Policy and Planning Co-Op (TOD) (Graduate Students) chez Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, MA

About the Department

The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) department is seeking an exceptional co-op candidate with a background in urban planning, government management, public policy, political science, real estate, or a similar area. TOD oversees a diverse portfolio of projects, working on or adjacent to MBTA property, and is responsible for tracking and reviewing real estate development projects within the MBTA system and analyzing development impacts. 

This position will support the Director of TOD Planning in tracking development near MBTA property, reviewing development projects within the MBTA system, coordinating with internal MBTA departments and local government representatives, conducting policy and planning research, visualizing information, including mapping and graphic creation, and assisting in other program support activities as needed. 

The most qualified candidates would be enrolled in a graduate degree program in the field of urban planning, government management, public policy, political science, real estate, or a similar area (and have relevant academic or job experience in the same field). The most qualified candidate would also have above average skills in professional communication, data analysis, mapping using GIS, creative graphic skills using Adobe Create Suite or similar programs, and planning and development processes, including the City of Boston’s zoning code and Article 80. We are looking to hire one (1) co-op student, who will work full-time (40 hours per week) for six (6) months with a minimum of two (2) days in-office and three (3) days remote. 

Position Duties

• Organize, collect, and document project data.
• Research national guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Analyze municipal zoning codes relevant to TOD program projects and policies. 
• Assist in the evaluation of private development proposals under review by the TOD Planning team.
• Create maps and graphics for internal TOD team efforts and agency-wide consumption.
• Assist in analyzing, organizing, tracking, and reporting TOD program data.
• Develop and deliver various presentations for internal and external audiences. 
• Assist in agency-wide activities, such as strategic land-use planning.
• Assist in internal and external communications.
• Participate in team / staff meetings, organization events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as needed.

• 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 Qualifications

• Enrolled full-time, for entire duration of employment, in the graduate degree program of an accredited college / university in urban planning, government management, public policy, political science, real estate, or a similar area.
  1. Graduate degree candidates must have been accepted to a graduate studies program within 24 months of matriculation or are currently enrolled in a graduate program.
• Above average knowledge of data analysis.
• Above average proficiency with GIS.
• Above average skills in Adobe Creative Suite.
• 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 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.

Other Qualifications

• No substitutions.