Data Analyst I

Description

Position Summary

The Data Analyst assists the OPMI directors, MassDOT, and MBTA departments with analytical activities focusing on strategic research and policy initiatives, focused on improving the experience of how people travel in Massachusetts.  Major areas of topic areas include transportation equity; the changing transportation, climate, and economic environment; and the changing availability and quality of data for research and measurement.

Primary tasks include working with very large datasets (specifically of Transportation Network Company (TNC) data) to conduct thoughtful research to inform transportation policy; and supporting an annual travel behavior and demographic survey of riders, including any of oversight of field work, survey design and implementation, data collection, data cleaning and handling of sampling issues (quotas, sample sizes, weighting), statistical data analysis and interpretation, augmentation with and of automated data sources, presentation of results, and report writing to support policy decision-making for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation leadership. Additional projects may include research to support innovative measurement frameworks; design of pilot project evaluations; and general exploratory research.

The position works to support a range of policy decisions related to strategic research and performance management. OPMI is a shared service of MassDOT and the MBTA and as such, the position requires work on topics that affect any of the four operating divisions of MassDOT and the MBTA. OPMI produces work that is values-driven and data-informed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the Data Analyst include any of the components of research design, distribution, and analysis, both independently and—more often—as part of a collaborative team. These responsibilities include:

• Thinking creatively about open-ended research questions.
• Consulting with MBTA and MassDOT departments to determine research needs.
• Writing and proof-reading materials to explain data analysis to a variety of audience.
• Experience with and interest in working with very large datasets to conduct exploratory research and develop reporting tools.
• Establishing and following consistent best practices for use of surveys and automated data for research within and external to the organization.
• Survey or other research design, including questionnaire design and sampling plans.
• Programming/testing of research instruments.
• Pre-processing, cleaning, and preparing data (including very large datasets) for analysis, including developing and following standardized protocols, correcting for missing data and sampling bias, weighting, etc., as needed.
• Qualitative and quantitative data analysis, including exploratory and predictive analysis, e.g., multivariate regressions, factor analysis.
• Evaluation and analysis of data to make recommendations for future data collection efforts.
• Peer analysis and best practice research.
• Preparing presentation-quality charts and tables to include in project reports.

In addition, the Data Analyst may oversee a Data Intern position, including interviewing, hiring, supervising, mentoring, training, and evaluating 2 co-ops per year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Curiosity about transportation, mobility issues, and systems thinking.
• Interested in working in an open-ended problem-solving environment.
• Strong listening skills and collaborative attitude.
• Proficiency in working with big data and tools used to access, manage, and process such large datasets.
• Proficiency with statistical programming language and a willingness to learn other languages as needed (we primarily use Python and R).
• Familiarity with survey design, administration, and/or processing.
• Familiarity with SQL.
• Familiarity with GIS software and spatial analysis.
• Familiarity with or interest in developing skills related to big data sets, e.g., BigQuery, Snowflake, AWS.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite.

About MassDOT

The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) take great pride in connecting the Commonwealth’s residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT’s culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers.

MassDOT’s divisions include Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.  

Qualifications

Minimum Entrance Requirements 

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Current MassDOT employees should use their internal MassCareers account to apply.

All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered.

Please provide a complete, accurate and current resume / application for MassDOT to review in order to determine if your submitted materials meet the minimum entrance requirements for the position.   

Applicants must have (A) at least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional or technical experience performing related duties that include business data recovery, analysis, query design, reporting and statistical analysis; or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below   

Substitutions:  

I.    A Bachelor’s degree or higher with a major in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Information Management, Statistics or a related field may be substituted for the required experience

• For questions regarding the job posting, please email the MassDOT Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisition@dot.state.ma.us.
• For general questions regarding MassDOT, call the Human Resources Service Center at 857‐368‐4722.
• For a disability‐related reasonable accommodation or alternative application method, call the ADA Coordinator, Lucy Bayard, at 857‐274‐1935.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

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