Alternative Service Planner Co-Op

Massachusetts-Bay-Transportation-Authority; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) seeks an Alternative Service Planner Co-Op to support service planning during Planned Rail Closures and for Private Fixed Routes. The role focuses on analyzing impacts, developing alternate service options, and preparing visuals and reports for stakeholders.

The co-op will work on Routes 712/713, 714, and 716, collaborate with multiple teams, and help monitor service performance through post-implementation reviews.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate/Bachelor’s degree program for the entire duration of employment.
• Interest in public transportation and urban planning.
• Experience with planning, operations, policy, engineering, or project management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in assessment of operational and customer impacts for planned closures from a service perspective.
• Provide planning support for the development of service options for Private Fixed Routes.
• Review engineering plans, sets, and designs related to diversion alternative service.
• Prepare scheduled and ad-hoc reports, slideshows, graphics, maps, and other visual reports for online and print formats.
• Conduct post implementation reviews to assess service performance and areas for improvement.
• Conduct field work to observe service operations and document mechanisms to improve service delivery.
• Participate in team meetings and other duties as assigned.
• Provide courteous and professional experience to internal and external customers.
• Perform all other duties and projects as assigned.

Skills

GIS

Database management

Visualization software

Graphic design

English communication

Education

Undergraduate degree program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Alternative Service team is responsible for the service planning during Planned Rail Closures and for the Private Fixed Route services. Alternative Service specializes in analyzing, developing, recommending, and monitoring service options to minimize customer journey times with internally and externally operated routes.

For Planned Rail Closures, the Alternative Service Planner Co-Op will assist the organization in understanding impacts of rail diversions on the network and thereby plan alternate service options for customers.

For Private Fixed Routes, the Alternative Service Planner Co-Op will assist in the analysis and recommendation of future service adjustments. This will help improve customer experience and journey times on Routes 712 \/ 713, 714, & 716 as well as identifying capital projects to improve service.

We are looking to hire one co-op, who will work onsite (40 hours per week) for at least six months (January – June).

• Assist in assessment of operational and customer impacts for planned closures from a service perspective.


• Provide planning support for the development of service options for Private Fixed Routes.


• Review engineering plans, sets, and designs related to diversion alternative service.


• Prepare scheduled and ad-hoc reports, slideshows, graphics, maps, and other visual reports incorporating narratives and graphic data, for both online and print format.


• Conduct post implementation reviews to assess how the service operated and to understand what can be done differently in future to improve the service product.


• Conduct field work to observe service operations and document mechanisms to improve service delivery.


• Participate in team / staff meetings, organizational events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as assigned.


• Provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experience.


• Additional responsibilities may focus on one or more specific departments or locations (refer to department‑specific addendums or hiring manager guidance).


• Perform all other duties and projects assigned.

* The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position. 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.

• Currently enrolled and maintaining active status for the entire duration of employment in an accredited undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree program.


• At least one year of experience in planning, operations, policy, engineering, or project management.


• Completed coursework, on-the-job experience, or other experiences demonstrating an interest in public transportation.


• Desire to improve public transportation because you believe in making people’s lives better.


• Above average proficiency working with tools or data that support planning, such as GIS, database management, visualization software, graphic design, etc.


• Ability to pass writing and/or spreadsheet assessment, demonstrating skills related to the position.


• Above average proficiency with standard office software (e.g. \"Microsoft office\") or relevant technical tools.


• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.


• Highly organized, self‑motivated, and detail oriented.


• Demonstrated interest in public transportation, urban planning, engineering, public policy, or public service.


• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within diverse, fast‑paced environments.


• Ability to commute independently to assigned work locations within the Greater Boston metro area, as required by the role.


• Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply). The MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship, such as H1-B status.

* The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required.