Senior Travel Behavior Analytics Co-Op

About the Department

Position Duties

• Think creatively about open-ended research questions. Conduct exploratory analyses on survey and ridership data to answer agency- and self-generated research questions related to rider behavior. Query, analyze, and visualize big data, including transportation network company (TNC) related datasets, to help answer agency research questions. Perform or assist with spatial and statistical analysis tasks in Python, R, and / or SQL, including: Cleaning, analyzing, and reporting on survey data. Aggregating and analyzing ridership data to inform survey sampling and weighting efforts. Retrieving and organizing spatial, demographic, and land use data for reporting, analysis, and presentation purposes. Ad hoc cleaning, merging, analysis, and visualization of MBTA / MassDOT’s data using a combination of ArcGIS / SQL / Excel / R / Python. Assist with the preparation of dashboards, reports, presentations, and other documents. Present results to a variety of internal MBTA / MassDOT audiences. Act as a data consultant for ad hoc internal and external request for data collection and analysis efforts. Participate in team / staff meetings, organizational events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as assigned. Provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experience. Additional responsibilities may focus on one or more specific departments or locations (refer to department-specific addendums or hiring manager guidance). Perform all other duties and projects assigned. * The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Think creatively about open-ended research questions.
• Conduct exploratory analyses on survey and ridership data to answer agency- and self-generated research questions related to rider behavior.
• Query, analyze, and visualize big data, including transportation network company (TNC) related datasets, to help answer agency research questions.
• Perform or assist with spatial and statistical analysis tasks in Python, R, and / or SQL, including:
• Cleaning, analyzing, and reporting on survey data.
• Aggregating and analyzing ridership data to inform survey sampling and weighting efforts.
• Retrieving and organizing spatial, demographic, and land use data for reporting, analysis, and presentation purposes.
• Ad hoc cleaning, merging, analysis, and visualization of MBTA / MassDOT’s data using a combination of ArcGIS / SQL / Excel / R / Python.
• Assist with the preparation of dashboards, reports, presentations, and other documents. Present results to a variety of internal MBTA / MassDOT audiences.
• Act as a data consultant for ad hoc internal and external request for data collection and analysis efforts.
• Participate in team / staff meetings, organizational events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as assigned.
• Provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experience.
• Additional responsibilities may focus on one or more specific departments or locations (refer to department-specific addendums or hiring manager guidance).
• Perform all other duties and projects assigned.
• * The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Enrolled, for entire duration of employment, in the graduate / master’s degree program of an accredited college / university in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Urban Planning, Transportation, Geography, Economics, Public Policy, Political Science, or related field(s). Above average ability to work with open-ended questions and managing ambiguity. Intermediate proficiency in at least one programming language (such as R or Python) and willingness to pick up new languages. Above average proficiency with standard office software (e.g. Microsoft office) or relevant technical tools. Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms. Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail oriented. Demonstrated interest in public transportation, urban planning, engineering, public policy, or public service. Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within diverse, fast-paced environments. Ability to commute independently to assigned work locations within the Greater Boston metro area, as required by the role. Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply). The MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship, such as H1-B status. In addition to your application, a resume and cover letter are required. Note: Technical skills can be taught. We are happy to hire co-ops with technical backgrounds, but we are primarily searching for people interested in the types of research questions we answer and willing to learn the requisite technical skills to answer those questions. Lack of knowledge in programming languages or other skills listed above should not deter applicants, provided they are willing to learn. * The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required.
• Enrolled, for entire duration of employment, in the graduate / master’s degree program of an accredited college / university in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Urban Planning, Transportation, Geography, Economics, Public Policy, Political Science, or related field(s).
• Above average ability to work with open-ended questions and managing ambiguity.
• Intermediate proficiency in at least one programming language (such as R or Python) and willingness to pick up new languages.
• Above average proficiency with standard office software (e.g. Microsoft office) or relevant technical tools.
• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail oriented.
• Demonstrated interest in public transportation, urban planning, engineering, public policy, or public service.
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within diverse, fast-paced environments.
• Ability to commute independently to assigned work locations within the Greater Boston metro area, as required by the role.
• Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply). The MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship, such as H1-B status.

In addition to your application, a resume and cover letter are required.

• Note: Technical skills can be taught. We are happy to hire co-ops with technical backgrounds, but we are primarily searching for people interested in the types of research questions we answer and willing to learn the requisite technical skills to answer those questions. Lack of knowledge in programming languages or other skills listed above should not deter applicants, provided they are willing to learn.
• * The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required.

Other Qualifications

• Curiosity about transportation, mobility issues, systems thinking, and public service. Interest in the “so what?” and policy implications of data analysis. Demonstrated listening skills and collaborative attitude. Ability to break down broad problems into answerable research questions. Experience conducting surveys and analyzing survey data. Interest in learning more about questionnaire design and survey methodologies. Previous work on qualitative or quantitative research projects. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite. Willingness to learn new technologies and new ways of thinking, and an interest in developing further skills with: Statistical programming language(s) (e.g., R, Python) Survey design and administration SQL and relational databases GIS and spatial analysis Big data analysis platforms (e.g., Snowflake)
• Curiosity about transportation, mobility issues, systems thinking, and public service.
• Interest in the “so what?” and policy implications of data analysis.
• Demonstrated listening skills and collaborative attitude.
• Ability to break down broad problems into answerable research questions.
• Experience conducting surveys and analyzing survey data.
• Interest in learning more about questionnaire design and survey methodologies.
• Previous work on qualitative or quantitative research projects.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and new ways of thinking, and an interest in developing further skills with: Statistical programming language(s) (e.g., R, Python) Survey design and administration SQL and relational databases GIS and spatial analysis Big data analysis platforms (e.g., Snowflake)
• Statistical programming language(s) (e.g., R, Python)
• Survey design and administration
• SQL and relational databases
• GIS and spatial analysis
• Big data analysis platforms (e.g., Snowflake)

Benefits

• This position is not eligible for benefits through the MBTA. However, some positions might be eligible to incur paid sick time or to receive a complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system. Please speak with the assigned recruiter or email [email protected] for more information.

Supplemental Questions