Associate/Senior Modeler

Status: Regular full-time position, 40 hours per week; exempt FLSA status. The position is open until 9:00am PDT September 2, 2026.

About the role

PSRC is seeking an Associate/Senior 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 travel and land use models. Expected to provide expertise and support in the use of advanced modeling techniques with programming, statistical methods, and other techniques used in transportation forecasting and analysis. Strong analytical skills as well as the ability to interpret and communicate complex data are also expected.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and assist in the development and application of travel and land use models.
• Provide expertise and support in advanced modeling techniques, including programming and statistical methods for transportation forecasting and analysis.
• Interpret and communicate complex data effectively.
• Collaborate with agency staff, other agencies, and the public.
• For Senior Modeler: Organize, conduct, and interpret travel demand and land use modeling studies independently.
• For Senior Modeler: Serve as a lead over other professional staff.

Requirements

Ideal Candidate for Associate Modeler

• Knowledge and strong interest in data analysis and interpretation.
• Knowledge of statistics, data science, travel modeling, land use modeling, and/or econometrics.
• Familiarity with activity-based travel models and/or UrbanSim land use models.
• Proficiency in software/programming, particularly with Python or R.
• Experience with relational databases, GIS tools, and transportation network data management.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with agency staff, other agencies, and the public.
• Knowledge of current trends in federal, state, and local planning and interest in studying economic, social, and engineering impacts of policy decisions.

Ideal Candidate for Senior Modeler

• Ability to organize, conduct, and interpret travel demand and land use modeling studies independently.
• Ability to serve as a lead over other professional staff.
• In-depth knowledge of travel and land use modeling, experience with statistical methods and techniques such as discrete choice models.
• Demonstrated experience in the development, calibration, and validation of activity-based travel use models and/or UrbanSim land use models.
• Demonstrated experience with software and programming languages used in modeling (e.g., Python, R, SQL).
• Experience with relational databases, GIS tools, and transportation network data management.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with agency staff, other regional agencies and jurisdictions, and the public.
• Knowledge of current trends in federal, state, and local planning and interest in studying economic, social, and engineering impacts of policy decisions.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements for Associate Modeler

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

Minimum Requirements for Senior Modeler

• Master’s degree in a related field or a Bachelor’s degree in a 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 activity-based travel demand models; experience with land use models like UrbanSim is 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.

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.

Pay

The starting salary and decision to offer the position at an Associate or Senior level will be made at the end of the recruitment process, based on the experience of the selected candidate. The starting salary range is $90,000 - $110,000 annually, DOE. The full salary range for Associate level is $86,000 - $136,000 annually and Senior level is $98,000 - $150,000 annually.

Benefits

• Full benefits including participation in Washington state Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).

Location

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

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.