Ridership Analytics Co-OpThe Office of Performance Management and Innovation (OPMI) develops and tracks performance metrics for MassDOT and the MBTA and implements strategic initiatives with a focus on data analysis to improve rider experience. OPMI also operates as the MBTA/MassDOT's internal research lab. We answer research questions developed both internally and externally to help us better understand how people interact with the transportation network. Co-ops will have the opportunity to participate in training, fieldwork, tours, conferences, and other learning opportunities as available. By the end of their co-op, they will have gained experience managing multiple concurrent projects, collaborating with multiple departments across the MBTA and MassDOT, and working with many datasets to answer a variety of real-world questions. This is a full-time, six-month position. Co-ops are expected to work 40 hours/week from 9:00AM – 5:00PM. OPMI is a hybrid office, meaning co-ops will need to work in-office on Tuesdays and Thursdays but can work remotely on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The Ridership Analytics Co-Op will provide analytical support across the office but primarily within the ridership team, which analyzes and reports on ridership to internal and external stakeholders. These analyses typically involve extracting data from a SQL database and analyzing it using software such as Python or R to either answer a research question or provide data to a stakeholder who has requested it. Related tasks may involve creating interactive dashboards or slide decks to summarize findings. A successful candidate will be detail-oriented and have a curiosity for data of all types and how it can be used to support decision-making.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Gain familiarity with the broad range of data sources used at OPMI to contribute to new and ongoing projects.
Work with supervisors to respond to data requests in a timely manner.
Analyze datasets up to several million records to extract findings.
Create dashboards, charts, and slide decks to help communicate findings to a wide range of technical and non-technical audiences.
Contribute to regular ridership reporting processes such as monthly ridership and fluctuations.
Perform QA/QC on new and existing datasets to validate data.
Perform ad hoc analyses as needed to support operations across the MBTA and MassDOT.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.
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 Requirements & Qualifications:
Currently enrolled and maintaining active status for the entire duration of employment in an accredited graduate / Master's degree program.
Above average attention to detail.
At least one year of experience with SQL.At least one year of experience with Microsoft Excel.
At least one year of experience working with large datasets.
Some knowledge of QA/QC best practices.
Data curiosity and desire to "dive in."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.
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.
Preferred Experience & Skills:
Experience with analytical software such as Python or R.Quantitative/analytical perspective, with ability to communicate technical findings to non-technical audiences.
Job Conditions:
Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.
Disclaimers and Definitions
General Disclaimer:
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
Application Completion: It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
Work Environment:
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. See job description for role-specific requirements. Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify
