The Central Transportation Planning Staff (CTPS) of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) seeks a principal analyst/travel demand modeler to join the Data Analysis and Applications team. This is a rare opportunity to be part of a team that applies leading-edge tools, including a recently developed regional travel demand model, to analyze high profile projects that will shape the future of transportation in the Boston region. 
 
A primary focus of this role will be forecasting the impact of land use developments and transportation investments in collaboration with major transportation agencies in the region, including the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Our team strives to be at the forefront of transportation analysis and is currently developing a framework for a new data program that will shape how we manage, analyze, and share data in the region. The principal analyst/travel demand modeler will design and implement analysis projects using a newly developed regional travel demand model and a variety of other tools. This individual also will instruct and coach other team members in applying tools for transit service planning, multimodal access studies, long-range transportation planning, and travel demand forecasting. A strong background in transportation and travel demand modeling, good judgment, project management experience, and the ability to effectively communicate results to both technical and nontechnical audiences is required. The successful applicant will excel in the following:
 

• Identifying needs for quantitative vs. qualitative analysis to support planning activities
• Applying travel demand modeling tools and analyzing outputs
• Analyzing large datasets, such as General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS), or US Census data
• Translating data summaries and model outputs into insights for project and policy decisions
• Interpreting statistics to understand and communicate robustness of analysis
• Communicating orally and in writing, including synthesizing complex quantitative and qualitative information into concise, well-organized narratives or graphical displays for both technical and nontechnical audiences
• Developing project work scopes and budgets
• Managing projects and ensuring that quality products are delivered on time and within budget
• Working collaboratively to advance the transportation analysis work products at the agency

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

• Advanced understanding of four-step travel demand models
• Familiarity with travel demand modeling software (TransCAD, EMME, or CUBE)
• Ability to rapidly learn new tools and technologies
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent grasp of transportation planning and policy issues
• Excellent organizational skills and time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks
• Familiarity with one or more computer-programming languages such as GISDK, R, Python, C , C#, Java, or Visual Studio
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with colleagues, clients, and representatives from other agencies
• A master’s degree in engineering, transportation planning, urban and regional planning, geography, GIS, or a closely related field

 
Preferred

• Five or more years of experience
• Previous MPO experience and knowledge of the MPO planning process
• Knowledge of the Boston region and the MBTA
• 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 $85,000–$100,000 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.
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. All employees are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status. 
 
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 that 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.