Senior Performance Management Intern [Graduate Students]

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.

The Senior Performance Management & Innovation Intern will provide analytical support across the office but primarily within the Performance and Reporting team, which produces a series of annual reports on MBTA and MassDOT to internal and external stakeholders. These reports include the MBTA Annual Service Delivery Report, MassDOT’s annual Tracker report to the Legislature, and new reports to the Legislature about the MBTA’s Fare Citation and Bus Lane Enforcement programs. This work typically involves identifying and refining performance measures, writing and revising scripts to process data, receiving or extracting data from stakeholders or a database and analyzing it using software such as Python or R. The Performance and Reporting team also uses these outputs to create charts, graphs, infographics, and report text for publication to the legislature, MBTA/MassDOT Boards, and the public. Other tasks may involve creating interactive dashboards or slide decks to summarize findings. 

Interns can also participate in trainings, fieldwork, tours, conferences, and other learning opportunities as available. By the end of their program, 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.

The most qualified (or ideal) candidates would be enrolled in a Master’s degree program in computer science, data analytics, math, physics, engineering, public policy, urban planning, economics, government, or a related field. The ideal candidate would also strong talents with Python, R, and Microsoft Excel. We are looking to hire one (1) intern, who will work at least 2 - 3 days in-office (40 hours per week) for at least six (6) months.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities 

• Gain familiarity with the broad range of data sources used at OPMI to contribute to new and ongoing projects.
• Work with supervisors to deliver reporting projects in a timely manner.
• Write / Review / Run scripts and analyze datasets up to several million records to extract findings.
• Create graphs and slide decks to help communicate findings to a wide range of technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to various annual reports on MBTA and MassDOT programs.
• 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, organization events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as needed.
• Additional responsibilities may include focusing on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendums or hiring manager for department or location specific functions. 
• 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.

Minimum Education 

• Enrolled, for entire duration of employment, in the graduate / Master’s degree program of an accredited college / university in computer science, data analytics, math, physics, engineering, public policy, urban planning, economics, government, or a related field.

Minimum Experience and Required Skills

• Above average attention to detail.
• Beginner experience with SQL.
• Beginner experience with scripting tools such as Python.
• Beginner skills with analytical software such as R.
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Intermediate experience working with large datasets.
• Average familiarity with QA/QC best practices.
• Above Average organizational skills.
• Above average ability to work effectively in a diverse, collaborative environment and work independently as needed.
• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.
• Highly organized, motivated, and have great attention-to-detail.
• 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). 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.

Substitutions

• No substitutions.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Intermediate skills with analytical software such as R.
• Intermediate skills with scripting tools such as Python.
• Above Average interest in public transportation.
• 2-3 years of experience solving problems with a quantitative/analytical perspective, with an ability to communicate technical findings to non-technical audiences.