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Regional Planning Data Analyst II

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks a Regional Planning Data Analyst II who will apply data and insight to the agency’s work on land use planning and policy. We are looking for someone with strong technical skills committed to advancing the sustainable and equitable development of the region through inclusive, empowering, and data-driven public processes.  
The Data Analyst II will select, compile, and interpret data from a variety of sources; create new datasets from original sources; conduct analysis and modeling; and prepare maps, charts, and written summaries for publication in planning reports. The products of this work will be used by MAPC staff working across Metro Boston’s communities to advance regional goals such as developing safe, affordable housing and fostering inclusive governmental decision-making. Strong GIS (Geographic Information Systems) skills are a must for this position, as is fluency in scripting languages such as R and Python. The ideal candidate will have the ability to distill complex technical information into reports and presentations, using data visualizations alongside clear and engaging written narratives. The ability to keep pace with deliverables on multiple projects within MAPC, as well as to field and respond to data requests from the public in a timely manner, is critical to success in this position.   
The Analyst will be a member of the Analytical Services team situated within MAPC’s Data Services Department; and they will have abundant opportunities to interact with colleagues from across MAPC’s many departments. This is an opportunity to work as part of a diverse, dynamic, and multidisciplinary team seeking to advance the practice of regional planning as we serve our member municipalities. Recent Data Services products include digital equity mapping, housing site suitability analyses, the development of zoning data, the creation of climate vulnerability indicators, and much, much more. To learn more about Data Services, visit www.mapc.org/our-work/expertise/data-services.   
 
About MAPC: 
MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston. Our mission is to promote smart growth and regional collaboration. We are guided by our regional plan, MetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together. MAPC’s staff includes approximately 100 full-time employees located in downtown Boston in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office. 
MAPC has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work. Employees must reside within a commutable distance from MAPC’s Boston office.  
MAPC strongly supports the professional development of each staff person, believing their growth to be consistent with the best interests of MAPC and the region. We encourage all our staff to develop new ideas to make MAPC’s planning and policy work more relevant and impactful, and to adapt to changing times. 
This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment with professionals who are committed to building a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone who lives and works in Greater Boston. For more information about MAPC or MetroCommon2050, please visit www.mapc.org  

Responsibilities (including but not limited to)
  • Provide insights to inform planning projects and engage stakeholders. Work with other Analytical Services staff and management, define project scopes and methods, acquire or create new datasets, conduct mapping and data analysis, interpret results, and prepare visualizations and written summaries of key findings. 
  • Deliver results and technical methods to project partners in written forms (emails, memos, and full-length reports) and in oral forms (calls, meetings, and, periodically, presentations).  
  • Work with Analytical Services staff and management, to develop the capacity of MAPC colleagues to independently assess, apply, and interpret data. Support MAPC colleagues in accessing data resources at MAPC, such as GIS and our internal data repositories.  
  • Work with the Analytical Services Manager and the Data Services Director, to answer questions from the public, municipalities, and allied organizations by assembling and sharing data. Build relationships with municipalities, other agencies, and allied organizations.  
  • Manage personal responsibilities for multiple projects happening simultaneously, and occasionally manage the time and tasks of student interns. Working with the Analytical Services Manager and project managers, ensure project work is completed on time and on budget. 
  • Conduct other activities as assigned to implement the work plan of the Data Services Department and more broadly, the goals of the MetroCommon2050 regional plan.  

Evening events, occasional weekend events, and local travel are a responsibility for this position. MAPC does not require that you have a vehicle; however, you must have a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. MAPC provides support for travel, including MBTA passes, a Zipcar account and BlueBikes membership.  

Qualifications
Candidates for this position should have a Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, geographic information systems, or a related field and at least six years of work experience, including substantial experience in applied GIS.  A Master’s degree in related field may be substituted for 2 years of work experience.   

Successful candidates for this position will demonstrate all or most of the following: 
  • A high proficiency with Esri ArcGIS 10.x or ArcPro. Proficiency in both platforms is preferred.  
  • Proficiency with tabular and spatial data analysis in Python and/or R.  
  • Demonstrated skills in data management, particularly experience with creating, updating, cleaning, and organizing tabular data; with using geoprocessing to create and update spatial data; and with combining datasets through tabular and spatial joins.  
  • Demonstrated skills in data analysis, particularly experience with generating spatial statistics and with conducting spatial analysis, such as suitability analysis.  
  • Demonstrated skills in data visualization and cartography; expertise in the layout of attractive, accessible, and concise maps, charts, and tables in reports and as stand-alone products.  
  • The ability to communicate effectively in written and oral formats and for diverse audiences with varied technical backgrounds. An aptitude for teaching in a peer-to-peer environment.  
  • Strong organizational skills, particularly the ability to keep track of and prioritize multiple projects and requests and the ability to manage project budgets and timelines. 
  • An ability to work independently and in teams.  
  • Commitment to advancing regional equity.  

Preferred: 
  • Proficiency with ArcOnline web maps and Esri web applications, such as ArcGIS Experience Builder and ArcGIS Dashboards.  
  • Experience with applying analysis to local and regional planning and policy, particularly to land use as it relates to equity and smart growth.  
  • Experience in Metro Boston is preferred.  
  • Experience with applying diverse data sets from local, state, and federal sources, e.g. the Massachusetts Land Parcel Database and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey.  
  • Experience supervising work of interns.  
 
Per MAPC COVID-19 Vaccine Policy, all employees, including remote employees, must be fully vaccinated. This position will require the selected candidate to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, including the Bivalent booster. MAPC is an equal opportunity employer and will consider reasonable accommodation to those individuals who are unable to be vaccinated consistent with federal, state, and local law. 

Compensation and Benefits:  
The salary ranges from $70,000 - $80,000, depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time exempt position. MAPC offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits as well as a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment and a commitment to continued professional development.  

How to Apply:  
Apply online at www.mapc.org/jobs. The position is open until filled, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three (3) references plus a sample of relevant writing or work product. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA and a valid driver's license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. MAPC participates in E-Verify, which is a federal program that helps us to determine work eligibility in the United States.  

We believe that a staff with a range of perspectives, experiences, and skillsets strengthens our work. We are committed to building a more equitable workplace that allows staff with diverse backgrounds and identities to thrive, grow, and lead. For more information on MAPC’s culture of equity, see our Equity at MAPC page.