Economic Development Associate Jobs in Auburn, WA

Associate/Senior Modeler
Closes: The position is open until 9:00am PDT September 2, 2026.
Status: Regular Full-time Position, 40 hours per week; Exempt FLSA status.
Salary: The starting salary and decision to offer the position at an Associate or Senior level will be made at the end of the recruitment process, based on the experience of the selected candidate. The starting salary range is$90,000 - $110,000 annually, DOE, with full benefits including participation in Washington state Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). The full salary range for Associate level is $86,000 - $136,000 annually and Senior level is$98,000 - $150,000 annually.
Location: Puget Sound Regional Council; Downtown Seattle, Washington; The position may be eligible for hybrid work (within the region).

The Puget Sound Regional Council is the regional transportation, growth management, and economic development planning agency serving Seattle and the central Puget Sound. The thriving region is home to over 4 million people and is one of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan areas. PSRC brings together the region’s diverse counties, cities and towns, native tribes, ports, the state of Washington and civic interests to understand the challenges facing our region’s future and make plans for the region to continue to succeed. The agency serves as the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization and also plays the leading regional role in growth management, transportation, and economic development under state and federal laws. Visit www.psrc.org to find out more. PSRC is an equal opportunity employer.

The strength of our region is rooted in our diversity. Barriers to opportunity and achievement for people of color and other marginalized groups only undermines the talent and resources available to our region, limiting our ceiling for excellence. Regions that remove barriers and reduce disparities maximize the ability of every resident and jurisdiction, creating stronger economies, more engaged communities, and improved outcomes for all residents. At PSRC, we’re striving to create a region where all people have the means to attain the resources and opportunities that improve their quality of life and enable them to reach their full potential; where differences in life outcomes cannot be predicted by race, class, or any other identity. In order for us to accomplish this, our workforce has to reflect the communities we serve. We’re committed to creating an agency where all of our employees can thrive. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply.

THE POSITION:

PSRC is seeking an Associate/Senior Modeler in the Data Department to perform a variety of technical and analytical tasks under general supervision. The position will conduct research and assist in the development and application of PSRC’s travel and land use models. Expected to provide expertise and support in the use of advanced modelling techniques with programming, statistical methods, and other techniques used in transportation forecasting and analysis. Strong analytical skills as well as the ability to interpret and communicate complex data are also expected.

THE CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate for the Associate Modeler will have:

• Knowledge and strong interest in data analysis and interpretation.


• Knowledge of statistics, data science, travel modeling, land use modeling, and /or econometrics.


• Familiarity with activity-based travel models and/or UrbanSim land use models.


• Proficiency in software/programming, particularly with Python or R.


• Experience with relational databases, GIS tools, and transportation network data management.


• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.


• Ability to work effectively with agency staff, other agencies and the public.


• Knowledge of current trends in federal, state and local planning and interest in studying economic, social, and engineering impacts of policy decisions.

The ideal candidate for the Senior Modeler will have:

• Ability to organize, conduct and interpret travel demand and land use modeling studies independently.


• Ability to serve as a lead over other professional staff.


• In-depth knowledge of travel and land use modeling, experience with statistical methods and techniques such as discrete choice models.


• Demonstrated experience in the development, calibration and validation of activity-based travel use models and/or UrbanSim land use models.


• Demonstrated experience with software and programming languages used in modeling (e.g., Python, R, SQL, etc.).


• Experience with relational databases, GIS tools, and transportation network data management.


• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.


• Ability to work effectively with agency staff, other regional agencies and jurisdictions, and the public.


• Knowledge of current trends in federal, state and local planning and interest in studying economic, social, and engineering impacts of policy decisions.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Typical ways in which incumbents acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

Minimum Requirements for Associate Modeler:

• Master’s degree in a related field or a Bachelor’s degree in related field with at least two years of experience in statistics, mathematics, planning, or related subjects.


• Experience in statistical research and analysis preferred.


• Experience in the development and application of advanced travel demand models; experience with activity-based models is desirable.


• Any combination of lived and educational experience that would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job.

Minimum Requirements for Senior Modeler:

• Master’s degree in a related field or a Bachelor’s degree in related field with at least four years of experience in statistics, mathematics, planning, or related field.


• Experience in statistical research and analysis preferred.


• Experience in the development and application of activity-based travel demand models; experience with land use models like UrbanSim is desirable.


• Any combination of lived and educational experience in a related field that would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

• PSRC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran, or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact Human Resources at hrdept@psrc.org.


• This recruitment is for a newly created role and may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.


• PSRC office hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm with work hours determined upon hired.