Job Description

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 culturizing 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 is responsible for collecting and analyzing ridership and operational data for performance reporting; conduct research and updates databases and graphs to report on data related to the agency's service, ridership, and fares; and support the federally mandated monthly ridership reporting requirements to the National Transit Database (NTD).

The primary duties include: Compile ridership data based on ticket sales and operations data using online data warehouses. Review and validate reports in data warehouses and Excel to complete various reports related to monthly ridership trends. Edit reports and queries in Excel and other data management programs, and develop new reports in collaboration with IT and Finance staff, and consultants. Create and update PowerPoint presentations. Conduct research and update databases and graphs to report interim daily ridership data and monthly reports. Monitors and reports on ridership trends and prepares the data for monthly ridership report; maintain detailed monthly, quarterly and annual ridership data to be transmitted to the NTD and other agencies. Participate in the Revenue Accounting system Core Working Group Team. Collaborate with core and consultant teams to ensure that the data is captured and processed accurately for ticket sales and ridership reporting. Work with teams to identify and reconcile any reporting discrepancies related to ticket sales and ridership reporting. Audit key operating statistics for recurring reporting to ensure consistency. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or in lieu of degree any combination of education and experience that equals four (4) years in the collection and analysis of operational data.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills.
• Ability to comprehend technical material.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region

Preferences:

• Applied data management and survey research experience.
• Applied experience with statistical and other quantitative analyses
• Knowledge of database management, statistical software, SQL, programming/script/macro languages, transportation planning software, Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition, and geographic information systems preferred.

On May 11, 2023, both the state of IL and the federal government will put an end to the COVID-19 emergency measures. Effective May 11, 2023 Metra's COVID vaccine requirements will be suspended until further notice.

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 preemployment 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.