, advise group leaders, and serve as in-house experts on a variety of subject areas. When positions become available, budget analysts and economists may transfer to another division within the office.