Data Analyst

Job Summary

The Data Analyst on the Operations Analytics team will design, build, and maintain data and analytics tools that help departments in the MBTA's Operations Division deliver safer, more efficient, and more reliable service. The MBTA collects vast amounts of data daily from its operational systems, including bus service data, rail service data, staffing data, and maintenance information. The team works closely with Operations Leadership to identify the data needed for critical decision-making and turn it into valuable tools for Operations. This role empowers stakeholders to make data-driven decisions and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

Duties & Responsibilities

The responsibilities include collecting, cleaning, and validating data; performing statistical analyses using modern data analysis and visualization tools; communicating findings; and writing technical documentation. The role also involves collaborating with other team members on knowledge sharing, cross-training, and joint support of cross-division projects. Additionally, the Data Analyst will design dashboards, visualizations, graphs, charts, and tools that clearly communicate outcomes, findings, and trends of Operations data. Proactively building and maintaining positive and effective relationships with Departments is also part of the role. The Data Analyst will communicate and present project results and findings to executive leadership, gather, analyze, and interpret operational data using a combination of SQL, Excel, Python, and/or other relevant modern data analysis tools. The role also includes performing quality control on data inputs, calculations, algorithms, and model outputs, and investigating associated data gaps or inconsistencies. Developing tools to automate and disseminate analyses, preparing scheduled and ad-hoc reports, slideshows, and other visual reports incorporating narratives and graphic data, for both online and print formats, managing timelines, project milestones, and communications with internal and external partners, and responding to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or coworker, in a courteous and professional manner consistent with the Authority's quality standard are also included. The Data Analyst will collaborate directly with Operations Leadership to identify the needs specific to the assigned division and perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department- or location-specific functions.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

The minimum requirements include a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in business, finance, economics, computer science, data science, urban planning, engineering, or a related field. Two (2) years of full-time work, equivalent part-time, or internship/co-op experience in data science, business analytics, business intelligence, quantitative analysis, or other related fields are also required. Experience in at least one approach to advanced data analysis (e.g., SQL, Python, R, SPSS, GIS, or other) is necessary. The ability to learn quickly, take direction, work independently, and use creative and collaborative approaches to resolve issues is also required. Effective organizational, analytical, multi-tasking, and time management skills, effective written and verbal communication skills, and possessing strong statistics and data fundamentals are also necessary. The ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce and proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint are required. As part of the interview process, you may be required to complete an Excel assessment.

Substitutions include 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 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 year of experience.

Preferred Experience & Skills

Preferred experience includes experience with relational databases (e.g., Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle), including writing queries to obtain and manipulate data. Experience with Python, Excel VBA, or other programming languages, and/or data management and statistical analysis tools (R, SPSS, STATA, SAS, etc.) is also preferred. Experience with Tableau or other visualization software is preferred. Familiarity with transportation planning and transit systems, particularly the MBTA subway and bus network, is also preferred.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions