Transportation Planning Equity and Data Co-op Spring 2025

Job Description

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Data and Policy, the Co-Op will be responsible for supporting a wide variety of projects related to transportation equity and the maintenance of transportation datasets and analytic methods. These projects will include regular maintenance of the MassDOT Mobility Dashboard, a public-facing resource that reports on transportation trends and travel behaviors; the development of the MassDOT Data Catalog to help internal and external stakeholders locate and access transportation datasets; and exploring methodologies and strategies to center and prioritize people and social outcomes in our planning work.

The responsibilities in this position are extremely varied, with many different topics and types of tasks depending on experience and interest. A successful applicant needs to be able to manage multiple projects with concurrent timelines and be very detail-oriented, independent, proactive, and organized.

Potential Job Responsibilities:

• Gain familiarity with transportation datasets, planning and analysis tools, and platforms.
• Maintain and extend both internal and public-facing data sharing platforms, including the MassDOT Mobility Dashboard.
• Assist with the development and implementation of new data tools and products.
• Manage, organize, and maintain 'transportation equity' data and analysis.
• Develop and author methodologies that address equity and social outcomes/impacts associated with transportation planning and implementation.
• Collaborate with people and stakeholders in other MassDOT divisions regarding data management, governance, and inventories.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Strong communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment, with multiple competing priorities/projects.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a small and collaborative team environment.
• Solution-oriented attitude, with excellent time management and organizational skills; strong attention to detail.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications, especially Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with ArcGIS mapping software or other geospatial management and analysis programs.
• Experience with data visualization and web development software including but not limited to Tableau and PowerBI.
• Experience with web development platforms and coding applications such as python, JavaScript, Java, or R.
• Experience in communications and/or graphic design a plus.
• Experience and interest in transit or transportation a plus.

Takeaways:

By the end of the co-op, the Co-Op will have been exposed to a broad variety of departments throughout the MBTA and MassDOT, as well as external organizations such as MPOs and community groups. They will have gained experience managing multiple concurrent projects, developing materials to support statewide transportation planning; collecting, editing, maintaining, and visualizing spatial data; communication with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders; and interacting with personnel at many levels of government. They will have had the opportunity to contribute to and share the development of plans which affect the entirety of the MassDOT and the MBTA.

In addition, depending on the person's interests and skills, MassDOT staff in the organization will assist in matching the co-op with appropriate side projects and mentors.

About MassDOT:

The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) takes 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 inclusive 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

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

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.

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

• For questions regarding the job posting, please email the MassDOT Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected].
• 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 ADA Coordinator, Lucy Bayard, at 857-274-1935.

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.