Resource Economist
Union of Concerned Scientists
Washington, DC or Chicago, IL Office

The Union of Concerned Scientists is a nationally prominent science-based nonprofit working on issues we believe to be the greatest environmental and security threats of our time. UCS combines rigorous scientific analysis with innovative thinking and effective citizen advocacy to achieve practical solutions. We strive for a future that is free from the threats of global warming and nuclear war, and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. Our specific focus areas include global warming, renewable energy, advanced vehicle technology, nuclear power safety, nuclear weapons and related security issues, preserving the integrity of science, and sustainable agriculture.

As a core member of a vibrant and creative interdisciplinary team including ecosystem scientists, molecular biologists, economists, media professionals, lobbyists, and communications specialists, the Resource Economist will bring strong analytic skills and modeling expertise to our Food and Environment Program and to the organization as a whole. The Resource Economist will have significant opportunities to contribute to program strategies on agriculture and the environment and will bridge the gap between UCS and academic and government researchers focused on climate change and the competing uses of land for food, fiber, forest, and fuel.

The Position:

Under the direction of the Food and Environment Program Director and working with other program staff, the Resource Economist will provide in-house expertise in land-use modeling to support UCS’s advocacy in the area of land use choices for food, fiber, forest, and fuel, and the incorporation of the unintended health and environmental consequences of various ranching and agricultural practices into policy debates.

Responsibilities:

• Develop in-house expertise on climate change and land-use modeling
• Develop program goals, strategies, tactics, particularly on agricultural, land use, and environmental issues.
• Review and critique current policies; propose new policies to address new problems.
• Design, implement, and manage research projects on land use and the externalities of agricultural and ranching policies.
• Write program communications on agricultural, land use, and environmental issues.
• Represent program on agricultural and climate issues.

• Participate in developing fundraising strategies.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in applied agricultural, resource, or environmental economics or other appropriate discipline
• Demonstrated experience with relevant models associated with the competition of uses for land (e.g, GTAP, FASOM)
• Familiarity with the economics of land use issues associated with the externalities of agricultural activities, renewable energy mandates, population and economic growth, and climate change
• Strong analytic and project management skills
• Understanding of how economics and advocacy shape public opinion and policy debates
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills

Experience needed:

• Two or more years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural, environmental, or resource economics or other appropriate discipline
• Familiarity with public policy process regarding agriculture, renewable energy, climate change, and land use
• Demonstrated ability to produce reports on economics and policy issues and write about complex policy and economics matters for a lay audience

NGO experience is preferred but not essential.

To Apply:

The deadline for applications to this position is posted on our website at http://www.ucsusa.org/about/jobs-at-ucs.html#Resource_Economist [1]. Please submit a cover letter with salary requirements and how you learned of the position and resume via email to jobs@ucsusa.org [2] and include “Resource Economist” in the subject line. Email materials in Word documents only. No phone calls.