Research Associate – GIS & Transit Planning
Listed on 2026-01-14
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IT/Tech
Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Science Manager -
Engineering
Data Science Manager
Research Associate – GIS & Transit Planning
Tampa, FL, United States (Hybrid)
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- Job Identification 42407
- Job Category Faculty
- Posting Date 01/12/2026, 02:32 PM
- Degree Level Master's Degree
- Locations 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33620, US (Hybrid)
Research Associate – GIS & Transit Planning
Department: Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR)
College/Division: College of Engineering
Salary Plan: 12-month Faculty
Hiring Salary/Salary Range: Commensurate based on experience
Organizational
Summary:
The mission of the College of Engineering at the University of South Florida is to profoundly shape and impact lives through the steadfast pursuit of world‑class engineering research, education, and innovation.
The college serves more than 3,500 students, offering seven bachelor’s programs, which are ABET‑accredited, as well as nine master’s and seven doctoral degrees. The college is actively engaged in local and global research activities with $46.9 million in research expenditures for the fiscal year . The college has 12 major research centers and institutes and is actively engaged in local and global research activities focused on sustainability, biomedical engineering, computing technology and transportation.
Position Summary:
The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida seeks a Research Associate specializing in Geographic Information Science (GIS) to support transit planning, service evaluation, and compliance reporting. The position emphasizes integrating demographic and service data—particularly from the U.S. Census—with transit datasets to meet planning and regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities- Perform GIS analysis using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and related Esri tools.
- Transform Census data (ACS, Decennial Census, LEHD) into usable formats for transit planning and service area analysis.
- Produce professional maps, dashboards, and interactive products for technical and public use.
- Develop automated workflows using Python to streamline recurring data and mapping tasks.
- Support preparation of Transit Development Plans and compliance reviews.
- Lead geospatial analysis for Title VI reporting requirements, including:
- Assessing service availability and access across population groups.
- Conducting demographic and service distribution analysis required by FTA.
- Preparing documentation for agency Title VI submissions.
- Contribute to written technical reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement materials.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Geography, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field; or a bachelor’s degree with three years of relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrated experience with EsriGISsoftware, spatial analysis, and technical reporting.
- Strong communication, analytical, and presentation skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Graduate-level training inGISor Smart City Technology.
- Experience with federal and state transit grant programs (e.g., FTA Sections 5307, 5310, 5311, 5339).
- Proficiency in Python scripting forGISautomation.
- Experience supporting compliance reviews, including Title VI or related reporting requirements in public transit.
- Professional experience in public transit, transportation consulting, or government agencies.
- Project management or supervisory experience.
Additional Information:
Thispositionis funded by non-recurring funds and is contingent upon continuation of those funds. Annual performance evaluations will ensure alignment with CUTR’s values of respect, integrity, collaboration, and innovation.
About Us Working at USFWith approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No.
1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first‑class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans,…
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