Budget Analyst - Natural Resources at Legislative Budget Board – Austin, Texas

** Minimum salary is listed. Actual salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience. **

The Natural Resources Budget Analyst is responsible for working with state agencies charged with the responsibility of influencing the development and management of the state’s natural resources and the Texas Legislature to develop state budget and policy recommendations for these natural resource agencies. Additionally, the analyst performs quantitative and qualitative evaluations using budget related data, assesses performance measure reports, develops budget and policy recommendations, communicates in writing and orally, and works on special projects for the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) relating to the natural resources area of state government.

The position reports to the Natural Resources Manager and works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

• Examine budgets, requests, and reported expenditures to assess whether funds are appropriately allocated, budgeted, and expended as directed.
• Provide assistance to assigned state natural resource agencies in the development of budgets, requests, strategic plans, program descriptions and other materials.
• Develop budget and policy recommendations and accurately reflect them in information technology systems as directed.
• Evaluate operations and outcomes in light of legislative intent, best practices, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Identify funding adjustments as necessary to improve operations or conform to targeted spending levels.
• Identify and inform management of budget and policy issues and provide concise explanations and options for resolution as appropriate.
• Collect, organize and analyze data and prepare written materials, including reports and publications, and/or verbal presentations as directed.
• Represent the agency at external meetings/events as directed and then provide written or oral summaries of key issues.
• Orally present and explain recommendations to LBB management, legislative staff and committees, and others as directed.
• May plan and conduct research projects and field studies.
• Follow quality assurance procedures to produce accurate and complete work products.
• May develop procedures and tools to implement plans/programs and measure/report progress.
• Read and analyze legislation to determine potential fiscal impacts and prepare written fiscal and policy analyses of legislation.
• Prepare riders and amendments for General Appropriations Bills and other legislation as directed.
• Contribute to agency projects and perform related work as assigned.

• Work effectively with LBB and assigned agency management and staff, and legislators/legislative staff.
• Think critically and use initiative and good judgment.
• Communicate professionally in writing and orally (including presentations in formal and informal settings).
• Create timely, relevant, accurate, and polished work products.
• Complete tasks with appropriate levels of independence and attention to detail.
• Use business tools successfully (i.e. Word, Excel, Access, Google Chrome, PowerPoint, email, customized applications, laptop/tablet, and smart phone).
• Proficiency in MS Excel, including complex calculations, PivotTables, and general ability to build and maintain complex spreadsheets with formulas, charts, and automation for reporting.
• Analyze, synthesize, and summarize quantitative and qualitative information.
• Identify alternatives and make recommendations supported with evidence.
• Maintain confidential and sensitive information and follow agency protocols.
• Understand legislative/budget processes and budget, performance, and operations of assigned agencies.
• Ability to work at a computer and desk for extended time.

Attributes Required of Every LBB Employee:

Education and Experience:

• Graduation with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university is required.
• Earned graduate degree is preferred.
• Coursework or degree in public policy or administration, program evaluation, budgeting, quantitative/qualitative research, finance, accounting, economics, natural resources, law, legal research or a related field is preferred.
• Two years of progressively responsible experience in a relevant policy area is preferred.

To apply for this position, you must initially set up an account and select a Username and Password through Governmentjobs.com. You may apply directly through the posting list on our website or on the Governmentjobs.com website. To set up an account go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/js_login.cfm. Please be sure to write down your Username and Password. Human Resources will not be able to retrieve this information. Only on-line applications will be accepted.

Examples of an applicant's work product and/or copies of transcripts may be required as condition of interview. Finalist may be given a work-related exercise. The person hired may be required to submit official transcripts. Credentials earned at foreign colleges and/or universities must have been evaluated by an acceptable entity and must be equivalent to credentials awarded by U.S. regionally accredited institutions of higher education.

The person hired may not simultaneously be employed by the Legislative Budget Board and another state agency or Texas public institution of public/higher education. Any job offer from the Legislative Budget Board is contingent upon: proof of eligibility/authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis; and proof of compliance with the Selective Service Law for males between the ages of 18 and 25.

The Legislative Budget Board is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment or in the provision of services on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Applicants should communicate requests for disability-related accommodations during the application process to LBB Human Resources at email address hr@lbb.texas.gov.