STEM OPT Economist Jobs
Economist roles at research institutions, federal agencies, and private firms qualify for STEM OPT when your degree is in economics, applied mathematics, statistics, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months total to build your U.S. career in economic analysis and policy.
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INTRODUCTION
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
This job posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Our Vision
Every New Mexican has access to affordable health care coverage through a coordinated and seamless health care system.
Our Mission
We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.
Our Goals
- Leverage purchasing power and partnerships to create innovative policies and models of comprehensive health care coverage that improve the health and well-being of New Mexicans and the workforce.
- Achieve health equity by addressing poverty, discrimination, and lack of resources, building a New Mexico where everyone thrives.
- Implement innovative technology and data-driven decision-making to provide unparalleled, convenient access to services and information.
- Build the best team in state government by supporting employees' continuous growth and wellness.
WHY DOES THE JOB EXIST?
The Economist will:
- Prepare the operating budget, appropriation request, and expenditure and revenue projections;
- Assist the advisor for program planning;
- Assist the department with expenditure and revenue budget issues;
- Perform a full range of budget, program and grant analysis for agency budget with multiple funding sources;
- Aide in providing fiscal analysis as needed by the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC).
HOW DOES IT GET DONE?
The Economist is responsible for:
- Managing the budget, revenues and expenditures for assigned division;
- Assisting in the analysis of expenses, grants, revenues, and reports to ensure compliance with the General Appropriations Act.
WHO ARE THE CUSTOMERS?
- Health Care Authority (HCA) and assigned programs;
- Department of Finance and Administration (DFA);
- Legislative Finance Committee (LFC).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION
Associate Degree in Economics, Statistics, or Business Administration and two (2) years of experience in database manipulation, statistical analysis, or spreadsheet and/or statistical software usage. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Must obtain a Defensive driving certification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage with extended periods of sitting.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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Agency Contact Information: Jolene Jaffa, (505) 690-9920. Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
BARGAINING UNIT POSITION
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Economist
Confirm your CIP code qualifies
Not every economics degree triggers STEM OPT eligibility. Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the official STEM Designated Degree Program List that USCIS maintains. Applied economics, econometrics, and mathematical economics typically qualify; general liberal arts economics programs sometimes don't.
Build an I-983 training plan early
Economist roles require you to map your daily tasks to your STEM degree in the I-983 training plan. Draft the learning objectives before your offer letter is signed so your DSO can review the plan without delaying your OPT start date.
Target employers with E-Verify enrollment
Federal agencies, large consulting firms, and most universities are already E-Verify enrolled. For private-sector research shops and think tanks, ask your recruiter to confirm E-Verify status before you progress past the first interview stage, since unenrolled employers can't sponsor STEM OPT.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
STEM OPT employers must pay the prevailing wage for your occupation and location. Run the OFLC Wage Search using SOC code 19-3011 for Economists before you negotiate, so you can verify that any offer meets the DOL wage floor for your geographic area.
Find STEM OPT Economist roles on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters Economist jobs by verified E-Verify enrollment, so every listing you see is eligible to sponsor your STEM OPT extension. Search by location and degree field to surface roles your DSO can approve without back-and-forth employer verification.
Understand cap-gap protection before your extension expires
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your STEM OPT expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. File the I-983 update with your DSO the moment your employer's attorney confirms the petition was accepted.
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Find Economist JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does my economics degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code. Economics degrees classified under STEM fields, such as econometrics, applied economics, or mathematical economics, appear on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List and qualify. A general economics degree from a program not on that list does not qualify. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before you apply for the extension.
What E-Verify requirement applies to Economist employers?
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify before you can begin work on a STEM OPT extension. Federal agencies and most large research institutions are already enrolled, but private think tanks, economic consulting boutiques, and nonprofit research centers vary. Ask your HR contact to confirm their E-Verify company ID before you submit your I-983 training plan.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for an Economist role?
The I-983 requires you to connect your day-to-day work to your STEM degree. For Economists, that means mapping tasks like econometric modeling, data analysis, policy research, or forecasting directly to coursework or skills from your degree program. Your employer's supervisor signs the plan, and your DSO must approve it before your extension start date.
How do I find Economist jobs where the employer already sponsors STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Economist positions filtered by verified E-Verify enrollment, so you can focus on employers who are already set up to support your authorization. This saves the back-and-forth of confirming employer eligibility during a live hiring process, which matters when your OPT end date is close.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my employer files an H-1B for me?
If your employer submits an H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT expires and USCIS selects it in the lottery, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization automatically through September 30 of that year. You must remain employed with the same E-Verify enrolled employer throughout the cap-gap period. Notify your DSO immediately once the petition is accepted.
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