Planning Data Specialist Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join LYNX and help shape the future of public transportation through data. As a Strategic Planning & Data Analyst also known at LYNX as the Planning Data Specialist, you'll transform complex transit data into actionable insights that improve service delivery, support strategic initiatives, and influence planning decisions across Central Florida's Regional Transit System.

The Strategic Planning & Data Analyst supports the Manager of Strategic Planning by transforming complex transportation data into meaningful insights that guide agency planning, service improvements, and operations decision-making. This role is responsible for maintaining integrity of planning and ridership data across multiple systems, conducting data analysis, developing reports and visualizations, and supporting National Transit Database (NTD) reporting, GIS initiatives, grant activities, and long-range planning efforts.

Working collaboratively with internal departments and external stakeholders, the incumbent ensures accurate, reliable data that supports strategic initiatives, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of LYNX transit services.  Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, proficiency with GIS and data visualization tools, and the ability to communicate technical information effectively. 

Sponsorship Notice: LYNX does not sponsor employment-based visas, including H-1B. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

STEM OPT: LYNX is not a STEM-OPT Employer.

Day in the life: The Planning Data Specialist, reporting to the Manager of Strategic Planning, supports the upkeep and accuracy of LYNX planning datasets, including ridership, service, bus stop, and amenity information. This position contributes to agency-wide efforts to maintain data consistency and integrity, which is essential for both   short- and long-term planning initiatives. This position also conducts analyses used in local funding formulas and to identify potential grant funding opportunities. Proficiency with LYNX data systems--such as those used for fare collection, transit operations, and ArcGIS desktop—is required to enhance performance, monitoring, forecasting, and compliance activities across the agency.

Essential Functions: This list is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and is not designed to be interpreted as an exhaustive listing of all tasks required of employees assigned to the job.  All employees will be expected to perform other duties as assigned. All jobs require regular and reliable attendance.

• Performs daily data quality reviews of LYNX fare system data to ensure proper assignment of revenue and ridership data by route.
• Assists in the preparation of reports to LYNX management and Board of Directors on the performance of LYNX services
• Provides assistance as needed in compiling data for inclusion in the National Transit Database (NTD)
• Develops and executes processes for ensuring data integrity and streamlining data quality assurance across LYNX data systems.
• Assists in management of LYNX’s related GIS software installations, maintenance, and administration.
• Establishes and implements procedural tools ensuring data-process consistency and integrity across enterprise databases.
• Creates, maintains, and analyzes datasets using ArcGIS software.
• Creates highly effective presentational maps using cartographic design concepts and best practices.
• Collaborates interoperability, data analysis and updates that support client-GIS-systems, such as Asset Management applications, enterprise routing and scheduling applications suite, and CAD/AVL.
• Assists in the supervision and training of temporary and/or student intern staff members.
• Assists with user training to LYNX departments and other agencies on the use of the GIS system.
• Develops, enhances and maintains data visualization tools to make planning data accessible to internal and external stakeholders

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution in Planning, Geography, Public or Business Administration, or a related field plus three years of relevant experience with data analysis or ArcGIS. 
• Additional directly related experience beyond the minimum requirement may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license and safe driving record.

Desired Qualifications:

• GIS Professional Certificate
• Experience with business intelligence visualization tools, such as Tableau, PowerBI, and ArcGIS.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
• Working knowledge of databases and integration techniques with mapping software.
• Must possess the ability to conduct analysis of data and information layers requests by system users and determine the appropriate methodologies to display the required information.
• Ability to manage time and workload effectively which includes planning, organizing, and prioritizing with attention to details.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS desktop and ArcGIS online.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to exhibit a professional, courteous demeanor.
• Ability to work in a diverse environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with those encountered in the course of work using principles of excellent customer service.

Work Environment and Special Considerations:

• Works in an office environment and requires long periods seated. 
• This position requires close visual acuity to perform an activity such as viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading.
• This position requires the ability to verbally express or exchange ideas by means of spoken word.
• May be required to travel to and from agency locations and other destinations.
• May be required to perform field tests and assessment of services, amenities and transit stops. Periodic field work may include onboard transit vehicles, construction zones, construction sites, transit stops, railroad rights-of-way and highway locations in varying weather conditions.

Support Personnel Workforce Member: LYNX provides the community with much needed public transportation, and it is important for the Agency to resume its services as quickly and as safely as possible in the event of any natural, technological, or human-caused emergency or disaster. This position is considered support personnel of LYNX’s emergency preparation and response efforts during an emergency or disaster and as such, shall be expected to return to their normal work schedule as soon as possible or when otherwise notified after the emergency has occurred.

Why Join LYNX:

• Free employee only health insurance and long-term disability
• Dental, vision, short -term disability insurance available
• Exceptional Retirement Benefits
• Competitive pay and benefits
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
• Free LYNX bus transportation for employee, spouse and children
• Employee wellness center
• Credit Union Membership

Rate will be determined by qualifications of candidates who exceed the minimum requirements.