National Academies Press: OpenBook

Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce (2019)

Chapter: Appendix J - DART Transit Scheduler Job Descriptions

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Suggested Citation:"Appendix J - DART Transit Scheduler Job Descriptions." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25457.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix J - DART Transit Scheduler Job Descriptions." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25457.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix J - DART Transit Scheduler Job Descriptions." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25457.
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Suggested Citation:"Appendix J - DART Transit Scheduler Job Descriptions." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25457.
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Page 197
Suggested Citation:"Appendix J - DART Transit Scheduler Job Descriptions." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2019. Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/25457.
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Page 197

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193 A P P E N D I X J DART Transit Scheduler Job Descriptions JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Scheduling Supervisor DEPARTMENT: Planning FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Planning Manager PAY GRADE/CODE: EEO CATEGORY: SALARY RANGE: SAFETY SENSITIVE: No APPROVED DATE: APPROVED BY: POSITION SUMMARY Under supervision of the Planning Manager, the Scheduling Supervisor is responsible for intermediate and advanced scheduling tasks related to the development of passenger timetables and bus operator work assignments, conducting route analysis, and preparing supporting documents for DART’s fixed- route transit service. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED AS NEEDED) • Manage the technical development of the operating schedules for DART’s public transportation vehicles using current scheduling software • Responsible for the completion of the general bids and schedule documents for service changes at least three times each year • Analyze the efficiency of each route in the system and provide recommendations regarding potential changes

194 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree in transportation planning, public administration, business administration or closely related field preferred, but additional professional experience may be a substitute for education. A minimum of two (2) years of experience in public transit or operational scheduling preferred; experience with Trapeze or another scheduling software preferred. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES • Knowledge of the principles and procedures for the development and coordination of complex public transit schedules • Knowledge of the Des Moines and surrounding area city streets, landmarks and related geography as it relates to DART service areas • Knowledge of basic statistical analysis techniques and formulas • Knowledge of transportation planning techniques • Knowledge of personal computers and current software programs for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email and databases at the intermediate level of proficiency; as well as general knowledge of specialized software related to functional area; knowledge of Trapeze products beneficial Skills or Ability to: • Ability to maintain a high degree of patience and tolerance in the development of statistical information • Ability to thoroughly think through large amounts of data, evaluate alternative solutions and be innovative in problem resolution • Ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines Special Requirements: Valid Iowa Driver’s license with an acceptable driving record per the Authority’s standards SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY This position supervises the Planning Assistant. • Prepare alternative schedules for special events, emergency and detour route service • Assist with development of planning processes and procedures to improve departmental efficiencies • Assist with the route development process. This includes defining trips made, connection or transfer points, departure, intermediate points and arrival times, setting running times and proper headway • Assist in developing service modifications for service cuts or enhancements as they relate to the efficiency of the overall route system • Assist in assembling the National Transit Database (NTD) statistics for monthly and annual reporting

DART Transit Scheduler Job Descriptions 195 WORK ENVIRONMENT Primary work location is in a general office environment, heated during the winter and cooled in the summer. Job is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards. DISCLAIMER This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the position. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, the DART reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the position, or to require that additional or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (i.e., emergencies, staff shortages, work load changes, rush jobs, or technological developments). Employment is contingent upon a post-offer employment physical, non-DOT drug screen and a criminal background check. I have carefully read and understand the contents of this job description. I understand the responsibilities, requirements and duties expected of me. EMPLOYEE’S SIGNATURE DATE REVISIONS Date Reviser Approved By Reason and Revisions Made: PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS On a normal work day, this position requires: • Prolonged periods of sitting • Extensive use of hands, fingers and arms in operations requiring constant handling of paper documents, computing and entering data using a keyboard and ten key calculator • Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less to read and enter numerical data • The ability to hear normal verbal conversation with or without corrective devices to communicate with co-workers and customers • The ability to speak and read the English language clearly and concisely

196 Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Planning Assistant DEPARTMENT: Planning FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt REPORTS TO: Scheduling Supervisor PAY GRADE/CODE: None EEO CATEGORY: SALARY RANGE: $11.00–$15.32 per hour SAFETY SENSITIVE: No APPROVED DATE: APPROVED BY: POSITION SUMMARY Under general supervision, the Planning Assistant is primarily responsible for following the National Transit Database (NTD) process and requirements for calculating average trip length. The Assistant will also provide support to Planning staff as needed. The Planning Assistant will typically work a flexible part-time schedule of 26–29 hours per week and must be available to occasionally work early mornings, late nights and on weekends. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED AS NEEDED) • Randomly select trips, generate surveys, conduct checks and enter data for NTD calculations • Meet buses and operators at designated times and locations • Conduct passenger counts on all DART routes as assigned • Perform other special counts as assigned • Completely and accurately fill out Ride Check forms • Use portable electronic devices to record passenger counts and other passenger data • Record when and where passengers get on and off the bus • Report bus stop issues to the Planner and Maintenance staff • Recommend bus stop placement • Maintain a professional and respectful demeanor when interacting with the public and DART staff • Assist Planning staff with projects and service changes as needed KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES • Proficiency in Word, Excel, Microsoft Office and willingness to learn Illustrator and scheduling software • Able to arrive on-time at expected times and locations • Ability to read and understand driver run sheets and passenger schedules • Capable of understanding and using the DART transit system • Ability to perform basic mathematic functions, maintain accurate counts of passengers and accurately complete records

DART Transit Scheduler Job Descriptions 197 • Ability to work a flexible schedule during all DART service hours and days • Knowledge of Des Moines area and member communities where DART services are provided • Ability to operate portable electronic devices SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY This position does not supervise other employees. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Ability to neatly and legibly handwrite information on Ride Check forms • Ability to board and travel on DART buses, with or without assistance from the Bus Operator • Ability to travel to designated locations at designated times to collect data • Ability to sit for prolonged periods and collect data on a DART bus • The ability to speak and read the English language clearly and concisely WORK ENVIRONMENT Most work will be conducted on DART buses. There will be some periods of exposure to outdoor conditions while boarding or leaving DART buses. This may include exposure to inclement weather or extremes of temperature. Work will sometimes occur during early morning and nighttime in dark conditions. OTHER REQUIREMENTS The Planning Assistant is responsible for providing their own transportation as needed to get to the designated locations at the designated times to collect data. They must also provide their own accurate timepiece. DISCLAIMER This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the position. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, the DART reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the position, or to require that additional or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (i.e., emergencies, staff shortages, work load changes, rush jobs, or technological developments). Employment is contingent upon a post-offer employment physical, non-DOT drug screen and a background check which will include a credit check. I have carefully read and understand the contents of this job description. I understand the responsibilities, requirements and duties expected of me. EMPLOYEE’S SIGNATURE DATE

Next: Appendix K - RTD Planner/Scheduler Job Postings »
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TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis 143: Managing the Transit Scheduling Workforce examines how transit agencies are recruiting, training, developing, and retaining schedulers. In the case where transit agencies use third parties to create schedules, the report also shows how transit systems manage those third parties.

The report is designed to assist transit agencies in managing their transit scheduling human capital. The report presents an overview of the practices and procedures transit agencies use to manage their scheduling workforce and will allow agencies to compare what they are currently doing with what others are doing in this area. The report also analyzes how transit systems are evolving their practices to adapt to industry and technological changes. It provides transit systems with new ideas and strategies to retain good schedulers.

The report also presents a literature review and results of a survey of transit agencies that use transit schedulers in their workforce. Case examples of five transit systems are provided; these present an in-depth analysis of various recruitment, selection, training, retention, and performance management strategies.

Transit schedules provide the blueprint for fixed-route transit—they affect operating and capital costs, safety, customer satisfaction, and operator well-being and health. Although scheduling has moved from a largely paper-based practice to one that now uses purposebuilt scheduling software and utilizes data collected from automated systems, transit scheduling is still a human process that is merely assisted by software and data.

Knowledgeable people are needed to perform most scheduling tasks, supply direction, and provide quality control. Moreover, the increasing availability and reliance on data and scheduling software are gradually changing the nature of a transit scheduler’s job—making computer and data analysis skills and acumen increasingly central to the transit scheduler role.

The scheduling process is labor intensive, detail driven, and ripe with opportunities for errors; to be done well, scheduling requires qualified and talented transit schedulers.

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