Position Summary:
Economic Assistants collect prices and related statistical data on a wide variety of commodities, services, and housing for the BLS Consumer Price Index. Data for commodities and services are collected by conducting personal and telephone interviews with store managers and buyers, managers in auto dealerships, doctors, pharmacists, and other professionals. Data for the housing survey are obtained by personal visit or telephone interview with either property managers, tenants, or homeowners.
Key Responsibilities:
- Traveling to a field office for on-the-job training and periodic meetings.
- Contacting homeowners, renters, and apartment management companies by personal visit to neighborhoods and follow up telephone interviews.
- Collecting and entering data on a handheld computer.
- Visiting retail and service establishments such as department stores, supermarkets, medical offices, and hotels to collect retail price data. A limited amount of data is collected by telephone/fax.
- Obtaining voluntary cooperation from survey respondents.
Required Education & Experience:
- Requires a probationary period.
- Requires a valid drivers license.
- Appointment to this position may require a background investigation.
- Must be at least 16 years old and a U.S. Citizen.
- 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 level.