Freelance Climate Data Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JOB TITLE:

Planner, Climate & Data Science

AGENCY:

Construction & Development

DEPT/DIV:

Planning\Capital Strategy

REPORTS TO:

Manager, Climate Resilience Planning

WORK LOCATION:

2 Broadway

HOURS OF WORK:

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM or as required (7.5 HR/ DAY)

JOB FAMILY: DAB

GRADE: 003

SALARY RANGE:

$77,059 to $96,324

DEADLINE:

Open Until Filled

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

MTA Construction & Development reserves the right to remove this posting before the application deadline.

Agency Mission
 

MTA Construction & Development (C&D) is responsible for the planning, development, and execution of all capital construction projects across the MTA region. Through centralized oversight and management of the MTA’s $64 billion Capital Program, C&D ensures the efficient delivery of critical infrastructure projects that support the region’s vast transportation network. As part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the largest transportation network in North America, C&D plays a key role in modernizing and expanding services that support 15.3 million residents across New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. C&D is committed to delivering safe, innovative, and cost-effective capital projects that enhance the customer experience and strengthen the reliability and resilience of the MTA system.

Telework

This position is eligible for telework, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

Job Summary

The Planner, Climate & Data Science will support the implementation of priority climate resilience initiatives in the context of the MTA’s multi-billion-dollar 5-year Capital Plan and the development of future climate resilience initiatives for subsequent Capital programs. This Planner will support project management and analytical planning functions, including the development and evaluation of climate investment strategies, and work with MTA stakeholders to advance critical capital initiatives to further the climate resilience of the MTA’s assets and infrastructure. This position will focus on MTA’s regional railroad assets, including Metro North Railroad, Long Island Railroad, and Staten Island Railway. For more information on MTA’s climate programs, visit new.mta.info/climate.

Responsibilities

The Planner, Climate & Data Science will support the development and implementation of climate resilience priorities and practices as it relates the MTA’s capital assets.

The Planner will also track internal progress on programs and initiatives that make the New York City region and the MTA itself more resilient to climate change.

The Planner, Climate & Data Science will contribute substantially to all, or a subset therein, of the following core Planning activities:

Execution of the MTA’s Climate Resilience Roadmap and 2025-2029 5-year Capital Plan, and development of the upcoming Twenty-Year Needs Assessment and future 5-year Capital Program, particularly in relation to climate resilience.

Support senior staff in the development and planning of multiple climate resilience proposals and initiatives. This includes reviewing scopes, budgets, and work plans for various projects.

Review consultant deliverables and facilitate coordination of feedback amongst internal MTA stakeholders.

Facilitate the development and use of databases for tracking information, including climate risk and impact data, completed climate protections and investments, asset assessments, asset inventories, regional planning information, transit usage, and socio-economic and demographic information to inform prioritization with the MTA’s capital strategies.

Use data visualization tools, including GIS and dashboards, to analyze and visualize contexts and implications of transportation improvements and vulnerabilities to climate risk.

Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Research and quantify the benefits of climate resilience investments, including models to estimate the magnitude of avoided losses through proactive planning and design requirements.

Development of clear reports, maps, charts, graphics, and presentations for both internal and external purposes.

Track and map impacts of severe weather events on MTA assets to inform senior staff and support development of mitigations recommendations.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in Urban Planning, Engineering, Public Administration, Earth or Environmental Sciences, Geography, Public Policy, Transportation, or a related field.

Must have a minimum of three (3) years of satisfactory full-time professional experience.

Master's degree preferred.

Understanding of and fluency with climate modeling, resilience initiatives, and risk-based decision-making. 

Proficiency in climate policies, data analytics, visualization tools, and spatial analysis.

Experience with project planning and management.

Passion for improving New York’s public transit system.

Knowledge of the MTA regional network and operating context, as well as local, state, and federal transportation and policies.

Effective communication, written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization.
 

Comprehensive Benefits & Total Rewards Package:

Transportation & Financial Benefits

Commuting Made Easy – Enjoy a complimentary MTA transportation pass, plus access to tax-advantaged commuter benefits to maximize your savings.

Premium Health Coverage at Low Cost – Access high-quality individual, family, and domestic partner healthcare, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

Secure Your Future – Build long-term financial security through pension plans and retirement savings accounts designed for eligible employees.

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

Generous Time Away – Recharge with substantial paid time off and comprehensive holiday schedules that support your personal and family commitments.

Holistic Support Services – Access our dedicated Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit for personal guidance and support when you need it most.

Professional Growth & Development

Learning & Development Program – Advance your career through structured professional development opportunities, skills training, and leadership programs tailored to support your growth within the organization.

Educational Investment – Pursue your career goals with in-house training and professional development, tuition reimbursement support, and partnerships with educational institutions.

Employee Experience & Community

Employee Assistance Programs – Comprehensive support services to help you navigate life's challenges with confidence and resources.

Discounts & Perks – Take advantage of MTA employee discount programs offering savings on products and services.

Connect & Belong – Join our vibrant Employee Resource Groups to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and contribute to an inclusive workplace culture.

How to Apply

For Internal Applicants: Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.

For External Applicants: Visit www.mta.info, click the “Careers” link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on “See All Open MTA Positions”. Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.

Additional Information:

Final salary is determined by experience, skill set, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.

To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are equal opportunity employers, including those with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.