Operations Analyst

Greater Portland Metro is seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Operations Analyst to support data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement across our transit system. This position is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and presenting operational data to evaluate service performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide actionable recommendations to staff, executive leadership, and the Board of Directors. The Operations Analyst utilizes tools such as Automatic Passenger Counters (APC), Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) data to conduct route and fleet performance analyses, develop dashboards and reports, create maps and visualizations, and support transit planning initiatives. The role also assists with National Transit Database reporting, Title VI equity analyses, passenger surveys, fleet lifecycle planning, maintenance performance monitoring, and public engagement efforts. Successful candidates will possess strong analytical, technical, and communication skills, with the ability to transform complex data into meaningful insights that improve service reliability, efficiency, and the overall customer experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

• One or more years of recent experience in transit planning, data analysis, or related field involving complex project management.
• Advanced experience in using Microsoft Excel for data analysis, performance reporting, statistical evaluation, and graphical presentation of operational metrics.

Education

• Bachelor degree in Urban Planning, Business Administration, Geography, Data Science, or related field is preferred.

Job Duties

· Collects, maintains, and interprets ridership, system performance, and service evaluation data to identify operational opportunities and bottlenecks.

· Conducts route-level performance analysis to recommend frequency adjustments, running time changes, and stop optimizations.

· Utilizes GIS software to create detailed maps and visual presentations for bus routes, stops, and demographic analysis for public and internal use.

· Performs studies and surveys to recommend improvements for organizational efficiency and service development.

· Leads the development of vehicle blocks and operator shifts (run-cutting) to ensure cost-effective service delivery, in coordination with the Transportation Manager.

· Maintains the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) data to ensure accurate real-time information for passenger apps and Google Maps.

· Establishes and maintains relationships with government agencies, community groups, and the public; investigates and responds to service requests.

· Leads development and evaluation of passenger surveys and public participation strategies.

· Assists in the preparation and submission of National Transit Database (NTD) reports and conducts Title VI equity analyses for service changes.

· Monitors and reports on Mean Distance Between Failures (MDBF) and road call trends to identify recurring mechanical issues across the fleet.

· Evaluates preventive maintenance (PM) compliance and shop productivity metrics to assist the Maintenance Manager in optimizing labor and parts allocation.

· Coordinates with the Maintenance Manager to analyze the lifecycle of vehicles and components to support the development of long-term fleet replacement and capital improvement plans.

· Develops and maintains departmental dashboards tracking KPIs such as On-Time Performance (OTP), missed trips, and passengers per revenue hour, and other useful metrics.

· Occasionally conducts field observations and data collection at transit centers and along routes to verify service quality.

Related duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Aptitudes

· Analyze highly technical problems, identify alternative solutions and make recommendations in support of goals.

· Excellent verbal, written, and data presentation skills, including the ability to present technical reports to executive leadership.

· Ability to problem solve, think strategically for the short- and long-term, and be solution-focused.

· Required ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

· Very strong expertise in spreadsheets, databases and GIS software.

· Ability to manage multiple ongoing tasks in an organized and detail-oriented manner.

Possess time management skills.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

· Ability to remain seated for extended periods while working at a computer workstation

· Ability to operate a computer, keyboard, mouse, calculator, and other standard office equipment.

· Ability to read and interpret data displayed on computer monitors and printed reports.

· Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication methods.

· Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift or carry office materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

· Ability to attend meetings and conduct occasional field observations at transit facilities, bus stops, park-and-ride lots, or other operational locations.

· Ability to travel locally for meetings, training, operational studies, and field data collection as required.

· Ability to work in both office and outdoor environments, including exposure to varying weather conditions during field observations.

· Ability to board and ride transit vehicles for service evaluations and operational studies.

Ability to walk moderate distances and stand for extended periods while conducting field observations, passenger counts, or service assessments.

Pay: $33.17 - $36.25 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Portland, ME 04102