Class Code: P0211
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Planning Data Analyst

Bargaining Unit: SEA

DEFINITION:

Under direction, a Planning Data Analyst performs professional analytical duties related to transportation planning functions and processes; collects, prepares and analyzes service data for the advancement of planning and scheduling projects, Federal and State reporting requirements, budget and performance reporting, and grant applications; communicates and coordinates with the farebox provider to monitor software data collection methods and equipment, new fare media, and new fare tracking methods; tracks the department budget, processes invoices, and handles other administrative duties as needed; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Planning Data Analyst is a journey-level professional class. An incumbent in this class performs a wide range of tasks requiring knowledge, interpretation and application of specialized transportation planning administrative requirements, analysis and preparation of data and reports to meet various regulatory requirements, and other analytical duties to support departmental administrative functions. 

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.

  • Gathers ridership and other data related to service performance using systems feedback data and field survey data collection; runs data queries of primary research from field surveys, GPS-based vehicle location systems, and fare media; monitors service statistic sources and data integrity.
  • Creates, implements, and revises survey data collection plan; collects, analyzes, validates, evaluates and summarizes service data to assist with route design, establish run times for routes, and fulfill State, Federal and local reporting requirements, key performance indicator (KPI) analysis and reporting, budget development and reporting, audits, and grant applications and reporting. 
  • Prepares narrative and statistical reports, maps, graphics and charts, including recommendations based on data analysis. 
  • Coordinates the interdepartmental submission of the monthly and annual reporting to the National Transit Database.
  • Validates and collects farebox and other system operational data to identify trends, deficiencies and forecasts, and to produce inputs for various documents such as short-range transportation plans.
  • Coordinates and communicates with the farebox provider to maintain current service and/or modify service as needed.
  • Administers departmental budgets; participates in and coordinates the annual budget development process; develops revenue and expenditure forecasts; processes invoices to track departmental spending against the established budget.
  • Provides staff support to assigned committees including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and informational packets, attending meetings, and taking and transcribing minutes. 
  • Makes mathematical and statistical calculations; updates and maintains planning databases and directories.   
  • Provides service data and information to employees and the public when requested in accordance with policies and procedures; responds to comments, complaints, and requests from Santa Cruz METRO staff, board members, the public, and other agencies. 
  • Operates standard office equipment; utilizes computer software in performing job tasks. 
  • Drives a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments.
  • Performs related work as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

  • Applicable Federal, State and local laws governing transit operations, including funding programs and data reporting requirements.
  • Budget methods for operating and short- and long-term transportation capital funding.
  • Principles of transit operations and route development.
  • The development of key performance indicators pertinent to transportation programs.
  • Professional methods of researching, gathering, organizing and reporting data.
  • Techniques for surveying and transmitting information.
  • Financial and statistical analysis methods.
  • Budgeting and financial analysis concepts and practices, including cost analysis and modeling.
  • Community interrelationships.
  • Computer software common to the planning function (i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, modeling, mapping) at the intermediate level.
  • Project management methods and techniques. 
  • Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
  • Business correspondence, formatting and report writing.       
  • Manual and automated record-keeping and filing systems.
  • Advanced methods of maintaining information in computerized or hard copy files.
  • Methods of prioritizing, planning and organizing work.
  • Advanced time management techniques.
  • Customer service techniques.
  • Intermediate mathematics, including ratios, percentages, and intermediate statistics.
  • The effective use of modern office equipment, personal computers, and standard business software. 

Ability to:

  • Analyze transit data derived from computer models, cost/benefit analyses and public input.
  • Read, analyze, understand and interpret complex planning-related reports and documents.
  • Conduct cost/benefit, impact and other related technical analyses.
  • Formulate a response to inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, local government representatives, citizen groups or members of the business community.
  • Keep abreast of current trends in the transit field.
  • Write letters, memorandums, board, planning and technical reports and fact sheets designed to be understood by all audiences, including the public.
  • Design graphics/maps using computer/drawing software for publication studies.
  • Prioritize projects based on established criteria.
  • Adhere to established work schedules and timelines.
  • Work independently using good judgment, tact and discretion.
  • Balance multiple assignments simultaneously and effectively.
  • Utilize standard office equipment and computer software and learn to use specialized Santa Cruz METRO software if assigned.
  • Maintain confidentiality of materials, records, files and other privileged information.
  • 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:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, transportation planning or a related field.

AND

Two (2) years of recent professional experience performing transportation planning or administrative analysis for a public transportation system.  

Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and HASTUS software, as well as advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, are desirable.

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. 

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Must pass a requisite background check.
  • May occasionally work extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule.
  • Must participate in professional development activities.  

*Adopted: 12-11-18

*BOD Approved: 08-23-19

*Revised: 08-23-2024

*Job Family: Professional Administrative

*Job Series: Planning Data Analyst

*Job Series Level: Journey

*Confidential: No