Summary
Are you ready to use advanced economic research and data science to influence public policy and improve workplace safety across California?
The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) is seeking an experienced Lead Economist to serve as Cal/OSHA's senior economic expert. In this highly visible role, you'll conduct innovative economic and statistical research that informs occupational safety regulations, legislative proposals, and statewide policy decisions affecting millions of California workers and employers.
This position offers the opportunity to tackle complex research challenges, develop advanced econometric models, collaborate with executive leadership, and help shape the future of workplace health and safety through evidence-based decision making.
This permanent, full-time position may be based in Oakland or Sacramento and offers a hybrid work environment with partial telework.
Job Description
As Cal/OSHA's Lead Health Economist, you'll serve as the Division's highest-level scientific and economic expert, leading complex research initiatives that directly support occupational safety and health policy throughout California.
You'll independently design and conduct sophisticated macroeconomic, econometric, and public health research to evaluate the impacts of workplace safety regulations, legislative proposals, and emerging economic trends. Your work will provide executive leadership with objective, data-driven recommendations used to guide regulatory, legislative, and strategic decisions.
This role offers significant independence and intellectual challenge, requiring innovative thinking, advanced analytical skills, and the ability to solve complex policy questions where established methodologies may not exist.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead highly complex economic and scientific research projects.
- Develop macroeconomic, econometric, and simulation models.
- Conduct Standardized Regulatory Impact Analyses (SRIAs) and fiscal impact assessments.
- Evaluate proposed regulations, legislation, and public policy initiatives.
- Analyze large datasets using R, Python, SQL, and other analytical tools.
- Design new research methodologies and analytical frameworks.
- Develop dashboards, technical reports, white papers, and executive presentations.
- Present findings and recommendations to executive leadership and stakeholders.
- Collaborate with government agencies, researchers, and academic partners.
- Mentor technical staff and provide leadership on research methodology and economic analysis.
Job Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the Research Data Specialist III classification.
Ideal candidates will possess experience in one or more of the following:
- Health Economics
- Labor Economics
- Applied Economics
- Econometrics
- Public Policy Analysis
- Statistics
- Data Science
- Quantitative Research
- Regulatory Impact Analysis
- Forecasting and Simulation Modeling
Preferred technical experience includes:
- R
- Python
- SQL
- Statistical modeling
- Monte Carlo simulation
- IMPLAN, REMI, or similar economic modeling software
- Data visualization and dashboard development
Highly desirable qualifications include:
- Master's or Ph.D. in Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Public Health, or another quantitative discipline.
- Experience conducting Standardized Regulatory Impact Analyses (SRIAs) or comparable economic impact studies.
- Experience supporting rulemaking, legislative analysis, or public policy development.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex analyses for technical and non-technical audiences.
Special Instructions
To be considered, applicants must submit:
- Completed State of California Employment Application (STD. 678)
- Resume
- Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)
- Job Application Package Checklist
The Statement of Qualifications must:
- Be no more than two pages
- Be double-spaced
- Use Arial 11-point font or larger
- Respond to all three questions listed in the official job announcement
Applicants must also possess eligibility through list appointment, transfer, reinstatement, or another qualifying method for the Research Data Specialist III classification.
Additional Information
Locations:
- Sacramento, CA or Oakland, CA
Schedule:
- Full-Time
- Permanent
- Hybrid Telework Available
If headquartered in Sacramento, periodic travel to Cal/OSHA headquarters in Oakland may be required.
Why Join the California Department of Industrial Relations?
At DIR, your research will have a direct impact on the health, safety, and well-being of California's workforce. You'll work alongside economists, scientists, public health professionals, and policy experts to solve complex challenges and influence decisions that shape one of the nation's largest workplace safety programs.
DIR offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- CalPERS retirement pension
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and state holidays
- 401(k), 457(b), and Roth retirement savings plans
- Professional development opportunities
- Public transit subsidy
- Hybrid work environment
- Opportunities to contribute to meaningful public service
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced economist or quantitative researcher seeking to apply advanced analytical skills to high-impact public policy and make a lasting difference for California's workers.
Phone
N/ACalifornia Department of Industrial Relations
The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) is a state agency dedicated to improving working conditions, ensuring fair labor practices, and promoting workplace safety across California. DIR oversees key divisions such as Cal/OSHA, which enforces workplace safety regulations, and the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), which upholds labor laws and wage protections. Through compliance programs, worker education, and employer outreach, DIR helps create fair, safe, and equitable workplaces for all Californians.
MORE JOBS
-
$112422.375000
Navy Chaplain
- Meadowlakes, Texas
- U.S. Navy
- Aug 18, 2026
-
Electrical Journeyman (Or on track to obtain)
- Winter Garden, Florida
- Schwenn Services & Contracting, LLC
- Aug 22, 2026
-
$158,650.17 - $222,132.02 Annually - 222132 Annually
Deputy Executive Officer - Risk Operations
- Ventura, California
- County of Ventura
- May 30, 2026
-
$98,275.48 - $137,599.18 Annually - 137599 Annually
Hospital Patient Access Services Manager
- Ventura, California
- County of Ventura
- Aug 22, 2026
-
Safety Officer
- Lubbock, Texas
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Jun 30, 2026
-
$89223.437500
Boatswain’s Mate
- Chanute, Kansas
- U.S. Navy
- Aug 18, 2026