Description

The Central Transportation Planning Staff of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a data analyst to join the Project Analysis and Applications team. The data analyst will work in a variety of areas, including transit service planning, multimodal access studies, transportation safety and resilience planning, and travel demand modeling. This position requires strong data analysis skills and the ability to effectively communicate results to both technical and nontechnical audiences. Our team is passionate about using emerging data sources and analysis tools to provide insight into transportation planning and policy questions. We strive to be at the forefront of transportation analysis to provide support for the MPO, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), and the communities we serve.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include the following:

Apply quantitative analytical skills to provide insights for project- and policy-related decisions.
Exercise critical thinking about analysis methodology and data limitations.
Analyze large datasets, such as General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS), US Census data, and MassDOT IMPACT crash data.
Work with relational databases, including writing queries, validating data, and combining data from multiple sources.
Document analysis tools and methods to ensure reproducibility.
Synthesize and communicate complex quantitative and qualitative information into concise, well-organized narratives or graphical displays for both technical and nontechnical audiences.
Demonstrate strong personal initiative and manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
Collaborate to advance the state of the practice for transportation analysis tools at the agency.

Qualifications

While the following sections describe required and desirable qualifications, candidates who believe that their particular experience and skills fulfill the requirements are encouraged to apply.

Required

At least four years of full-time experience or equivalent part-time, professional experience in data analysis, transportation planning, or another field that would support the candidate's ability to carry out the above responsibilities
A bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field, transportation planning, geography, or GIS may substitute for two years of experience
A master’s degree in a similar field may substitute for four years of experience
Proficiency in data analysis and visualization using R and/or Python and an understanding of relational databases
Proficiency processing and visualizing geospatial data
Strong problem-solving and quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including proficiency in working with diverse data sources and types
Demonstrated ability to be open and receptive to new methods, tools, and technology
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Familiarity with and interest in sustainable transportation, emerging technologies and data sources, and equity and social justice

Preferred

Familiarity with or interest in transportation planning
Knowledge of the Boston region and the MBTA
Understanding of transportation policy issues
Familiarity with GitHub or other version control platforms
Experience working with Asana and other related project management software

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time position and the starting salary range is $70,000 - $85,000 annually, contingent upon qualifications and experience. The agency offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits; a flexible, supportive work environment; and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Additional Information

The Central Transportation Planning Staff of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization is a public agency made up of a passionate group of transportation planners, analysts, modelers, programmers, and engineers working to address the Boston region’s transportation challenges. The agency’s deep transportation knowledge is an essential asset to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), regional transit authorities, cities and towns within the region, as well as other agencies and stakeholders.

The agency has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work. Employees must reside within a commutable distance from the Central Transportation Planning Staff’s office, which is located in downtown Boston, in a transit-oriented and bicycle-friendly area.

Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the United States.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the fiduciary agent to the Central Transportation Planning Staff and legally employs the staff. Both organizations are Equal Employment Opportunity employers that take pride in the diversity of their workforces and encourage all qualified persons to apply. MAPC participates in the E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility.

How to Apply

This position is open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. First consideration will be given to those applicants who apply within the first 21 days. When applying for this position, please upload both a resume and cover letter via www.bostonmpo.org. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three references plus a sample of relevant writing or a work product.

Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization

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