Volpe Job Opportunity: GIS Specialist and Data Analyst

Sent to us by a Tufts CEE Graduate – great place to work! I asked about salary ranges for these 2 GIS and Data Science positions. Candidates start at a grade 9, 11, or 12 and at step 1 and get promoted in steps. A combo of experience + education determines what grade you qualify at. Someone with a masters would qualify for a GS-9, masters + 1-2 years experience at GS-11, etc. See link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2019/BOS.pdf

The Volpe Center is seeking GIS Specialists (Data Scientist) and Data Scientists in the Policy Analysis and Strategic Planning Division (V322) and the Program Development and Capacity Building Division (V327).  The employees will serve as members of a multi-disciplinary team that supports the development of data-driven programs to speed the adoption of innovative technologies, policies, and practices. In particular, the employees will help to develop and apply data analysis and visualization techniques and tools in support of federal and state transportation programs. 

The ideal candidate for the GIS Specialist (Data Scientist) will have knowledge of GIS methods and applications, and experience with database management software as needed to perform updates and data analysis within a database structure. The ideal candidate will also have ability to design and automate geospatial analysis, and have strong inter-personal skills as required to work effectively as part of a team in order to address varied, complicated spatial issues through the use of innovative, cutting edge GIS applications and methods.

DUTIES:

Develops, or supports the development and refinement, of spatial databases needed to support various GIS-based analyses and models.

Supports all aspects of spatial and non-spatial data development, analysis, visualization and modeling related to transportation.

Evaluates data quality, updates and publishes data, produces high quality maps, performs spatial analyses, and develops models.

Uses ESRI desktop and server software to manipulate and analyze data.

Interfaces with Federal, state and local governments, the private sector and professional organizations concerned with GIS.

The ideal candidate for the Data Scientist will have demonstrated experience analyzing data to support policy and operational decisions and will contribute to project teams using outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills, performing sophisticated data analysis, and developing data visualizations, online databases, and mobile applications to support research and communications initiatives. The candidate will possess excellent interpersonal skills, creativity, resourcefulness and organization. A Master’s degree or higher is preferred.

DUTIES

Evaluate statistical data and analyze large spatial and non-spatial datasets.

Utilize program languages, tools, and applications (e.g. Python, SQL, R, ArcGIS, Tableau, ggplot) for analysis and visualization of transportation data.

Prepare presentations and technical reports to illustrate and explain analyses, tools, applications and findings.

Apply project management skills to develop scopes of work, cost estimates, and schedules. Manage assigned tasks to deliver high-quality work on time, on budget, and within scope.

Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, as you manage project expectations and deliver results to Volpe staff, co-workers, sponsors, and other parties.

When you work at the Volpe Center you work with people like you –talented professionals who enjoy applying their expertise in the service of others and resolving real-world transportation problems. We are located in the culturally diverse and academically rich city of Cambridge, MA (Kendall Square), and offer competitive benefits, and a flexible and family-friendly work environment including on-site child-care services.

Additional positions may be filled throughout the Volpe Center. Volpe is committed to fostering and all-inclusive diverse workforce where employees feel valued for their unique backgrounds and qualities and have a sense of belonging and engagement in helping to advance transportation for the public good.

If you or someone you know is interested, I encourage you or them to apply. We are looking for a diverse pool of well qualified candidates. The announcement is posted on USA Jobs – http://www.usajobs.gov/ and is linked to the Volpe Careers site https://www.volpe.dot.gov/about-us/careers. Please feel free to forward this message that provides the information session details to anyone who may be interested in applying to this position.

Informational session: Thursday, October 31, 2019 at 12:00 -12:30 pm in Learning Center (Rm 2- 143) at the Volpe Center in Cambridge, MA, OR call-in no. 1-877-336-1839/Access Code: 6481986.  Julianne Schwarzer, Chief for the Policy Analysis and Strategic Planning Division and Aaron Jette, Chief of the Program Development and Strategic Planning Division will hold an information session at this time to describe the position and to answer any questions interested candidates may have.  Arthur Bakis from Human Resources will be there to inform and answer questions on the application process.

Please direct any questions to Arthur Bakis (617-494-2450) Volpe Human Resources