Transportation Planner I

The Position

The Maricopa Association of Governments is seeking a team-oriented professional to join the multifaceted Data Management and Application teamwithin the Transportation Division. This position will support the Data Application Program activities, which include the establishment and maintenance of performance targets, conducting transportation surveys, and the upkeep of data necessary for performance-based evaluation and prioritization efforts. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about the breadth of transportation data, values high-quality work and attention to detail, and excels at conveying technically complex information in a clear and concise manner.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing data used in the implementation of performance-based planning and programming.
• Developing and conducting transportation surveys needed for travel demand model development, validation, and calibration.
• Assisting in other program activities including the calculation and reporting of federal performance targets and the maintenance of geospatial information for performance-based planning and programming.
• Assisting with the analysis of safety data.
• Providing technical support to ongoing performance and planning work that crosses multiple functions and divisions.
• Conducting research and analysis independently or with a team.
• Following emerging trends, innovations, and best practices in transportation data management and analysis.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills along with excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills. Working knowledge of at least one programming language commonly used for data retrieval, manipulation and analysis (e.g., Python, R, or MATLAB) is required. High proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel, is required. Experience working with geographic information systems (i.e., ESRI) is also requisite. Demonstrated experience working with large transportation datasets, data visualization, and analysis is preferred. Experience with transportation surveys, safety and crash data analysis, and transportation performance data will be a plus. Candidates should be detail-oriented and at ease in a dynamic work environment. Successful candidates should be highly motivated and demonstrate a strong work ethic.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in planning, civil engineering, geography, computer science, math, or a related field is required; an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) is preferred. The candidate must have demonstrated experience with data visualization and large-scale data analysis. Relevant academic or project-based experience will be considered. The candidate should demonstrate strong analytical abilities, critical thinking, and a level of comfort working with technically complex information.

About MAG

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is a group of local governments working together on issues that touch the lives of every resident. We are a regional planning agency that develops solutions in areas such as transportation, air quality, economic development, and programs that meet the human needs of the region.

MAG serves a thriving region of more than 4 million people. Our members include 27 cities and towns, three Native American communities, Maricopa County and Pinal County. Our planning area encompasses more than 10,000 square miles. MAG is a council of governments and the designated metropolitan planning organization for transportation planning.

Visit www.azmag.gov to learn more. MAG is a great place to work. We are an equal opportunity employer and provide an excellent benefits package.