Assistant or Associate Regional Land Use Model Planner

One full-time position is available. This position will be filled at the assistant or associate level depending on the successful candidate's qualifications.

This is primarily an economic modeling position and requires a fair amount of mathematical or statistical aptitude and training. Performs a significant amount of econometric modeling and understanding of how statistical models are used and applied in the field of microeconomics and real estate economics. The position includes collecting and performing research and analysis of economic, demographic and land use planning data for such issues as urban growth management, Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) analysis, transportation demand forecasting, housing needs analysis, employment land need analysis and other land use issues. Provides information to Metro staff, other governmental jurisdictions and general public. This position supports land use policy development through data collection, data analysis and modeling of economic, land use and transportation systems.

The ideal candidate will have proven mathematical and microeconomic aptitudes. The position is predominately for prospective candidates interested in a career in economic modeling – in particular with an interest in integrated land use and transportation models. The position will assist principle planners in operating and maintaining a large-scale econometric land use-transportation planning model (i.e., MetroScope). Therefore, strong programming skills are desired to operate an integrated model, assist in forecasting and aid in developing new program routines. Programming in the statistical software language “R” is a “plus”, but any demonstrated experience in programming is desirable. Strong mathematical or statistical skills are needed to understand the model’s theoretical underpinnings and to help in re-estimating model parameters as part of our process of continuous model improvement.

Duties include

• Performs research, analysis and preparation of materials in support of the Data Resource Center’s Forecasting and Modeling Division
• Assists senior staff in research and development of existing econometric land use model system and with land use model maintenance
• Assists senior staff in forecast and land use modeling operations, including model calibration, forecasting and scenario simulation
• Collects primary data for use in analysis using GIS software
• Performs economic, demographic and land use data collection
• Participates in managing and maintaining SQL databases
• Coordinates data exchanges between transportation modelers and land use modelers
• Assists senior staff in designing scenario simulation parameters and testing of alternative policy scenarios
• Coordinates activities with other governmental agencies and the general public
• Analyzes economic impacts through modeling analysis
• Supports policy development through modeling analysis
• Assists senior staff in preparing materials to present to policy makers, stakeholders and elected officials
• Prepares and writes technical reports and memorandums
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Additional duties for the Associate Regional Planner

• Performs in-depth analysis and assists in policy formulation and evaluation based on that analysis.
  
• Prepares materials and presents information to policy makers, stakeholders and elected officials

To apply
Please visit our web site at: www.oregonmetro.gov/jobs for the complete job announcement and a description of the application process. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Metro is the regional government that provides integrated resource management for the 25 cities and unincorporated areas in the Portland metropolitan area. Facilities, public assets and governance services include transportation planning, growth management, solid waste system management and recycling services, regional parks and greenspaces. For more information, please vist Metro's web site: www.oregonmetro.gov