REGION OF WATERLOO JOB DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 REGION OF WATERLOO JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: TRANSIT DATA ANALYST JOB CODE: DEPARTMENT: TRANSPORTATION & DIVISION: TRANSIT SERVICES ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES UNION: CUPE LOCAL 1883 REPORTS TO: SUPERVISOR, TRANSIT SCHEDULING REVISED: August 29, 2014 GENERAL PURPOSE: Develops and maintains transit network data and databases used in Grand River Transit (GRT) software applications related to scheduling, planning, operations, traveler information, data collection, and vehicle location; provides technical support for the development, implementation, operation, and maintenance of automated transit systems and related applications to Transit Services and Transportation Planning staff; collates and analyses reports; and delivers automated schedule and service information for public transit customers and operations staff. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Develops and maintains transit network database by collecting, inputting, and verifying data (e.g., nodes, stops, landmarks, maps, and distances) for export to various GRT applications related to scheduling, planning, operations, traveler information, data collection, and vehicle location. Executes data imports and exports between main transit database and transit applications. Exports data to open data applications as part of the open data initiative (e.g., Google Maps systems). Responds to associated inquiries and complaints. Collaborates with Transit Services and Transportation Planning staff to maintain the bus stop asset database and system map for routes and bus stops. Creates and modifies ad hoc maps for service alterations and circulates to the GRT Marketing and Communications section. Provides data updates to meet regular service change dates and to reflect intermittent changes in transit service. Investigates and troubleshoots database configuration issues and data interface problems between transit scheduling, automatic vehicle location, and transit operations systems. Provides technical assistance and support to Transit Services and Transportation Planning staff, as required. Produces, imports, and modifies onboard audio and visual data. Maintains onboard audio and visual compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Researches, analyzes, and provides advice on best practices for transit network data design, development, and implementation to Transit Services and Transportation Planning staff. Participates with same in the development and implementation of new transit data design and integration technologies.

2 -2- Provides information and data to assist in the production of scheduling and traveler information, and assists to create various data-related reports for management and other staff communicating service and schedule information, as required. Creates ad-hoc and routine reports by executing queries. Collates and curates data and formats reports. Provides preliminary analysis and comment, and circulates as required. Remains informed of related technologies and learns new/updated software programs to provide advice on best practices and recommend new/upgraded technologies to Supervisor. Performs other related duties as assigned. RESPONSIBILITY FOR MATERIAL/FINANCIAL RESOURCES: N/A NATURE & IMPACT OF ERROR: Failure to create and maintain databases correctly or input service change information in a timely manner could result in delayed or missed work assignments by bus operators, malfunction of on-board traveler information systems, the dissemination of incorrect or confusing schedule and service information, and frustration and inconvenience to transit customers, leading to a negative public image, loss of confidence in services provided, and declines in transit ridership and revenue. Failure to provide accurate data in reports, or errors in judgment providing comment on reports could result in transit decisions regarding scheduling and routes based on inaccurate data, causing service impacts. Failure to correctly map route and stop locations could cause system disagreements, requiring additional time and resources to correct. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPERVISION OF STAFF & OTHERS: Acts as a resource to new employees or staff with technical questions related to transit data. Provides guidance and assistance to summer students, in conjunction with Transit Schedulers. Requests student assistance with tasks and projects (e.g., data mining for reports on ridership, visuals, editing, delivery of timetables). Monitors work quality of assigned tasks for accuracy.

3 -3- CONTACTS & HUMAN RELATIONS: Internal: Receives guidance from Supervisor, Transit Scheduling, as well as Transportation Planning and Transit Services staff. Discusses work assignments, requirements, and system performance with various transit staff including schedulers, planners, analysts, supervisors, and operators. Works in conjunction with Transit Planners to complete planning projects. Exchanges information with Passenger Amenity Coordinators to discuss stop additions/removals or route changes. Works with Marketing coordinator to review new print materials for schedule accuracy. Liaises with Transit Operations staff when preparing materials for bus operator signup. Responds to inquiries and troubleshoots problems related to data design and interfaces with various transit and ITS staff. Attends meetings with Regional staff. External: Contacts hardware and software technical support staff to obtain technical assistance and product information. Responds to inquiries and requests for information related to transit network database from the public, private application developers, multinational mapping enterprises, consultants, and other external agencies. Exchanges information with transit staff from other transit systems. EFFORT (Mental, Physical): Works in accordance with Regional and divisional policies and procedures, AODA, and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Plans and prioritizes work according to deadlines and scheduling periods. Uses critical thinking and problem solving skills to design and configure data; however, some processes are documented or follow pre-established guidelines. Independently determines frequency and occurrence of data uploads to systems based on volume, nature, and anticipated customer impact of information changes. Makes decisions regarding data points, mapping requirements, and route input based on information provided by others but according to system structures. Issues ad hoc queries, generates reports, and edits data fields using HASTUS fields. Collates report data using accuracy and attention to detail to ensure integrity and validity. Work requires organizational skills and necessitates structured work processes be strictly followed. Work is reviewed only through final product for reports, mapping, and route changes and according to operational impacts for data transfers and AODA compliance. Collaborates with Transit Schedulers, Principal Planners (Transit), and ITS staff to identify and resolve data compatibility issues for systems that interface with HASTUS. Uses a computer approximately 80% of the time, requiring periods of sitting, visual concentration, and manual dexterity. Attends meetings and discusses issues with others; and travels within and outside Waterloo Region approximately 20% of time to perform on-board system checks and investigative field work and attend conferences and training sessions. WORKING CONDITIONS: Works in a standard office environment, subject to occasional travel to other locations within Waterloo Region (less than 1 time/week) to perform investigative field work, on-board system checks, or attend meetings. Works to meet inflexible deadlines for 5 scheduling periods annually, as well as in response to intermittent changes in transit service (e.g., detours, school schedules, corrections, changes in bus stops).

4 -4- KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: Ability to analyze and interpret technical and statistical data; present information in a logical format; and diagnose and resolve data problems, acquired through a 2-year college diploma in a related field (e.g., Transportation Technology, Transportation Planning, GIS, Information Technology), plus a minimum of 2 years experience in a transit planning, scheduling, or operations environment. Knowledge of the principles, practices, and processes of public transit planning, structures, scheduling, and operations. Strong analytical and organizational skills to analyze data, plan and prioritize own work, and meet inflexible deadlines. Ability to accurately input and maintain information to ensure data integrity and validity; perform arithmetic and statistical calculations to analyse and produce ridership, schedule, and route performance reports. Communication skills in order to participate in meetings, discuss issues with staff, exchange information with vendors or product support staff. Computer skills utilizing transit scheduling software (e.g., HASTUS). Proficiency using MS Office software applications including Access, graphic design software (e.g., CorelDraw X4, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat Pro), onboard software (e.g., INIT), mapping programs (e.g., Google Earth), and geographic information system software (e.g., ArcGIS). Ability to travel to various sites within Waterloo Region. Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization. Language Communication (Written and Verbal): Communication skills with ability to correspond with others, create reports, and communicate service and schedule information to staff and customers. Ability to read and interpret reports, statistical data, and technical manuals for software applications. Ability to clearly respond to technical inquiries from staff and external contacts (e.g., app developers).

5 -5- Position Incumbent: Name Signature Supervisor Director, Employee Services & Systems Department Head Commissioner, Human Resources