Data, Scheduling and Planning Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000

Benefit Package: PLTO offers an excellent compensation and benefits package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) retirement, vacation, holiday and sick pay, etc.

General Description

Under the guidance and direction of the Deputy Director of Operations, the Data Scheduling & Planning Officer is responsible for supporting the planning, scheduling, analysis, and continuous improvement of transit operations at 2 separate locations (Glenridge and Lyttonsville) through the effective management of operational data and scheduling systems. This position develops, maintains, and analyzes service schedules, workforce assignments, operational performance metrics, and service planning data to ensure efficient, reliable, and customer-focused rail operations.

Working for the Operations Department, the incumbent evaluates service performance, identifies trends, prepares analytical reports, and recommends schedule adjustments that improve operational efficiency while maintaining regulatory compliance and service reliability.

The Data Scheduling & Planning Officer supports both day-to-day operations and long-range planning initiatives through detailed analysis, forecasting, reporting, and schedule optimization.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Service Scheduling & Planning

• Develop, maintain, update and deliver daily operating schedules for rail service and operational support activities.
• Assist in the development of service plans based on ridership demand, operational requirements, maintenance windows, and special events.
• Monitor schedule adherence and recommend service modifications to improve reliability and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate scheduling activities with Operations Control Center (OCC) and Transportation Line Supervisors working as Crew Dispatchers.
• Maintain schedule databases and ensure schedule accuracy across all operating systems.

Data Analysis & Performance Reporting

• Collect, validate, and analyze operational data from multiple transit systems.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including on-time performance, service reliability, penalties, headway adherence, vehicle utilization, staffing levels, and service disruptions.
• Prepare recurring and ad hoc operational performance reports for executive leadership.
• Identify operational trends and recommend corrective actions based on quantitative analysis.
• Develop dashboards, charts, and presentations to communicate operational performance.

Scheduling Systems Administration

• Maintain scheduling databases and work with schedule planning software vendor
• Support implementation, testing, and validation of scheduling system updates.
• Ensure data integrity across scheduling platforms and operational reporting systems.
• Coordinate with Information Technology regarding system enhancements and troubleshooting.
• Assist with user acceptance testing for scheduling software upgrades and new system implementations.
• Support the training and development of new hire candidates to supplement this position as needed during absences

Operational Coordination

• Coordinate schedule changes resulting from planned maintenance, construction activities, emergencies, and special events.
• Ensure schedule changes minimize service disruptions.
• Participate in operational planning meetings and provide scheduling recommendations.
• Assist with contingency planning and emergency service scheduling.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain scheduling documentation, operating records, and planning files.
• Ensure scheduling practices comply with agency policies, labor agreements, operating rules, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Prepare documentation supporting audits, internal reviews, and performance assessments.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve scheduling processes through automation and data analysis.
• Recommend process improvements that increase operational efficiency and service quality.
• Participate in departmental projects supporting organizational goals and strategic initiatives.
• Cooperatively performs other related duties and tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of transit operations performance metrics, including on-time performance, service reliability, headway management, and vehicle utilization.
• Knowledge of data analysis methods, statistical reporting techniques, and operational trend identification.
• Knowledge of transit scheduling systems, database structures, and service planning software applications.
• Skill in advanced Microsoft Excel functions, data manipulation, and spreadsheet modeling for operational analysis.
• Skill in developing dashboards, reports, and visual presentations using business intelligence and reporting tools.
• Skill in interpreting complex operational datasets and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Skill in written and verbal communication, including preparation of technical reports and executive summaries.
• Ability to analyze large and complex datasets to identify operational patterns and service improvement opportunities.
• Ability to develop, maintain, and adjust complex transit schedules in response to operational needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including operations, , and executive leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced operational environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and respond effectively to operational disruptions.

Emotional, Psychological and Physical Requirements

Ability to:

• Analyze large datasets and identify operational trends.
• Develop and maintain complex schedules.
• Interpret operational policies and labor agreements.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Communicate technical information to operational and executive staff.
• Build collaborative working relationships across departments.
• Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Adapt to changing operational priorities in a dynamic transit environment.

Physically:

• Sit for extended periods while using a computer.
• Frequently operate standard office equipment, including computers and multiple monitors.
• Occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Visually review reports, schedules, and electronic data for extended periods.
• Occasionally travel to rail facilities, maintenance locations, stations, and operational sites.
• Work in both office and field environments as operational needs require.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Planning, Data Analytics, Operations Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Information Systems, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in transit scheduling, transportation planning, operations analysis, workforce planning, or data analytics.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with transit scheduling software such as HASTUS, Trapeze, GIRO, or similar scheduling platforms.
• Experience using SQL, Power BI, Tableau, ArcGIS, or other data visualization and reporting tools.
• Experience in rail transit or public transportation operations.
• Knowledge of labor scheduling principles and collective bargaining agreements.
• Project management experience supporting operational planning initiatives.