Transportation and Land Use Analyst (Temporary)
Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Boston
August, 2014
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s Data Services Department seeks a temporary (full-time) Transportation and Land Use Analyst to assist with the implementation and
improvement of an advanced land use allocation model and to conduct additional research and analysis tasks to support sustainable regional planning efforts in Metro Boston. This position will be primarily responsible for operating an existing land use allocation
model, involving data creation and analysis for model improvements, development of inputs for alternative scenarios, development of statistical indicators for scenario comparison, and coordination to integrate the model with the regional travel demand model,
all leading up to deployment of the model in a public engagement process for regional transportation planning in early 2014. The analyst will also be required to conduct additional spatial and statistical analysis to support other MAPC projects and initiatives.
Applicants must have excellent quantitative abilities, demonstrated experience with transportation and/or land use models, and familiarity with regional land use and transportation planning processes. The ideal candidate will have prior experience with land
use allocation models and scenario planning efforts, and a strong commitment to issues of equity and smart growth. The term of the temporary position will be from September to December, 2014, with an additional extension possible contingent on need and funding.
This is a unique opportunity to work as part of a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary team focused on using data and technology to support informed regional
planning. The Data Services Department is recognized as a national leader in data dissemination, regional indicators, scenario modeling, spatial analysis, and open source interactive websites.
Primary Responsibilities
- Land use modeling using MAPC’s existing model set built using Cube software. Prepare model
inputs, conduct model runs, troubleshoot model runs if needed, review and log outputs, refine input parameters and datasets, and recommend additional model improvements. Coordinate with partner agencies for integrating with the regional travel demand model.
Research and develop quantitative indicators for scenario comparison, including those related to land use, public health, environmental impacts, transportation equity, climate change vulnerability, and neighborhood change. Set up model and related databases
to post process model results and develop indicators. Prepare data visualizations and written summaries for use in upcoming public engagement activities related to the Regional Transportation Plan.
- Policy-oriented research and analysis in areas such as demographics, land use, housing,
transportation and economic development. Design and implement quantitative research and spatial analysis addressing local, regional, and statewide issues impacting Metro Boston municipalities. Manage the work of junior staff and GIS analysts. Present results
in narrative and graphical form for print and web applications.
- Other tasks: Research and obtain updates to MAPC’s existing transportation and economic
data sets as they are released from public agencies, the private sector, and other MAPC units. Respond to email and telephone data inquiries from MAPC leadership, municipalities and allied organizations. Perform other duties as necessary.
Qualifications
The following are required qualifications for the position:
- A Master’s degree in planning, transportation, economics, or a related field and at least 3 years of experience in a related field.
- Demonstrated knowledge of planning concepts, such as land use, transportation, housing, economic development, sustainable development, equity, and zoning.
·
Demonstrated experience with data analysis, interpretation, report preparation, and presentation on demographics, land use and transportation
planning concepts.
·
Excellent written skills with experience writing planning documents, research reports, and technical documentation, and oral communications skills.
- A high proficiency with managing, analyzing and visualizing data using Microsoft Access, Excel, Geographic Information System (GIS), and PostgresSQL
- Experience working with diverse data sets from federal, state, and local agencies like Census, American Community Survey, Bureau of Labor statistics, and
Census Transportation Planning Products
- Demonstrated strategic and analytical capabilities, capacity for innovation, self-motivation, and goal-orientation.
The following are additional desired qualifications for the position:
- Demonstrated experience interpreting model outputs to inform regional and local policy decisions, including policy and resource allocations represented
in long-range transportation plans.
- Experience with integrated land use and transportation scenarios modeling using Cube software.
- Experience in developing population and employment projections using cohort-component-migration survival methods.
About MAPC’s Data Services Department
The Data Services Department is a nine-member team of planners, GIS analysts, web programmers, and IT administrators involved in a variety of regional planning activities and research.
Our principle activities include:
- Providing data, mapping, and quantitative analysis support to all other departments within the agency to support policy initiatives and local planning activities.
- Developing new datasets and conduct independent research on emerging planning issues of regional significance to help educate stakeholders about regional
trends and policy alternatives.
- Disseminating data through interactive websites and online applications.
- Providing basic analytical services and data products “on demand” to municipal clientele and allied organizations and agencies.
Over the past few years Data Services has:
- Developed the
Metro Boston Data Common, an on-line mapping tool and data viewer.
- Prepared
socioeconomic and land use projections for 164 municipalities in Metro Boston to support regional
transportation planning.
- Organized two international data challenges to engage programmers, designers, and researchers in the visualization of data related to
bike sharing and
vehicle miles travelled in Massachusetts
- Led or contributed to projects which received awards from the
Open Planning Tools Group and the
Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association.
- Pioneered the use of decision support tools such as Community Viz, scenario visualization,
location-based social media planning games, and wireless keypads.
- Conducted first-in-the-nation research on household transportation patterns,
school walkability, and the influence of new school construction on enrollment.
- Created
www.housing.ma, a housing data portal to help Helping communities plan for the housing needed to create a
vibrant and economically competitive commonwealth
About the Metropolitan Area Planning Council:
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council is a regional planning agency serving the people who live and work in
101 cities and towns in Metropolitan Boston.
Our mission is to promote smart growth and regional cooperation. We work toward sound municipal management, sustainable land use, protection of natural resources, efficient and affordable transportation, a diverse housing stock, public safety, economic development,
an informed public, and equity and opportunity among people of all backgrounds. MAPC’s staff consists of approximately 65 full-time employees located in downtown Boston in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office.
Additional information and requirements:
Compensation is $28-$35 per hour, commensurate with experience. No benefits.
The position is open until filled. Review of applications is currently underway. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and three references.
Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA and a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different
parts of the region.
MAPC is an EOE/AA employer. MAPC takes pride in the diversity of its workforce and encourages all qualified persons to apply.
HOW TO APPLY
___________________________________
Timothy G. Reardon
Assistant Director of Data Services
Metropolitan Area Planning Council
60 Temple Place | Boston, MA 02111
617-933-0718
