PlanRVA is hiring a data analyst with a strong interest in urban and regional planning. This role focuses on using data to support transportation, environmental, community development, and hazard mitigation projects. As a key member of our multidisciplinary team, the Data Analyst will work closely with planners and specialists across these areas. The role involves sourcing data from public repositories, government agencies, and regional partners, including private and non-profit sectors. The Data Analyst will transform raw data into actionable insights using tools like Excel, ArcGIS, and Python or R,. The analyst will support various analyses, such as population forecasting, scenario modeling, land use & land cover analysis, and more. Additionally, the analyst will develop and maintain indicators that track trends in demographics, affordable housing, the economy, education, health, and other factors measuring upward mobility in the Richmond region. The role also includes communicating the findings through data visualizations, web applications, reports, and other dissemination formats.

Core competencies:

• Demonstrated commitment to building a career in urban data science, with a particular focus on analyzing and communicating insights across key areas such as demographics, socio-economics, transportation, environment, land use and community development.
• Proficient in both verbal and written communication, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams and translate complex data into clear, actionable insights through reports, interactive maps, and data visualizations. Skilled in managing multiple long- and short-term projects, conducting literature reviews - traditional and web-based. Knowledge of research methods - both quantitative and qualitative, ability to design survey and conduct statistical analysis, and data synthesis.
• Proficient in using Geographic Information System (GIS) software such as ArcGIS and ArcGIS Online. Experienced with tools like Story Maps, Experience Builder, and Dashboard Builder for developing interactive maps and web applications. Foundational knowledge of raster data, including raster data mosaic, raster calculator/map algebra, and various analytical tools within ArcGIS Pro.
• Strong quantitative analysis skills with experience in using Excel for data management and analysis. Experience in using geodatabase management tools within ArcGIS Pro. Familiarity with data visualization using Excel, ArcGIS Online, or through platforms such as Tableau or Power BI.
• Deep understanding of the fundamentals of transportation and environmental planning. Capable of utilizing geoprocessing tools to develop spatial analysis models and assess the impacts of transportation and environmental projects on surrounding communities. Proficient in analyzing geographic data and effectively communicating results through data reports and interactive mapping tools.

An ideal candidate will have some of the following additional skills:

• Demonstrated experience in scripting languages such as Python and/or R, including libraries for data analysis and visualization. Skilled in developing data pipelines, cleaning and managing data using Pandas or Tidyverse, data analysis using Pandas, Geopandas, Statsmodels, or similar libraries, and creating visualizations with tools like Matplotlib, Bokeh, Plotly, Seaborn, or similar plotting libraries. Experience in developing dashboard applications using open-source libraries like HoloViz, Flask, Plotly Express, Streamlit, or similar.
• Familiarity with travel demand modeling, including experience with CUBE modeling software. Knowledge of population forecasting methods, such as the cohort component method, and skills in future year travel forecasting, future network planning, and deficiency analysis.
• Experience with environmental data sources and analytical methods, including identifying green infrastructure, assessing watershed and flood risk, analyzing tree canopy and urban heat islands, and evaluating the impact of development on air quality and other environmental factors.
• Understanding of regional planning foundations, land use practices, and transportation modes in accordance with Virginia Code.
• Familiarity with comprehensive planning process in general and some knowledge of regional issues and programming for the Richmond region/metropolitan area.
• Knowledge of research practices for compiling and analyzing data needed for planning models, including developing base year socioeconomic data.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position is generally not responsible for supervision of other personnel but may have responsibility for project management and team coordination.

Position Type/ Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Standard days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; flexible schedules are permitted with prior approval. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for specific project deadlines or meetings as job duties demand.

Required Education and Experience

Masters' degree in planning, public administration, data, computer science, engineering or related field. Bachelor's degree with 5 years of progressive relevant experience in listed fields also accepted. Ideal candidates will have at least one year working experience as Data Analyst or in related field.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Physical Demands

• While performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to touch, handle or feel and to reach with hands and arms.
• The position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products, small equipment and supplies up to 30 pounds.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare data and statistics, to perform accounting, to operate a computer, and to read extensively.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

None required for this position.

Benefits

More information about benefits offered can be found on our website

https://planrva.org/home/about-the-commission/employment-opportunities/

Work Authorization/ Security Clearance

The position does not require a criminal background check.

Deadline: Applications will be considered until the close of business Friday, September 27, but we will begin screening applicants immediately.

Important: When applying please submit a cover letter and resume.

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This position description is not designed to cover or contain comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

PlanRVA strives to cultivate and maintain an inclusive culture among its staff members. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on agency need, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, disability or any other status protected by the laws or regulations applicable in the Commonwealth of Virginia.