Transportation Data Scientist

Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) and Association of Governments (AOG) serving Utah's Davis, Morgan, Salt Lake, Tooele, Weber, and southern Box Elder counties, is seeking a full-time Transportation Data Scientist. WFRC builds consensus and enhances quality of life by developing and implementing visions and plans for a well- functioning multimodal transportation system, livable communities, a strong economy, and a healthy environment. Join our team as we tackle the transportation and land use challenges of one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. We are seeking an innovative, collaborative, and driven individual who brings systems-level thinking, a knack for developing insights and efficient technical solutions, and a passion for Utah and its future. The ideal candidate will thrive in a team- oriented environment and enjoy working closely with colleagues across WFRC groups and with partner agencies to develop meaningful, data-informed solutions grounded in a strong understanding of the interplay between transportation systems, land use, and economic opportunity. WFRC's office is located in a highly accessible, walkable, and bike-friendly area in downtown Salt Lake City, served by car, bus, light rail, and commuter rail. The Salt Lake City and Wasatch Front area are renowned for offering urban amenities in close proximity to world-class outdoor activities.

**Description**

The Transportation Data Scientist will lead and support data-driven efforts to inform regional transportation and land use planning. This role involves developing, calibrating, and applying travel demand and land use models; conducting advanced statistical and

geospatial analysis; and building automated tools and information systems. You will play a key role in WFRC's transition to an activity-based travel model and help build regional insights that guide decision-makers in shaping a well-connected, equitable, and sustainable Wasatch Front.

**Primary Duties and Responsibilities**

As a Transportation Data Scientist, You Will

• Contribute to the development, calibration, validation, and application of regional travel demand and land use models.
• Build advanced geospatial and analytical tools, applying quantitative and statistical methods to support transportation planning, behavioral modeling, and policy analysis.
• Support the creation, analysis, and dissemination of datasets and visualizations that inform understanding of transportation systems, land use, economic development, air quality, and policy initiatives.
• Develop and manage spatial and relational databases to support modeling, analysis, and visualization workflows on desktop and cloud-based platforms.
• Communicate complex technical information clearly to non-technical audiences through maps, graphics, and written materials.
• Develop reproducible, well-documented, and maintainable workflows.
• Participate in stakeholder engagement, including with local governments, transportation agencies, fellow MPOs, and community organizations.
• Support internal efforts related to the Wasatch Choice Vision, Utah's Unified Transportation Plan, Regional Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, and other core WFRC initiatives.
• Maintain professionalism, integrity, and a public-service mindset.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

**Minimum Qualifications**

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in engineering, planning, geography/GIS, econometrics, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.
• Formal coursework and/or demonstrated professional experience in either travel demand modeling or advanced geospatial data analysis, particularly in areas such as spatial statistics or network analysis.
• At least two (2
  
  

) years of experience gained through academic study or professional employment applying geospatial data science and/or GIS met ods to transportation, land use, or urban systems.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze complex datasets using data science libraries, visualization tools, version control, geospatial platforms, and cloud-based databases.
• Proficiency in automating modeling, analysis, or mapping workflows.
  
  

**Preferred Qualifications**

• Experience with travel demand and/or land use models, forecast development processes, and related tools.
• Understanding of the fundamental principles of transportation systems, land use, demographics, and the broader functioning of urban systems. An equivalent combination of education and experience to the qualifications listed above will be considered.
  
  

Wage is negotiable with employer.