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Economic Developer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in a technical/quantitative discipline such as statistics, math, actuarial science, computer science, economics, engineering, or a related business field such as finance * Three ...

Electrical Engineer II

Massena, IA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Ensures that standards of quality, economics, safety, reliability, maintainability, timeliness and performance are met throughout all engineering activities Responsibilities * Provide lead engineer ...

We deliver tailored energy solutions that fuel economic growth, strengthen communities, and help ... As an Engineer I, you will contribute to plant restoration, system recommissioning, and operational ...

Prepare engineer cost estimates and complete cost benefit economic analysis Required Qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Environmental Engineering, or related degree * 2 ...

Prepare engineer cost estimates and complete cost benefit economic analysis Required Qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Geotechnical, or Environmental Engineering, or related degree * 2 ...

Four-year college degree in Engineering discipline or equivalent work experience ... Comprehensive knowledge of telecommunications technology and economic analysis including:

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Economic Developer information

See Iowa salary details

$15

$62

$95

How much do economic developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for economic developer in Iowa is $62.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.37 and $80.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

In the field of economic development, high-level executive roles such as Chief Economic Officer or Chief Executive Officer can earn salaries exceeding $1 million annually, especially in large organizations or corporations. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, often complemented by performance-based bonuses and stock options.

What does an economic developer do?

An economic developer works to improve the economic well-being of a community by attracting new businesses, supporting existing industries, and creating jobs. They analyze economic data, develop strategic plans, and collaborate with government, businesses, and community stakeholders to promote growth and development.

What are some common challenges Economic Developers face when working with local businesses and government agencies?

Economic Developers often work at the intersection of public and private interests, which can present challenges such as aligning the goals of local businesses with municipal regulations or community needs. Navigating complex approval processes, securing funding, and balancing economic growth with sustainable development are frequent hurdles. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as the role requires ongoing collaboration with government officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to create win-win solutions.

What are Economic Developers?

Economic Developers are professionals who work to improve the economic well-being and quality of life in a community or region. They do this by attracting new businesses, supporting existing companies, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable economic growth. Their responsibilities often include planning and managing development projects, securing funding, and collaborating with government agencies, businesses, and community groups. Economic Developers play a vital role in shaping the economic future of the areas they serve.

What is the difference between Economic Developer vs Urban Planner?

AspectEconomic DeveloperUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, business, or related field; often certifications in economic developmentBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related field; planning certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, consulting firmsMunicipalities, government agencies, private planning firms
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on attracting and retaining businesses, job creation, economic growthFocuses on land use, zoning, community development, and urban design

While both roles aim to improve communities, Economic Developers primarily focus on economic growth and business attraction, whereas Urban Planners concentrate on land use and community development. They often collaborate but serve different core functions within urban development projects.

What are economic development jobs?

Economic development jobs involve planning and implementing strategies to improve the economic well-being of a community or region. Roles often include attracting new businesses, supporting existing industries, and fostering job creation, requiring skills in research, project management, and stakeholder engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Economic Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Developer, you need a solid background in economics, business administration, or urban planning, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in public or private sector development. Familiarity with data analysis tools, geographic information systems (GIS), and economic modeling software, as well as certifications like CEcD (Certified Economic Developer), are typically valuable. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills set top performers apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for crafting effective development strategies, securing investments, and fostering sustainable economic growth within communities.
What are popular job titles related to Economic Developer jobs in Iowa? For Economic Developer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Operations Research Analyst-Direct Hire

Operations Research Analyst-Direct Hire

US Department of the Treasury

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$74K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

New


U.S. Department Of The Treasury rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

235th of 691 rated public administrative organizations


Job description


WHAT IS DATA AND ANALYTICS?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions

Position(s) are to be filled in the following area(s):
Data and Analytics (DAO)- Research, Applied Analytics & Statistics (RAAS)
REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
You must meet the following requirements by the cut-off date as shown in announcement under the 'How to Apply' section.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS GS-5 AND (All GRADES): A degree in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.
Evaluation of Education:The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem. Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis. In addition, some positions may require knowledge of a specific subject area.Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science.The following are illustrative of acceptable courses: optimization; mathematical modeling; queueing theory; engineering; physics (except descriptive or survey courses); econometrics; psychometrics; biometrics; experimental psychology; physical chemistry; industrial process analysis; managerial economics; computer science; measurement for management; mathematical models in social phenomena; and courses that involved application of operations research techniques and methodologies to problems of management, marketing, systems design, and other specialized fields; or other comparable quantitative analysis courses for which college-level mathematics or statistics is a prerequisite. Courses in theory of probability and statistics are highly desirable but are not specified as minimum educational requirements because to do so would possibly exclude some applicants who would otherwise be well qualified.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-11 Level: In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
  • Experience with mathematical reasoning/statistical project assignments that require operations research requirements and techniques. For example, experience would show a good understanding of operations research processes, procedures, and rules.
  • Experience utilizing mathematical methods and scientific principles in order to accomplish studies, develop a variety of mathematical models and provide management with solutions or recommendations or the equivalent.
  • Experience using multivariate techniques and pertinent mathematical, simulation, economics, econometric and statistical operations research techniques.
  • Experience researching and gathering data from a variety of sources and using it to analyze technical projects and program areas.
  • Experience using negotiation and conflict resolution techniques to collaborate in a team environment.
  • Experience using oral and written techniques to develop/prepare presentations and deliver briefings, and experience managing/leading teams to develop analysis and final deliverables.
  • Experience with a declarative, set-based query language for managing and manipulating data in relational databases (examples include: SQL) or object-oriented programming language for data analysis (examples include: Python, R, SAS).
OR
Education
: You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a field of study such as: operations research; or a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence as described in the basic requirements.
OR
A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a field of study such as: operations research; or a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence as described in the basic requirements.
OR Combination of Education and Experience: You may qualify by a combination of experience and education. Options for qualifying based on a combination will be identified in the online questions.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-12 Level: In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position must include the following:
  • Experience with operations research project assignments that required a wide range of experience in mathematical reasoning requirements and techniques pertinent to the position to be filled. This experience is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant analyzed alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of mathematical methods and scientific principles utilized to accomplish complex studies to provide management with viable solutions or recommendations.
  • Experience with multivariate techniques and mathematical, simulation, economics, econometric, and statistical operations research techniques to use in the context of organizational policy decisions or business problems.
  • Experience with the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations and procedures, administrative provisions, and the Internal Revenue Manual in order to ensure guidelines are applied in analysis.
  • Experience assisting or conducting research using standard methods for identifying the probable causes of cost/workload variances and procedures for resolving variances.
  • Experience with oral and written communications to complete data analysis and communicate analytical findings through conference calls, emails, graphic displays, and oral presentations.
  • Experience using a declarative, set-based query language for managing and manipulating data in relational databases (examples include: SQL). Experience using an object-oriented programming language for data analysis (examples include: Python, R, SAS).
See education information for Specialized experience qualification for GS 13 Level.
For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.Education:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-13 Level: In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position must include:
  • Experience with operations research project assignments that required a wide range of experience in mathematical reasoning requirements and techniques pertinent to the position to be filled. This experience is generally demonstrated by assignments where the applicant analyzed alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of mathematical methods and scientific principles utilized to accomplish complex studies to measure program effectiveness and efficiency and to identify probable causes of cost/workload variance.
  • Experience conducting data analysis and communicating analytic findings to stakeholders through written products (e.g., emails, reports) and oral communication methods such as conference calls and presentations.
  • Experience applying the Internal Revenue code, Treasury and OPM regulations, administrative requirements and guidance to ensure analysis, recommendations or actions comply with established guidelines.
  • Experience consulting with supervisors, other operations research analysts, and subject-matter specialists to advise them on all aspects of problem-related studies and assignments, including the translation of broad and specific technical problems and considerations into language which allows for decisions and actions to be taken.
  • Experience using software (e.g., Excel) to develop analytical spreadsheets, prepare reports, and create materials that support operations to analyze and interpret technical or program data, develop tracking mechanisms and prepare technical reports or briefings used by management to evaluate performance, resolve issues or recommend improvements.
  • Experience using a declarative, set-based query language for managing and manipulating data in relational databases (examples include: SQL). Experience using an object-oriented programming language for data analysis (examples include: Python, R, SAS).
  • Experience manipulating datasets in relational databases (e.g., Compliance Data Warehouse, Enterprise Data Platform)

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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