At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

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's Performance Dashboards, Data Blog, and 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 can also participate in trainings, 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.

This is a full-time, six-month position (July - December). Co-ops are expected to work 40 hours per week from 9:00am to 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.

The office is set up "hotel" style, where staff members have no assigned desk, and book space when they expect to work in-office. Staff are expected to come into the office twice each week (Tuesdays are all-staff) and can choose to work in-office or remotely for the other days. Office arrangements are subject to change based on public health guidance, and 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, Boston, MA 02116 (downtown) and is accessible via transit and to people with disabilities.

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

In addition to your application, a resume, cover letter, and work sample / link to a portfolio are required.

• Gain familiarity with broad range of data sources and 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 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 to support operations across the MBTA and MassDOT
• Participate in team meetings, staff meetings, organization events, and project teams as needed
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be 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.

• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program through entire program
• Above average attention to detail
• Experience with SQL
• Experience with Microsoft Excel
• Experience working with large datasets
• Familiarity with QA/QC best practices
• Data curiosity and desire to "dive in"
• Above average organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in collaborative environments as well as independently
• Ability to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA 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).

In addition to your application, a resume, cover letter, and work sample / link to a portfolio are required.

* 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.

No substitutions.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• 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 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 a 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.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

1. 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.
2. 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. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
3. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
4. 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.
5. Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
6. 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.
7. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
11. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.