Data Science, Emerging Talent Intern

Job Description

Data Science, Emerging Talent Intern – Strategic Initiatives

Department: MTAHQ – Strategic Initiatives
Location: 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004

Hourly Rate:

• Undergraduate: $19.00
• Graduate: $21.00

Note: All internship positions are onsite and require regular, in-person attendance at the designated work location.

Overview of Department: MTA Data & Analytics Team

The MTA Data & Analytics team is responsible for building and operating the MTA’s core data infrastructure. This includes developing both internal and public-facing data products, and providing critical support for executive decision-making on the MTA’s highest-impact initiatives. The team specifically manages core data pipelines, oversees the MTA Open Data Program, and conducts advanced analyses covering a wide range of areas such as ridership, operations, revenue, and policy evaluation.

Responsibilities:

As a Data Science, Emerging Talent Intern, you will engage in a variety of tasks crucial to the Data & Analytics team’s objectives. Your responsibilities will include:

• Data Management & Transformation: Writing and maintaining code to clean, combine, and transform large operational datasets, ensuring data quality and readiness for analysis.
• Exploratory & Structured Analysis: Conducting in-depth exploratory and structured analyses to address key questions and provide insights to MTA leadership.
• Tool Utilization: Working proficiently with SQL, Spark, Python, and other analytical tools as dictated by project requirements.
• Pipeline Monitoring & Improvement: Monitoring, validating, and enhancing production data pipelines for accuracy, reliability, and maintainability, specifically utilizing Apache Airflow.
• Data Product Development: Translating initial exploratory analyses into durable, well-documented datasets for ongoing use and accessibility.
• Communication & Documentation: Authoring presentations and comprehensive written documentation to clearly communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Dashboard Development: Building informative dashboards using tools like Power BI and Mode Analytics to visualize data and provide actionable insights for stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Collaborating thoughtfully, kindly, and enthusiastically with a diverse group including analysts, planners, engineers, executives, and operations staff across the MTA.

Potential Projects:

The specific projects will be determined based on the evolving needs of the Data & Analytics team and the unique skills and interests of the selected intern. Example projects include:

• Bus Speed & Customer Experience Analysis: Analyzing bus speeds, reliability, and variability throughout New York City to pinpoint bottlenecks, service gaps, and opportunities for enhancing the customer experience.
• In-Field Hardware & Sensor Performance: Analyzing telemetry and event data from fare payment validators, buses, and subway infrastructure to evaluate hardware reliability, detect failures, and identify potential operational risks.
• Congestion Pricing Impact Analysis: Measuring the ongoing effects of congestion pricing on critical metrics such as travel behavior, traffic conditions, transit ridership, and revenue.
• Staff Scheduling & Optimization: Analyzing workforce schedules, service plans, and operational constraints to optimize resource allocation and improve service quality for customers.

Required Qualifications:

Candidates must demonstrate a strong foundation in analytical skills and technical proficiency:

• Software Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is essential.
• Core Skills: Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills are required.
• Work Ethic: Ability to perform effectively under pressure, prioritize tasks efficiently, possess a keen eye for detail, and work both independently and as an active team player.
• Data Analytics: Strong data analytic skills, including a solid understanding of analytical methods (e.g., probability and statistics, algorithm design).
• Programming: Strong experience in Python or SQL coding.
• Analytical Tooling: Experience with analytical tools such as Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or Mode Analytics.
• Data Quality & Documentation: Experience in coding, documenting processes, and performing data quality checks.
• Data Engineering Knowledge: Knowledge of and preferably some experience in data engineering, with experience in Apache Airflow being particularly valuable.

Required Education:

Applicants must meet the following educational criteria:

• Undergraduate: Matriculated in an undergraduate program in good standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Graduate: Matriculated in a graduate program in good standing with a minimum GPA of 2.8.
• Preferred Majors: Computer Science, Data Science, Transportation, Urban Science and Informatics, Economics, Statistics, or a related field.

Important Note: All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. Students’ official transcripts must be submitted as part of the application process.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.