Entry Level Science Policy Analyst Jobs in Massachusetts

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA's core values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, culture, and accessibility, and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values.

This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed. Job Summary The Senior Policy Analyst (Fare) is responsible for analysis of fare revenue and ridership data in support of the Fare Policy team within the Policy and Strategic Planning (PSP) Department. This position helps to inform the development and implementation of various fare policies and fare collection practices, including but not limited to the rollout of new fare collection technologies, design of future fare policy changes under consideration, and implementation of fare engagement and all-door boarding.

Scope of this position also includes, for example, analysis of the various impacts of expanded reduced fares and analysis of fare compliance and enforcement efforts across the MBTA system. Duties & Responsibilities Compile and digest fare revenue data across multiple sources. Contribute to the reporting, tracking, and analysis of MBTA fare revenue data using Excel, SQL, R, Tableau, and/or other data management processes.

Translate complex data findings into actionable policy recommendations for a variety of technical and non-technical stakeholders and business partners. Identify opportunities to enhance data reporting, collection, and analysis. Develop dashboards to monitor data feeds.

As part of a collaborative team, prioritize and manage data projects, including identifying data needs, conducting data collection, cleaning, and analysis, reporting results within and outside the organization, and using research results to inform practice. Conduct analyses of fare revenue trends and the impacts of initiatives both planned and underway. Prepare and clean datasets for analysis to support fare scenario modeling, elasticity estimation, and Title?VI fare equity analyses.

Use modeling tools and interpret modeling outputs to support fare-policy analysis and recommendations. Assist in maintaining documentation packages for fare-related actions, including documentation associated with potential fare changes, procurement actions, and modeling sources. Support preparation of analytical materials, charts, and summaries for presentations to stakeholders.

Recommend actions and policy proposals based on data-driven findings. Perform quality control activities to ensure the accuracy of vendor data and data processing procedures. Work in collaboration across the organization to develop consensus and communicate decisions.

Prepare and author periodic detailed reports for MBTA senior management. Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned. Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations.

See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions. Supervision No direct reports. Minimum Requirements & Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in business administration, statistics, economics, mathematics, computer science, engineering political science, urban planning, environmental studies, public policy, or related field.

Four (4) years of experience in quantitative analysis, research, or project management in transportation or related field. Strong technical ability, including proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database applications. Effective organizational, analytical, quantitative, qualitative, multi-tasking and time management skills.

Ability to learn quickly, take direction, and work independently, and ability to resolve issues with creative and collaborative approaches. Expertise in at least one approach to advanced data analysis (e.g. GIS, SQL, Python, R, SPSS, or other)

Advanced expertise in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proficiency in data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau). Basic familiarity with causal inference and economic modeling.

Substitutions A high school diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement. An associate's degree from an accredited institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement. A master's degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.

A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one (1) year of experience. Preferred Experience & Skills Experience with and knowledge of the MBTA system. Experience with econometrics.

Knowledge of transportation policy and planning, strategic planning, climate policy and planning, urban or regional planning, or other related policy and planning topics. Experience preparing data inputs for modeling tools or policy analyses. Experience supporting regulatory or equity analyses (Title VI, fare equity, etc.)

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 their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position

Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.

Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing. On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority. Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.

ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions. Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.