Associate Research Analyst, Research Analyst or Senior Research Analyst

Job Description

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire full-time employee(s) in the Transportation Department. CMAP may fill these positions as either Associate Research Analyst, Research Analyst, or Senior Research Analyst, depending on candidate qualifications. Minimum requirements for each are listed below. The following topic areas are targeted for hiring:

Research focus: This role will serve as an expert in data analytics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and technical research in the Research and Innovation (R&I) group at CMAP, which collects and creates data, generates applied research, and develops innovative analytical tools and approaches to guide and support data-driven decisions. The Analyst will enhance the agency�??s technical research skills and will be responsible for all aspects of data cleaning and management, spatial analysis, automation of procedures, mapping and data visualization, license management, and other duties as assigned. This position will lead projects and support mission-critical elements of the R&I work program including land use modeling, socioeconomic forecasting, and community data and performance indicator tracking and reporting.

Operations focus: This role will support the transportation planning responsibilities of CMAP by serving as an expert on traffic operations and safety in the Transportation Modeling group, which develops innovative information to support decision-makers on the current and future state of the region�??s transportation system. The Analyst will support the agency�??s efforts to provide new analyses of traffic crashes in the CMAP region and explore the use of new data sources to provide further insight into the causes of traffic crashes. This position will also develop analyses to enhance the region�??s Congestion Management Process and will support tracking federal transportation performance measures. This position will lead projects and support the transportation system evaluation work program of the agency.

Key Functions and Activities

Research focus role

• Provide oversight to CMAP�??s GIS System administration, including system architecture, application creation, map services, data publishing and visualization, and report preparation.
• Perform hands-on administration for ArcGIS Online, including data maintenance, publishing, credits subscription, user setup, user support, security, service registration, and upgrades.
• Lead ESRI provided training activities and technical assistance.
• Aid in data development projects which support agency socioeconomic forecast and modeling activities, including but not limited to land use and development monitoring, employment estimation, and U.S. Census operations and products.

Operations focus role

• Conduct research and analysis on traffic crash data for the CMAP region to develop actionable information to support the agency�??s traffic safety work program.
• Perform analyses on the operation of the region�??s transportation system to support the Congestion Management Process and facilitate data-driven performance-based transportation investments.
• Collect and analyze data to support the reporting and tracking of federal transportation system performance measures.
• Support the data science work program at the agency by assisting in data analytics and interpreting data to identify solutions and opportunities.
• Develop and lead strategies to engage internal and external stakeholders to communicate team projects.

Both Operations and Research roles

• Develop and implement innovative GIS practices that enhance the agency�??s spatial analysis techniques and helps CMAP achieve the guiding principles of ON TO 2050: inclusive growth, resilience, and prioritized investment.
• Conduct or lead complex analyses and investigations using GIS, scripting, statistical analysis, and other innovative techniques related to large urban datasets to inform internal and external decisions.
• Update or prepare computer procedures to automate analyses and evaluations.
• Conduct advanced work to automate the production of data tables, maps, graphs, and other business intelligence products for a variety of audiences.
• Conduct quality assurance checks on methods and procedures.
• Document work products for use by other CMAP staff and stakeholders.
• Complete assigned tasks and manage workload and schedule to achieve desired outcomes and meet required deadlines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• GIS software experience:
  • Research focus role: Advanced experience using GIS software (ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Hub, ArcGIS Online or QGIS) including using ArcPy or other scripting languages to integrate data processing and analysis of spatial data.
  • Operations focus role: Proficient in using GIS software to conduct basic analysis of spatial data ).
• Experience using a scripting language (Python, R, SQL) to perform data processing, analytical tasks, or data visualization on large urban datasets.
• Excellent skills in the principles of research, data collection and analysis, and the preparation of technical reports.
• Excellent ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to external and internal audiences orally, in writing, in data visualizations, and in presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects, including identifying and implementing improvements to ensure project sustainability.
• Familiarity with U.S. Census Bureau data products and their use (Research focus role).
• Familiarity with traffic crash data and transportation systems operations data (Operations focus role).
• Sound proficiency in business technology, including communication and collaboration tools used in remote work environment (Teams, Zoom, etc.).
• Ability to contribute to projects and work as part of a team.

Education and Experience (an equivalent amount of training, education and experience will be considered)

Associate Research Analyst has the following minimum requirements:

A Bachelor�??s degree in Geography, Urban Planning, Economics, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, or a related discipline with more than 2 years of professional experience with spatial analysis, data collection, research, and quantitative analysis. A Master�??s degree with experience in spatial analysis, data collection, research, and quantitative analysis may be substituted.

Research Analyst has the following minimum requirements:

A Bachelor�??s degree in Geography, Urban Planning, Economics, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, or a related discipline with more than 3 years of professional experience with spatial analysis, data collection, research, and quantitative analysis. A Master�??s degree and 2 years of professional experience with spatial analysis, data collection, research, and quantitative analysis may be substituted.

Senior Research Analyst has the following minimum requirements:

A Bachelor�??s degree in Geography, Urban Planning, Economics, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, or a related discipline with more than 5 years of professional experience with spatial analysis, data collection, research, and quantitative analysis. A Master�??s degree and more than 4 years of professional experience with spatial analysis, data collection, research, and quantitative analysis may be substituted. A PhD degree and 1 year of professional experience with spatial analysis, data collection, research, and quantitative analysis may be substituted. GISP certification preferred for the Research focus role.

Company Description

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is our region�??s comprehensive planning organization. The agency and its partners are implementing ON TO 2050, a long-range plan to help the seven counties and 284 communities of northeastern Illinois implement strategies that address transportation, housing, economic development, open space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues. See cmap.illinois.gov/about for more information on the agency�??s vision and core values.

CMAP is always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online job application! This position will remain open until filled.

Benefits

• IMRF
• AFLAC
• Certifications/Licenses and Association Dues
• Conferences/Training
• Deferred Compensation (457 Plan)
• Dental Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Flextime
• Health Insurance
• Holidays
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Parental Leave
• Personal Days/Floating Holidays
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Sick Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Vacation Leave
• Vision Insurance

CMAP requires all employees to declare their vaccination status upon hire. The agency reserves the right to enforce and/or amend this policy in compliance with federal and state mandates or as it deems necessary. Your acceptance of an offer of employment means that you understand and agree to comply with this policy.