Class Code: P0202
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Planning Aide

Bargaining Unit: SEA

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, a Planning Program Aide performs routine duties to assist with transit planning activities; collects a variety of transit data while on Santa Cruz METRO buses, in the field and on the telephone; tabulates and summarizes data; prepares data for computer input; conducts other routine clerical duties; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Planning Program Aide is a journey-level planning support class. An incumbent in this class performs routine clerical and other support tasks that require basic knowledge and application of departmental policies, practices, and procedures. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

  • Counts passengers as they board and deboard buses; records schedule adherence to gather required service planning data; compiles data for various transit-related studies and surveys and assists in the compilation and summarization of service planning data.
  • Surveys or interviews Santa Cruz METRO passengers and the public on buses, in the field or on the telephone.
  • Tabulates passenger counts; compiles totals, computes percentages and summarizes survey results.
  • Calculates route distances and travel times for Santa Cruz METRO routes.
  • Prepares field sheets, line summaries, and related forms using computer hardware and software.
  • May assist with special projects and presentations to the public to support Santa Cruz METRO public information and marketing.
  • Performs routine general clerical work as assigned; may prepare documents, answer telephones, maintain files and provide information to the public.
  • Operates standard office equipment; utilizes computer software in performing job tasks. 
  • Drive a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments.
  • Performs related work as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

  • Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
  • Basic clerical methods of researching, gathering, organizing and reporting data.
  • Basic methods of maintaining information in computerized or hard copy files.
  • Basic methods of prioritizing, planning, and organizing work.
  • Basic time management techniques.
  • Basic clerical customer service techniques.
  • Basic mathematics, including percentages and basic statistics.
  • Telephone techniques and etiquette.
  • The effective use of modern office equipment, personal computers, and standard business software. 

Ability to:

  • Follow oral and written instructions accurately.
  • Maintain basic records and control systems with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Input data into a computerized database.
  • Adhere to established work schedules and timelines.
  • Balance multiple assignments simultaneously and effectively.
  • Utilize standard office equipment and computer software and learn to use specialized Santa Cruz METRO software if assigned.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other divisions, departments, agencies, suppliers, vendors, and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Education, Training, and Experience:

One (1) year of clerical experience requiring numerical recordkeeping, routine numerical research, or statistical reporting using personal computers.  

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid California Driver’s License will be required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a current, valid California Class “C” Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; walk, sit and stand; use finger dexterity; talk and hear, and use a keyboard.  Work often requires stooping at the waist and the repetitive use of both hands to grasp and feel objects.  Work may require lifting up to 20 pounds unaided.  Specific visual abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to see colors and shades, and the ability to perceive depth. 

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment: 

The employee typically works in a standard office environment where the noise level is moderate.  

Does occasional fieldwork.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Must pass requisite a background check.
  • May occasionally working extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule.

*Adopted: 12-11-18

*BOD Approved: 08-23-19

*Revised: 00-00-00

*Job Family: Planning Clerical

*Job Series: Planning Aide

*Job Series Level: Entry/First working

*Confidential: No