Transportation Data Analyst II or III

The Council of Governments' (COG) Department of Transportation Planning seeks a Transportation Data Analyst for the Planning Data and Research Team to primarily support the analysis of existing conditionscand performance of the transportation system in Metropolitan Washington. The successful candidate for this position will play a key role in the collection, processing, analysis, and visualization of travel volume trends, demographic, and transportation infrastructure data used in regional policy studies, forecasting, and performance-based planning and programming. Duties will include: * processing and analyzing traffic monitoring data, travel surveys, and transportation infrastructure * data (e.g., bridge and pavement conditions; assignment of travel volumes to highway network links) * analyzing and summarizing passively collected, large datasets (big data) * synthesizing land use and demographic data * applying assurance and quality control measures to data and researching data anomalies * writing and presenting technical reports and policy-oriented information reports SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES No direct staff supervisory responsibilities but may be involved in recruitment, supervising interns, and/or oversight of consultants. Such responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, and training interns; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining; addressing complaints and resolving problems. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and demonstrated skills in critical thinking, judgment, and data analysis and manipulation. The candidate will also have experience with programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SAS, STAT), geospatial analysis (e.g., ArcGIS, GeoPandas), data management, data mining, quantitative analysis, and data visualization. Knowledge of land use and transportation planning is preferred. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE To be considered for the Analyst II position, candidates must possess a master's degree in statistics, geography, economics, urban or regional planning, transportation planning, or an appropriately related field, and up to three of directly applicable work experience. To be considered for the Analyst III position, candidates must possess a master's degree in statistics, geography, economics, urban or regional planning, transportation planning, or an appropriately related field, and more than 3 years of directly applicable work experience. Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, analytical and writing skills and abilities will be considered. COMPUTER KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Experience with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), statistical software (SAS preferred), geospatial analysis, data management, and data visualization software. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from members, regulatory agencies, community leaders and citizens. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute percentages, rates, and ratios and to draw and interpret numeric charts and graphs. REASONING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form and deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization may exist. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS No Requirements PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The 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. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. WORK LOCAT