Transit Scheduler, Data Analyst

Job Description

Job Description

Salary : $71,700 - $84,300

MEET MVTA

At Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), we are more than a transit agency; we are the pulse of connected communities, driven by our guiding principles.

We prioritize safety for riders, employees, and communities while delivering transformative transportation services that exceed expectations.

We strive for eco-friendly practices, foster inclusivity, and fairness with a focus on innovation, uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability, and remain customer-focused, placing riders at the center of all our endeavors.

As the second-largest transit agency in Minnesota, MVTA serves seven cities in Dakota and Scott counties. Our extensive network includes 25 routes, offering local, express, micro-transit, and event services.

Join us in shaping the future of transit, fostering community ties, and delivering innovative solutions. Together, we propel MVTA as the most connected transit agency, transforming the way our communities live, work, and play.

POSITION SNAPSHOT

This technical position is responsible for executing MVTA’s service scheduling process and for maintaining, enhancing, and developing reports and data analysis tools.

This position focuses on daily management tasks related to the current scheduling software to ensure MVTA service is provided in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

Scheduling responsibilities include timetables, blocking, service change documentation, and management of planning / service functions in automated vehicle location (AVL) system.

This position also assists with transit review, analysis and service development, statistical data collection, analysis and data interpretation, service delivery, and regularly coordinates with a variety of MVTA stakeholders and staff.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact within our communities, helping to shape the services MVTA delivers through an analytical lens.

KEY CONTRIBUTIONS

• Execute MVTA’s scheduling process using planning and scheduling modules; includes process documentation, service change information sharing, Change of Service forms, and creation of routes, trips, stops, route and deadhead itineraries, run times, timetables, blocks, driver maps, driver directions, stop listings, and other service details.
• Develop and coordinate special schedules such as State Fair, new service concepts, and / or event services.
• Maintain MVTA scheduling software; serve as the expert in customization needs and cross-training.
• Create detailed maps reflecting bus routes to ensure route accuracy, convey details, or respond to special requests (i.

e., grant applications).

• Prepare schedule data for downstream technology systems including MVTA ridership database, AVL, automatic passenger count (APC) system, and Google Transit.
• Execute planning / service functions in Avail (or current system) including but not limited to : schedule imports, trigger box management, announcement management and recording coordination, route trace review, schedule deployments, and report set up.
• Recommend modifications to improve service quality using a data-driven, technical approach and evaluate service alternatives.
• Plan and manage data analysis projects using AVL, ridership, APC, scheduling, and other data as relevant, including collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.
• Monitor various datasets, work to improve data integrity and accuracy, and integration of information.
• Maintain, monitor, and provide reports on performance measures, develop creative solutions for services not achieving desired standards, assist with Federal reporting requirements, and develop standard reports and / or custom analyses based on interest and requests agency wide.
• Assist with management of other MVTA technology-based initiatives such as APC data management, real-time transit information, transit signal prioritization, etc.
• Work with staff to develop specifications, test, and upgrade systems.
• Assist in Budget preparation, monitor actual vs. scheduled platform hours via billing, and serves as a technical liaison between the department and Finance for requested reports / analysis.
• Establish strong working relationships with internal departments and external transit agency staff.
• Remain current on system requirements, industry standards, and best practices. Develop and explore innovations within transit planning / scheduling.
• Ride routes to monitor and evaluate route performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.

CORE COMPETENCIES & CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Two (2) years of relevant experience
• Experience with transit operational data (AVL, automatic passenger counts (APCs), ridership, etc.)
• Knowledge of Geographic Information System (GIS) software
• Proficient knowledge of transit scheduling principles, practices, techniques, and concepts
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and Access
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to interpret and apply mathematics and statistical methods
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from various stakeholders
• Ability to be organized and efficient, effectively prioritizing tasks
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively

DESIRABLE COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Advanced degree equaling a Masters in a related field.
• Experience with Optibus planning and scheduling modules
• Experience with Avail CAD / AVL systems
• Microsoft Power BI
• Esri’s ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro
• AICP Certification

MVTA offers a collaborative and innovative work environment with a commitment to equity, sustainability, and community service.

Even if your skill set doesn’t perfectly align, we value relevant experience, passion for making a positive impact, and a keen willingness to learn!

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions which might include but are not limited to remaining stationary for extended periods, occasional movement throughout the department, and occasional transport of objects weighing less than 10 pounds.

This position requires the ability to observe and analyze details at close range and communicate to exchange accurate information with others.

EMPLOYEE ADVANTAGES

• Healthcare : Access to medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Employee Assistance Program : Access support services for personal and professional challenges.
• Life and Disability Coverage : Gain peace of mind with life and disability benefits, ensuring financial security for you and your loved ones.
• Deferred Compensation : Build a foundation for long-term financial security with the flexibility and control provided by our deferred compensation plan.
• Retirement : MN PERA is a government pension program; employer and employee contributions are mandatory.
• Paid Time Off : Achieve work-life balance with paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Investing in Your Growth : We invest in your professional development through a variety of continuous learning opportunities and programs.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MVTA believes in providing equal employment opportunities. MVTA will not violate any law prohibiting discrimination for or against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, familiar status, disability (including those related to pregnancy or childbirth), membership or non-membership in a labor organization, sexual orientation, gender identify, status regarding public assistance, genetic information, complaining in good faith to MVTA or public authority, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation.

Applicants and employees will be evaluated solely based on their conduct, their compliance with MVTA’s policies, practices, and legitimate expectations, and their performance and experience.