Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.
Business Efficiency and Process Improvement is charged with culturalizing a mind-set of continuous improvement and lean strategy across Metra. This department will drive strategic process improvements across the organization. It will be responsible for achieving positive significant and sustained impact on Metra's finances, operations, customer satisfaction, employees, and processes. The objectives for this department are to improve Metra's ability to grow revenue, improve cash flow, reduce costs, enhance customer experiences, and improve Metra's business processes.
Reporting to the Manager, Transportation Planning, the Service Analyst 2 reviews, analyzes, and reports on data related to Metra's service, ridership, and fares to keep senior staff informed of trends and support decision making; works to improve reporting products and business processes; fulfills the agency's federally mandated monthly ridership reporting requirements to the National Transit Database (NTD); and performs related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
The primary duties include: Ensure accurate and timely reporting for several recurring reports, including monthly and annual ridership trends for the Metra Board, monthly and annual reporting for National Transit Database (NTD), and various operations-related reports. Extract operations data from multiple data warehouses and import to various reporting and analysis software programs including Microsoft Excel and Power BI. Recommend new reports and changes to existing methodologies to management that will improve trends analysis, business intelligence, and regular and ad hoc reporting. Work with the IT department and consultants to create new reports and improve the efficiency of existing reports. Identify and troubleshoot data errors within data warehouse reports and internal records; work with internal departments and consultants to identify errors and potential issues with data sets, decide on a course of corrective action, and present alternatives to management; and monitor the implementation of corrective actions, escalating issues to management as needed. Function as a resource to lower-level staff by providing guidance and training on data systems and reports. Participate on special projects including system-wide surveys, data system improvements, Title VI reporting, and NTD reporting ensuring department goals are met. Fulfill requests for data requests and policy analysis from other Metra departments and outside stakeholders. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Candidates can expect salary offers that range from the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidate can consider their growth potential.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Transportation or Urban planning, Public Administration, a STEM area, or a related field.
- In addition to #1 above, must have three years of transportation or related planning experience that includes quantitative analysis, data management, or survey research.
- Good knowledge of data collection and statistical analysis.
- Good knowledge of transportation planning principles.
- Good knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS), programming/script/macro languages, and database management.
- Some knowledge of transportation policies and reporting procedures at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Good analytical and organizational skills.
- Good verbal and written communications skills.
- Good math skills, specifically statistical analysis.
- Good presentation skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to possess a high degree of attention to detail.
- Ability to read and comprehend technical material.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Preferred:
- Familiarity with the Chicago region railroads, transit services, and communities.
- Proficiencies in Microsoft Power BI, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Access.
- Master's degree
Metra requires all new-hire employees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to their first day of employment.
Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.
Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.