Transit Planner, Scheduler

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority•Burnsville, MN

1d•$76,066 - $102,695•Onsite

About The Position

This technical position is responsible for executing and continuously improving MVTA’s service scheduling process, balancing both operational scheduling functions and long-range service planning support. The position ensures that MVTA service is delivered safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively while also contributing to service design and innovation. Scheduling responsibilities include timetables, blocking, service change documentation, and management of planning/service functions in automated vehicle location (AVL) system. In addition to technical scheduling work, this position plays an important role in service planning efforts through transit review, analysis and service development, statistical data collection, analysis and data interpretation, service delivery, and regularly coordinates with a variety of MVTA stakeholders and staff. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact within our communities, helping to shape the services MVTA delivers through an analytical lens. This position requires a balance of analytical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills to develop practical and forward-thinking mobility solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Two (2) years of relevant experience
Experience with transit operational data (AVL, automatic passenger counts (APCs), ridership, etc.)
General knowledge of transit planning principles and service design, or related experience
Knowledge of Geographic Information System (GIS) software
Proficient knowledge of transit scheduling principles, practices, techniques, and concepts
Experience with Microsoft Excel and Access
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to interpret and apply mathematics and statistical methods
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from various stakeholders
Ability to be organized and efficient, effectively prioritizing tasks
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree equaling a Masters in a related field.
Experience with Optibus planning and scheduling modules
Experience with Avail CAD/AVL systems
Microsoft Power BI
Esri’s ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro
AICP Certification

Responsibilities

Execute MVTA’s scheduling process using planning and scheduling modules; includes data analysis, process documentation, service change information sharing, Change of Service forms, and creation of routes, trips, stops, route and deadhead itineraries, run times, timetables, blocks, driver maps, driver directions, stop listings, and other service details.
Develop and coordinate special schedules such as State Fair, new service concepts, and/or event services.
Maintain MVTA scheduling software; serve as the expert in customization needs and cross-training.
Create detailed maps reflecting bus routes to ensure route accuracy, convey details, or respond to special requests (i.e., grant applications).
Prepare schedule data for downstream technology systems including MVTA ridership database, AVL, automatic passenger count (APC) system, and Google Transit.
Execute planning/service functions in Avail (or current system) including but not limited to: schedule imports, route trace review, schedule deployments, and report set up.
Recommend modifications to improve service quality using a data-driven, technical approach and evaluate service alternatives.
Maintain, monitor, analyze, and provide reports on performance measures, develop creative solutions for services not achieving desired standards, assist with Federal reporting requirements, and develop standard reports and/or custom analyses based on interest and requests agency wide.
Assist in budget preparation, monitor actual vs. scheduled platform hours via billing, and serve as a technical liaison between the department and Finance for requested reports/ analysis.
Establish strong working relationships with internal departments and external transit agency staff.
Remain current on system requirements, industry standards, and best practices. Develop and explore innovations within transit planning/scheduling.
Ride routes to monitor and evaluate route performance.
Support long-range planning and service development initiatives through research, trend analysis, and coordination with regional partners. Use strategic planning approaches to support service design and improve the customer experience.
Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.