Class Code: PP110
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Scheduling Analyst

Bargaining Unit: SEA

DEFINITION:

Under direction, a Scheduling Analyst performs technical duties to support Santa Cruz METRO planning activities by utilizing computerized scheduling software to develop transit routes, operating schedules, and related documents according to Planning Department guidelines; develops block sheets, Operator paddles, extra board lists and other bid materials; responds to feedback from various sources by proposing, testing and establishing approved route changes; reviews and analyzes transit operations data to produce reports used in evaluating and improving transit service; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Scheduling Analyst is a journey-level class in the series.  An incumbent in this class performs a wide range of tasks requiring technical knowledge of bus operations as well as basic knowledge of transportation planning policies, procedures and requirements. 

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.

  • Utilizes computerized scheduling software to develop transit routes, operating schedules, and related documents according to Planning Department guidelines; revises existing routes and schedules based on feedback from a variety of sources including customer requests, patronage data, vehicle running times, traffic patterns, street closures, and other information.
  • Monitors current service levels for potential route/schedule changes to improve efficiency, productivity and effectiveness and considering  numbers of stops, length of routes and runs per shift; tests proposed route and schedule changes using computerized models; balances and verifies schedules, work runs and personnel requirements for accuracy and compliance with applicable provisions and guidelines; participates in test trips of new or revised transit routes; may develop routes as part of restructuring or research projects.
  • Prepares Operator bids and special bids as required by the collective bargaining agreements; develops block sheets, Operator paddles, extra board lists and other related materials for Operator bids.
  • Develops and maintains statistical data related to schedules, work runs, personnel requirements and service costs; assists in projecting the cost of route and schedule changes based on Operator pay categories.
  • Prepares a variety of correspondence as well as periodic and ad hoc reports as required; prepares Operator bid and schedule information for payroll purposes.
  • Performs research and survey activities for various service planning projects.
  • Assists Information Technology with the development, enhancement, testing, maintenance and support of computer applications used for schedule planning, schedule building, run cutting and data collection; provides subject matter expertise on operational and business requirements; tests new techniques and aids to scheduling as they become available. 
  • Explains pending route and service changes to members of the public and representatives of community organizations as part of an outreach team; reviews customer complaint letters; assists in preparing responses and recommends changes as appropriate.
  • Proofreads schedule materials or electronic schedule information prior to publication.
  • Attends meetings as directed; communicates and meets with union representatives during development of the Operator bid as directed.
  • Makes mathematical and statistical calculations.
  • Provides information to employees and the public. 
  • Operates standard office equipment; utilizes computer software in performing job tasks.  
  • May utilize specialized Santa Cruz METRO software.
  • Drive a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments.
  • Performs related work as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

  • Federal, State, and local laws governing transit operations.
  • Principles of transit operations and route development and the development of key performance indicators.
  • Technical methods of researching, gathering, organizing, and reporting data.
  • Techniques for surveying and transmitting information.
  • Basic statistical analysis methods.
  • Community interrelationships.
  • Computer software common to the route and schedule planning function (i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, modeling, mapping) at the intermediate level.
  • Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
  • Business correspondence, formatting, and report writing.       
  • Manual and automated record keeping and filing systems.
  • Methods of maintaining information in computerized or hard copy files.
  • Methods of prioritizing, planning, and organizing work.
  • 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:

  • Use transit data derived from computer models, cost/benefit analyses and public input to propose and establish bus routes and Operator schedules.
  • Utilize specialized computer programs and other tools to create bus routes and schedules.
  • Read, analyze, understand and interpret planning-related reports and documents.
  • Conduct technical data 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, and technical reports and fact sheets designed to be understood by all audiences, including the general public.
  • 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:

Two (2) years course work from an accredited college in urban or transportation planning, public administration, business administration or a related field.

AND

Two (2) years of recent transit operations experience, including responsibility for scheduling, dispatching, bus operations or related duties.  

Experience working with transit scheduling software is desirable.

Bachelor’s degree is 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.

*Adopted: 12-11-18

*BOD Approved: 08-23-19

*Revised: 00-00-00

*Job Family: Planning Technical

*Job Series: Scheduling

*Job Series Level: Journey

*Confidential: No