Data Analyst

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The MBTA is seeking a Data Analyst on the Operations Analytics team to design, build, and maintain data and analytics tools for safer, more efficient service. You will collect, clean, analyze, and visualize large datasets from various operations systems, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for leadership.

This role emphasizes collaboration with Operations Leadership, development of automated analyses, and delivery of scheduled and ad-hoc reports in both online and print

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, CS, data science, urban planning, engineering or related field.
• 2 years of full-time work or equivalent in data science, analytics, BI, or related area.
• Experience in advanced data analysis (SQL, Python, R, SPSS, GIS, etc.).
• Proven ability to learn quickly, work independently, and collaborate to resolve issues.
• Strong organizational, analytical, multitasking, and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Solid statistics and data fundamentals.
• Ability to work with a diverse workforce.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; Excel assessment may be required during interview.

Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and validate data; perform statistical analyses using modern data analysis tools; communicate findings; and write technical documentation.
• Collaborate with team members on knowledge sharing and cross-division projects.
• Design dashboards, visualizations, graphs, charts, and tools to clearly communicate outcomes, findings, and trends.
• Build relationships with departments to analyze results, forecast needs, assess performance, and evaluate opportunities.
• Present project results and findings to executive leadership.
• Gather and interpret operational data using SQL, Excel, Python, and other tools.
• Quality control data inputs, calculations, algorithms, and model outputs; investigate data gaps or inconsistencies.
• Develop tools to automate and disseminate analyses.
• Prepare scheduled and ad-hoc reports and visuals for online and print formats.
• Manage timelines, milestones, and communications with internal and external partners.
• Respond professionally to inquiries from customers, vendors, or coworkers.
• Collaborate with Operations Leadership to identify department-specific needs.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Skills

SQL queries

Python

Statistics

Excel

Communication

Time management

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Tableau

SQL Server

PowerPoint

Job description

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.

• Collect, clean, and validate data; perform statistical analyses using modern data analysis and visualization tools; communicate findings; and write technical documentation.
• Collaborate with other team members on knowledge sharing, cross-training, and joint support of cross-division projects.
• Design dashboards, visualizations, graphs, charts, and tools that clearly communicate outcomes, findings, and trends of Operations data.
• Proactively build and maintain positive and effective relationships with Departments. Work with Departments to analyze results, forecast current and future needs, assess performance, and evaluate strategic opportunities.
• 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.
• Perform quality control on data inputs, calculations, algorithms, and model outputs, and investigate associated data gaps or inconsistencies.
• Develop tools to automate and disseminate analyses.
• Prepare scheduled and ad-hoc reports, slideshows, and other visual reports incorporating narratives and graphic data, for both online and print formats.
• Manage timelines, project milestones, and communications with internal and external partners.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or coworker, in a courteous and professional manner consistent with the Authority’s quality standard.
• Collaborate directly with Operations Leadership to identify the needs specific to the assigned division.
• 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.

Supervision

• None.

*This job posting will close once it reaches 1500 applications or after 2 weeks, whichever comes first.

• 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.
• Experience in at least one approach to advanced data analysis (e.g., SQL, Python, R, SPSS, GIS, or other).
• Ability to learn quickly, take direction, work independently, and use creative and collaborative approaches to resolve issues.
• Effective organizational, analytical, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Possess strong statistics and data fundamentals.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. As part of the interview process, you may be required to complete an Excel assessment.

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 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.

• 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.).
• Experience with Tableau or other visualization software.
• Familiarity with transportation planning and transit systems, particularly the MBTA subway and bus network.