Planning Data Analyst - Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority

BASIC PURPOSE 

Advance the mission and goals of PSTA by supporting the development of thoughtful and technically sound plans and projects. Provide support associated with data collection, entry, analysis, and reporting.  Conduct planning activities for transportation projects under the direction of other PSTA staff.  

This position is housed in the Planning Department and supports transit planning, route analysis, service development, scheduling and other data related studies and activities.  This position will be responsible for performing a variety of complex analytical functions through data collection (and reporting) utilizing a range of software.  Ideal candidates will be detail oriented and able to use software designed to easily communicate data to a broader audience across the agency.

Position will report to the Assistant Manager of Schedules and coordinate closely with the planning group and other departments. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

·         Complete several operating statistical reports for management. Data is derived from PSTA sources as well as from demand response and purchased transportation providers.

·         Prepare statistical reports, graphs, spreadsheets, and forecasts identifying specific performance metrics and trend analysis.  Monitor trends and create data driven forecasts.

·         Complete a monthly board report on performance metrics including ridership and other performance data.  Present data to PSTA Committees and Board.

·         Collect and report non-financial data in compliance with regulatory policies and procedures of the National Transit Database (NTD).

·         Report monthly and annual ridership and performance data to the American Bus Benchmarking Group (ABBG).

·         Work with farebox, automatic passenger counter (APC), and Flamingo fares data from several software programs including FleetNet, APC, Clever Works/ CAD , GFI, Tableau, and HASTUS.

·         Communicate and collect data from transit service contractors (reporting, contracts, data collection, farebox issues, NTD reporting).

·         Assist with data collection and reporting for PSTA’s sustainability program. 

·         Analyze route performance through the application of qualitative and quantitative performance standards.

·         Using Giro's ATP and UTA’s runtime analysis, assist scheduling with adjusting running times for peak OTP.

·         Respond to data requests across the agency and develop data dashboards for use by other agency staff.

·         Perform data analysis to proactively identify potential problem areas or adverse trends requiring further investigation.

·         Maintain files for the purpose of providing complete and accurate documentation and being prepared for all potential audits.

·         Assist Scheduling staff and Planning staff with projects and requests as needed.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Conduct self and duties professionally with integrity and confidentiality. 
• Provide excellent internal and external customer service as a representative of PSTA. 
• Work effectively in a diverse environment.
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with PSTA policies and procedures.
• Work in a safe manner and report all unsafe conditions.
• Perform other related duties, special projects, assignments, or tasks as assigned..

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

·         Education:  Prefer Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Information Management, Statistics, Business, Data Analytics, or related.  Equivalent experience will be considered in place of a degree.

·         Experience: Experience performing business analysis, data analysis, complex report building and data analysis, for example as Data Analyst or Business Data Analysist.  High proficiency in Microsoft Excel including V-Lookups, Pivot Tables, Math Functions, Linking, and Conditional Formatting.  Strong experience graphing data to display statistical data and trends.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

·         Knowledge of: Business operations analysis, trending and forecasting. Knowledge of statistics, and experience using statistical packages for analyzing datasets. General office practices and administrative procedures.  Establishment and maintenance of record keeping systems and procedures.  

·         Skilled In: Technical expertise regarding data collection methods, models, database design development, data mining and segmentation techniques.  Skilled in statistical data analysis.  Intermediate to advanced use of MS Excel, Word Outlook, Access, and PowerPoint.  Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy, strong business writing skills. Adept at queries, report writing, and presenting information with detail and accuracy. 

·         Able To: Interpret and respond to regulatory agency reporting requirements. Create accurate and visually effective spreadsheets, reports, and graphs, which represent complex information in a clear way.  Conduct research, analyze findings, and prepare clear and concise reports and recommendations.  Present data and findings to PSTA Committees and Board. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of employees. Maintain confidential information. Prioritize work based on the ongoing demands of the department. Prepare clear, concise, and complete reports and correspondence. Exercise initiative and work independently.  Follow written and oral instructions. Demonstrate organization, time management, integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.  Demonstrate ability to work within a collaborative team environment and be comfortable providing assistance to multiple project managers, and also to work across diverse departments and disciplines with respect, tact and professionalism.