Fiscal And Policy Analyst

FISCAL AND POLICY ANALYST
Legislative Analyst’s Office
Sacramento, CA
lao.ca.gov

We will begin reviewing applications on June 28. We will consider applications
submitted after this date if the position remains unfilled.
 

The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has provided nonpartisan fiscal and policy analysis to the California Legislature since 1941. The primary activities of the LAO are to: 

• Assist the Legislature in all aspects of the budget process through its analytical and oversight activities.
• Respond to legislative requests for information about and analysis of the state’s budget and programs.
• Conduct independent studies and produce self-generated reports on topics of importance to the state.

The LAO deals with real-world problems that directly affect the public and assists the Legislature in setting budget priorities and state policy for one of the world’s largest economies. Working independently as well as in teams, the LAO serves as the eyes and ears of the California Legislature to ensure that state-funded programs are operating in an efficient and effective manner.

The LAO values excellence, expertise, teamwork, service, and diversity.
 

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The fiscal and policy analyst’s primary responsibility is to be the LAO’s expert in the policy area to which they are assigned. These assignments fall into one of the following units in the office: Economy, Taxes, and Labor; Health, Developmental Services, and Technology; Higher Education; K-12 Education; Human Services and Governance; Public Safety and Business Regulation; and State Budget Condition.

Toward this end, an analyst:

• Spends considerable time in the field learning first-hand how programs work in practice.
• Keeps up on the laws and available literature in their program area.
• Knows and stays in contact with legislative, administrative, and intergovernmental staff, as well as industry groups and nonprofit organizations in their assigned policy area.

The analyst uses this expertise to:

• Identify and analyze budget and policy issues and develop options and recommendations for the Legislature to address these issues. These analyses are contained in reports, legislative assignments, and initiative and ballot pamphlet write‑ups.
• Testify before legislative committees on fiscal and policy issues.
• Serve as a fiscal and program resource to legislators whenever needed.

Because analysts are nonpartisan fiscal and policy staff, it is essential their work be objective, analytical, accurate, and thorough. In addition, for the analyst’s work to be useful to the Legislature, it must be solution-oriented and performed in a timely manner.

The unit assignment for these positions have yet to be determined and may be in any of the units listed above.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must possess a master’s degree in public policy, public or business administration, economics, or a related field that includes a curriculum of economics, statistics, public finance, and policy analysis. In addition, analysts must (1) possess strong quantitative and analytical skills; (2) be able to communicate effectively through clear and concise writing and oral presentations; (3) work well with others in a fast-paced and production‑oriented environment; (4) learn, show initiative, and be willing to take on increasing levels of responsibility; and (5) be proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an Employment Visa.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The entry-level salary for the fiscal and policy analyst position is approximately $79,860 per year. The office will consider salaries that are above this amount, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Salaries for senior fiscal and policy analysts (analysts who have demonstrated the ability to perform all analytical tasks and produce all office products with a minimum amount of supervision) begin at approximately $115,000 per year. Salaries for principal fiscal and policy analysts range from $136,500 to $158,000 per year. 

The LAO provides a comprehensive package of health, vision, dental, and retirement benefits. In addition, the LAO provides vacation, sick leave, compensatory time off for overtime above a specified level, and about 13 holidays per year. Additional information on benefits can be found on our website at lao.ca.gov/careers/benefits.

APPOINTMENT STATUS

Permanent, full-time. Employees work from the office in Sacramento, CA on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Telecommuting is offered most Mondays and Fridays, workload permitting, but in-person work may be necessary.

PROPOSED STARTING DATE

September 2024.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit our GovernmentJobs careers page at governmentjobs.com/careers/laoca.

Visit our classification specifications page at governmentjobs.com/careers/laoca/classspecs for more information on other LAO positions and to subscribe to notifications of future openings.