Economist

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for an Economist. This position is responsible for performing economic analysis. Responsible for developing methods and procedures to analyze and forecast transportation economic impacts; conducting economic analyses and research to assist in determining what alternative funding sources will ensure future needed revenues; critically reviewing and evaluating MDT activities to ensure consistency with federal and state requirements; and researching industry practices. This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities. This position reports to the Alternative Funding Section Supervisor and does not manage others.

For a full job description, please contact Alycia Gereg at agereg@mt.gov.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation's mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Required Application Materials:

• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.
• A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.

Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as "Relevant."

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field. OR 4 years of related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Level 2.1 - $39.27/hr: 1 year of related experience.
• Level 2.2 - $41.18/hr: 2 years of related experience.
• Level 2.3 - $43.24/hr: 3 years of related experience.

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to build relationships and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to extract insights from large transportation datasets, identify trends, and interpret complex findings for a non-technical audience.
• Skilled in creating models to forecast traffic demand, revenue, economic impacts, or budgetary needs.
• Ability to produce clear reports and presentations that translate technical analysis into actionable recommendations.

Other Information

This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.

Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov.