Senior Ridership Analytics Co-Op

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 27,552,000 - 41,328,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training opportunities

Fieldwork

Conferences

Laptop provided

Job summary

The Ridership Analytics Co-Op at the MBTA’s Office of Performance Management and Innovation (OPMI) provides analytical support across the office, focusing on ridership analysis and data-driven decision making. Work involves SQL data extraction, Python or R analysis, and creating dashboards to inform internal and external stakeholders.

The six‑month, full‑time co-op runs hybrid with in‑office Tuesdays/Thursdays and remote other days, in Boston’s Park Plaza area.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate/master’s degree program.
• At least one year of experience with SQL.
• At least one year of experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Experience working with large datasets.
• Strong English communication skills.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Gain familiarity with the broad range of data sources used at OPMI to contribute to new and ongoing projects.
• Respond to data requests in a timely manner with supervisors.
• Analyze datasets up to several million records to extract findings.
• Create dashboards, charts, and slide decks to communicate findings to diverse audiences.
• Contribute to regular ridership reporting processes such as monthly ridership data.
• Perform QA/QC on new and existing datasets to validate data.
• Conduct ad hoc analyses to support MBTA and MassDOT operations.
• Participate in team meetings, fieldwork, and other duties as assigned.
• Provide courteous and professional experience to internal and external customers.
• Additional responsibilities may focus on one or more departments or locations.

Skills

SQL

Excel

Data analysis

QA/QC

Attention to detail

Data curiosity

Communication

Organization

Education

Graduate/Master’s program

Tools

Python

R

Job description

Working in OPMI

The Office of Performance Management and Innovation (OPMI) develops and tracks performance metrics for MassDOT and the MBTA and implements strategic initiatives with a focus on data analysis to improve rider experience. Some examples of OPMI’s work can be seen on the MBTA Performance Dashboards, the Data Blog, and the MBTA’s Open Data Portal.

OPMI also operates as the MBTA/MassDOT’s internal research lab. We answer research questions developed both internally and externally to help us better understand how people interact with the transportation network. Some examples of OPMI’s research work include this neighborhood-level ridership analysis and this survey analysis of frequent riders’ transit use. We are an office devoted to problem-solving and creative thinking, and there are many opportunities for co-ops to participate in this exciting work. Co-ops will also have the opportunity to participate in training, fieldwork, tours, conferences, and other learning opportunities as available. By the end of their co-op, they will have gained experience managing multiple concurrent projects, collaborating with multiple departments across the MBTA and MassDOT, and working with many datasets to answer a variety of real-world questions.

What does work in OPMI look like?

This is a full-time, six-month position. Co-ops are expected to work 40 hours/week from 9:00AM - 5:00PM. OPMI is a hybrid office, meaning co-ops will need to work in-office on Tuesdays and Thursdays but can work remotely on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

OPMI is currently working as a "hybrid" office, including both remote and in-office work, and is expecting to continue to do so in the January 2027 co-op cycle. The office is set up "hotel" style, where staff members have no assigned desks, and book space when they expect to come in. Staff are expected to come into the office twice a week - on all-staff Tuesdays and on another day to be chosen in consultation with their manager and can choose to work in the office or remotely for the other days. Office arrangements are subject to change based on public health guidance, and some reasonable accommodations can be made. OPMI will provide a laptop that can be taken home for work. Our office is located at 10 Park Plaza in downtown Boston and is accessible via transit and to people with disabilities.

Position Summary

The Ridership Analytics Co-Op will provide analytical support across the office but primarily within the ridership team, which analyzes and reports on ridership to internal and external stakeholders. These analyses typically involve extracting data from a SQL database and analyzing it using software such as Python or R to either answer a research question or provide data to a stakeholder who has requested it. Related tasks may involve creating interactive dashboards or slide decks to summarize findings. A successful candidate will be detail-oriented and have a curiosity for data of all types and how it can be used to support decision-making.

• Gain familiarity with the broad range of data sources used at OPMI to contribute to new and ongoing projects.


• Work with supervisors to respond to data requests in a timely manner.


• Analyze datasets up to several million records to extract findings.


• Create dashboards, charts, and slide decks to help communicate findings to a wide range of technical and non-technical audiences.


• Contribute to regular ridership reporting processes such as monthly ridership and fluctuations.


• Perform QA/QC on new and existing datasets to validate data.


• Perform ad hoc analyses as needed to support operations across the MBTA and MassDOT.


• 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 graduate / Master’s degree program.


• Above average attention to detail.


• At least one year of experience with SQL.


• At least one year of experience with Microsoft Excel.


• At least one year of experience working with large datasets.


• Some knowledge of QA/QC best practices.


• Data curiosity and desire to "dive in".


• 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.

• Experience with analytical software such as Python or R.


• Quantitative/analytical perspective, with ability to communicate technical findings to non-technical audiences.