Data Analyst - Operations

To help achieve this vision, the MBTA is building a new team of Data Analysts in the MBTA Operations Division. This team will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data and analytics tools that help departments in the division deliver safer, more efficient, and more reliable service. The MBTA collects vast amounts of data daily from its operational systems: bus service data, rail service data, staffing data, maintenance information, etc. The new data analytics team will work closely with Operations Leadership to identify necessary data for critical decision making and convert this information into valuable tools for Operations Leadership. The team will also conduct root cause analysis and identify areas of improvement, particularly around system performance.
The Analysts will empower stakeholders to make data driven decisions and create a culture of continuous improvement. Analysts may collect, clean, and validate data; perform statistical analyses using modern data analysis and visualization tools, communicate findings, and write technical documentation. Under the direction of the Director of Operations Analytics, the Analysts will collaborate with other members of the team 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 with and present to executive leadership project results and findings.
Gather, analyze, and interpret operational data using a combination of SQL, Excel, Python and/or relevant modern data analysis tools.
Perform quality control on data inputs, calculations, algorithms, and model outputs, and investigating associated data gaps or inconsistencies.
Develop tools to facilitate the automation and dissemination of analyses.
Prepare scheduled and ad-hoc reports, slideshows, and other visual reports incorporating narratives and graphic data, for both online and print format.
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.
Work directly with Operations Leadership to identify the needs specific to the assigned division.
Collaborate with other Analysts on the knowledge sharing, cross-training, and joint support of cross division projects.
Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned. Version effective 01.2024 2
Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Available to work all shifts and locations as assigned or directed.
Available to work as per assignment by the MBTA twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as directed by supervisory staff for severe weather conditions, emergencies or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directedMinimum Education
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in business, finance, economics, computer science, data science, urban planning, engineering, or a related field.
Minimum Experience and Required Skills
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.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. As part of the interview process, an Excel assessment may be required.
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.
The ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.
Preferred Experience and Required Skills
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.A Master's degree from an accredited institution may substitute for two (2) years of required experience.Employment Type: Full-Time