Asst. Analyst, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) - Chicago

Original posting: http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/documents/20583/270252/Assistant-Analyst_10-10-2013.pdf/1390c39e-4a08-4ef2-a900-952165336cb8

Assistant Analyst (RA056)
October 10, 2013


Company/Agency: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Job Category: Assistant
Experience Required: 0-2 years experience
Salary Range: Entry Level


The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is seeking to hire an Assistant Analyst
for the Research & Analysis Division. CMAP is the official regional planning organization for
the northeastern Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will.
CMAP developed and now leads the implementation of GO TO 2040, metropolitan Chicago's
first comprehensive regional plan in more than 100 years. To address anticipated population
growth of more than 2 million new residents, GO TO 2040 establishes coordinated strategies that
help the region’s 284 communities address transportation, housing, economic development, open
space, the environment, and other quality-of-life issues. See www.cmap.illinois.gov for more
information. CMAP serves as the authoritative source for regional data collection, exchange,
dissemination, analysis, evaluation, forecasting, and modeling. These activities are critical to
providing CMAP and its partners with objective, definitive assessments of current and future
regional conditions. Accordingly, CMAP is committed to maintaining a staff of highly qualified
professional technicians, analysts, and modelers to secure relevant data using state-of-the art
analytical tools.


Position Description
This position will be responsible for the collection, preparation, analysis, and mapping of data
related to agency research and analysis activities.

Examples of projects include: interpreting digital aerial imagery used in preparing the regional
land use inventory, geocoding transportation performance data for use in preparing planning
indicators and improving the spatial level-of-service accuracy of transportation modeling
networks. These and other projects assigned are critical to maintaining the quality and integrity
of CMAP planning datasets. In addition, assignments will be given that contribute to CMAP’s
capacity to respond to regular requests for data and information by staff and regional planning
partners. These include preparation of maps and data that support CMAP’s Local Technical
Assistance Program and Transportation Improvement Program, as well as ad-hoc requests from
the Executive Office and Policy Development staff. Additional assignments include contributing
to implementation of CMAP’s GO TO 2040 Regional Comprehensive Plan by assisting in the
tracking of specific regional planning indicators.



 

Essential Functions:
• Identify, collect and prepare datasets for urban planning analysis and evaluation
• Prepare computer procedures to automate analyses and evaluations
• Interpret and summarize analysis and evaluation results
• Conduct quality control and quality assurance on methods and procedures
• Prepare analysis documentation, summary results and visualization products
• Thoroughly document work products for use by other CMAP staff
• Other duties as assigned


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The successful candidate must have strong technical skills in managing and processing large
urban datasets to support urban planning analysis and evaluation. Familiarity with and an interest
in applying data resources to urban planning and policy analysis is desired. In particular, a
successful candidate must demonstrate:
• Knowledge of Census and other government data products
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and database management
software
• Understanding of fundamental methods of quantitative analysis in urban planning
• Understanding of data management and processing techniques


Education and Experience
A master’s degree in a social science discipline or equivalent with emphasis on quantitative
analysis is preferred. A bachelor’s degree with progressive professional experience is
acceptable. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in application of urban
datasets to public policy analysis.


Contact Information
Send your resume, cover letter with contact information and Job Code: RA056
Email:
hresources@cmap.illinois.gov
Mail:
Human Resources
CMAP: Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60606

Position open until filled. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is an Equal
Opportunity Employer.