Economist (Allentown)

ECONOMIST  

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) and Lehigh Valley Transportation Study (LVTS), in partnership with the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley (WBLV), are seeking an individual with econometrics (inferential statistics) and modeling skills, and an interest in applying them to metropolitan planning efforts and workforce development initiatives.  

The Economist will have significant responsibilities in comprehensive, long-range planning, data and spatial analytics, the travel demand model, regional economic modeling, population, workforce and employment projections and other predictive modeling. The Economist leads these operations within the LVPC/LVTS providing significant data collections, analysis, interpretation, forecasting and communication of key regional data. This position, which is a member of the Data and Research Section, involves conducting a variety of data analyses, development of predictive models, advanced application of planning, communication of information, management, and coordination skills, under little supervision. The position coordinates with a variety of public, private and non-profit agencies from the US Census Bureau to the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, as well as requires the ability to write and effectively present technical information to diverse groups, ranging from professional conferences to the public generally. The LVPC’s/LVTS’s philosophy is always to begin with fact-based optimism, making the Economist role particularly important to the organization and region.

This position is a shared role between LVPC and WBLV, with primary reporting to the Director of Research and Innovation at LVPC and secondary reporting to the Executive & Assistant Executive Director (WBLV).  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and use appropriate techniques and tools for acquiring, retrieving, analyzing, and making use of relevant data for answering planning questions.
• Create data visualizations and communicate data analytics results to a large audience and decision makers.
• Research public and private datasets that could be used to assist with planning efforts.
• Lead the internal data inventory effort and other data coordination activities.
• Assist in data-sharing activities and filling data requests.
• Develop, manage and refine a wide variety of model input data, including preparation of networks and simulation model inputs. 
• Collect, process, manage and communicate compound-complex data, especially large regional and mega-regional data sets 
• Execute model runs, evaluate model results, and conduct model validation. 
• Develop, apply and troubleshoot customized planning and modeling applications. 
• Assist in community-critical studies, including application of travel demand, population, employment and economic models at the sub-area and corridor levels. 
• Prepare documentation of data collection, analytics and modeling methods and applications. 
• Write highly technical Requests for Proposals, execute technical procurement processes and manage projects when needed. 
• Manage, review and evaluate work methods and procedures, and suggest improved processes. 
• Assist with developing technical aspects of the Regional and Long-Range Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Program including air quality conformity and environmental justice/equity analyses. 
• Provide data and technical support for internal staff, constituents and stakeholder organizations. 
• Work cooperatively with the United States Department of Transportation, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, US Census Bureau, Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, local agencies and governments regarding modeling, data and planning issues. 
• Represent LVPC and WBLV at meetings and make public presentations to a variety of audiences.
• Prepare technical reports, informational products, conference papers and/or grant proposals, and contribute to plans as part of community, environmental, economic and transportation planning. 
• Research new technologies and make recommendations to LVPC Administration for software acquisition, implementation, and advancement in the fields of Data Science and Predictive Modeling. 
• Facilitate or participate in stakeholder forums and collaborative projects 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS + ABILITIES  

• Thorough experience researching, collecting, sorting, and manipulating data; understanding Web Application Programming Interface (API) is considered a plus. 
• Experience using mathematical models to generate approximations and make future predictions. 
• Experience with econometrics and inferential statistics for forecasting
• Experience with or desire to learn transportation system forecasting utilizing Cube/Voyager or other travel forecasting software such as, but not limited to, TransCAD, VISUM, EMME, etc. 
• Proficiency in the use of at least one computer/database programming such as, but not limited to, JAVA, C++, Python, R, VB, SQL, MS Access, Tableau/PowerBI, etc. 
• Experience with or desire to learn and interpret micro-simulation models such as, but not limited to, DynasT, VISSIM, CORSIM, Synchro, etc. is considered a plus. 
• Experience in the use of data platforms such as, but not limited to, Hadoop, Apache Spark, etc. 
• Proficiency in Data Visualization along with the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with ESRI GIS software. 
• Knowledge of or desire to learn advanced practice models, such as activity-based and dynamic traffic assignment. 
• Ability to function independently in developing and maintaining a transportation model, regional economic model and development pattern monitoring and prediction. 
• Experience with researching and acquiring geospatial, census, demographic, economic, workforce and/or other data.
• Understanding of principles, methods and tools used to perform data analysis. 
• Strong strategic thinking, active listening and problem-solving skills. 
• Knowledge of project management techniques.
• Ability to efficiently coordinate multiple projects.
• Capability to independently conduct research, write technical reports and incorporate analysis into planning documents and presentations.
• Desire and ability to continuously learn new software and systems. 
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the LVPC and WBLV Teams, Commissioners, Study Members, consultants and the public. 
• Strong desire to want to contribute to the betterment of the Lehigh Valley, community and society.
• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in economics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, business, urban planning, engineering, data science, data analytics, geospatial science or closely related field. A Master's Degree or equivalent experience is preferred but not required.
• Five years of industry experience preferred.
• Demonstrable experience with Microsoft Teams, Office 
• Ability to use computers, tablets, smart phones, plotters, scanners, printers and copiers. 
• Knowledge of fundamental planning issues and concepts, including basic planning and/or economic theory, urban design, subdivision, environmental issues, growth management, economic development, housing, and transportation. 
• Excellent verbal, written and graphic communication skills.
• Refined organizational skills, including time-management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work within and contribute to a team structure, work with diverse groups of people and in diverse environments. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS  

This position requires participation at some early morning, evening and weekend meetings and events. Valid driver’s license required. Must be eligible to work in the United States of America.

SALARY AND BENEFITS  

• Grade 10 - $77,506 - $112,383 per annum 
• Medical, Dental, Vision Plans, including Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) 
• Comprehensive Paid Time Off (Vacation, Personal, Sick) 
• Flexible work schedules 
• 11 Observed Holidays + Floating Holiday 
• Pension plan (Vested after 3 years) 
• 457B Retirement Plan (optional) 
• Aflac Products (optional) 
• Life Insurance, AD&D 
• Training and Professional Membership support (American Planning Association (national, state and regional,) National Association of Regional Councils, Urban Land Institute, Green Building United/US Green Building Council, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, ESRI, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce) 

APPLY  

Only e-mail submissions to View email address on apply.placed-app.com will be accepted and must include: 

1. Current resume detailing your education and experience. 
2. Letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this position and why you would like to be considered. Please address this letter to Becky Bradley, AICP, Ex]]>