Senior/Principal Modeler

Senior/Principal Modeler

Closes:     The position is open until 9:00am PDT September 30, 2025.

Status:      Regular Full-time Position, 40 hours per week; Exempt FLSA status.

Salary:     The starting salary and decision to offer the position at a Senior or Principal level will be made at the end of the recruitment process, based on the experience of the selected candidate. The starting salary range is $100,000 – $125,000 annually, DOE, with full benefits including participation in Washington state Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). The full salary range for Senior level is $98,000 – $150,000 annually and Principal level is $114,000 – $170,000 annually.

Location: Puget Sound Regional Council; Downtown Seattle, Washington; The position may be eligible for hybrid work (within Washington state).

The Puget Sound Regional Council is the regional transportation, growth management, and economic development planning agency serving Seattle and the central Puget Sound. The thriving region is home to over 4 million people and is one of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan areas. PSRC brings together the region’s diverse counties, cities and towns, native tribes, ports, the state of Washington and civic interests to understand the challenges facing our region’s future and make plans for the region to continue to succeed. The agency serves as the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization and also plays the leading regional role in growth management, transportation, and economic development under state and federal laws. Visit www.psrc.org to find out more. PSRC is an equal opportunity employer.

The strength of our region is rooted in our diversity. Barriers to opportunity and achievement for people of color and other marginalized groups only undermines the talent and resources available to our region, limiting our ceiling for excellence. Regions that remove barriers and reduce disparities maximize the ability of every resident and jurisdiction, creating stronger economies, more engaged communities, and improved outcomes for all residents. At PSRC, we’re striving to create a region where all people have the means to attain the resources and opportunities that improve their quality of life and enable them to reach their full potential; where differences in life outcomes cannot be predicted by race, class, or any other identity. In order for us to accomplish this, our workforce has to reflect the communities we serve. We’re committed to creating an agency where all of our employees can thrive. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply.

THE POSITION:
PSRC is seeking a Senior/Principal Modeler in the Data Department to perform a variety of technical and analytical tasks under general supervision. The position will conduct research and assist in the development and application of PSRC’s socioeconomic forecasting models, especially the UrbanSim land use model and REMI macroeconomic model. Expected to provide expertise and support in the use of advanced modelling techniques, statistical methods, data visualization tools and other techniques used in land use and transportation forecasting. Strong analytical skills as well as the ability to interpret and communicate complex data are also expected.

THE CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate for the Senior Modeler will have:

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to work effectively with agency staff, other regional agencies and jurisdictions, and the general public.
• Ability to organize, conduct and interpret land use and travel demand modeling studies independently.
• Ability to serve as a lead over other professional staff.
• In-depth knowledge of land use modeling and statistical methods and techniques, such as discrete choice models.
• Demonstrated experience in the development, calibration and validation of agent-based land use models, preferably UrbanSim.
• Demonstrated experience in discrete choice model specification, estimation, and application.
• Demonstrated experience with software and programming languages used in modeling (e.g., Python, R, SQL, etc.).
• Experience with relational databases (e.g., SQL Server), as well as complementary querying and reporting frameworks.
• Knowledge of current trends in federal, state and local planning.

The ideal candidate for the Principal Modeler will have:

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with agency staff, other regional agencies and jurisdictions, and the general public.
• Ability to design, organize, conduct and interpret land use and travel demand modeling studies independently.
• Ability to serve as a lead over other professional staff.
• In-depth knowledge of socioeconomic modeling methods and techniques, especially econometric and microsimulation models used for land use and transportation forecasting, as well as macroeconomic models.
• In-depth knowledge of statistical methods and techniques used in modeling.
• Demonstrated experience in the development, calibration and validation of agent-based land use models, preferably UrbanSim.
• Demonstrated experience in discrete choice model specification, estimation, and application.
• Demonstrated experience with a macroeconomic model, preferably the REMI model.
• Demonstrated advanced programming experience in the Data Science language ecosystem (e.g. Python, R, SQL, etc.).
• Experience with relational databases (e.g., SQL Server) as well as complementary querying and reporting frameworks.
• Knowledge of current trends in federal, state and local planning.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Typical ways in which incumbents acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

Minimum Requirements for Senior Modeler:

• Master’s degree in a related field or a Bachelor’s degree in related field with at least four years of experience in statistics, mathematics, planning, or related field.
• Experience in statistical research and analysis preferred.
• Experience in the development and application of advanced agent-based land use models desirable.
• Any combination of lived and educational experience in a related field that would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job.

Minimum Requirements for Principal Modeler:

• Master’s degree in a related field or a Bachelor’s degree in related field with at least six years of experience in statistics, mathematics, planning, or related subjects.
• Two years of lead or supervisory direction to other staff.
• Experience in statistical research and analysis preferred.
• Experience in the development and application of advanced agent-based land use models.
• Any combination of lived and educational experience that would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and abilities required to perform the job.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

TO APPLY:
To be considered, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume as part of the application process and apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/psrc.

OTHER INFORMATION RELATED TO POSITION:
PSRC is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran, or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact Human Resources at hrdept@psrc.org.

This recruitment is for a newly created role and may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.

PSRC office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm with work hours determined upon hired.