Data Analyst

Help turn data into better transit! SouthWest Transit is looking for a Data Analyst who will transform complex information into insights that improve service, efficiency, and decision-making across the agency.

SouthWest Transit is an award-winning Transit agency serving the SouthWest Twin Cities area through bus, on-demand rideshare, and shuttle services. The agency is committed to serving the needs of their customers through diverse and innovative transit solutions that build community and connect customers from where they are to where they want to go.

Mission: 
We provide a premium experience for the southwest Twin Cities through safe, reliable, and cost-effective transit that builds community and connects our customers from where they are to where they want to go.
Vision:
SouthWest Transit is the leading provider of innovative transit solutions that improve livability and enhance economic opportunity in the communities we serve.

Job Summary:
The Data Analyst supports the mission of SouthWest Transit by transforming how the organization uses data to improve efficiency, service reliability, oversight, and decision-making. As a member of the IT team, this role partners closely with Operations, Planning, Finance, Maintenance, and other departments to turn complex data into actionable insight while ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance with public-sector requirements.
This role will advance SouthWest Transit’s data maturity by:
 

• Applying advanced analytics and data science methods to generate insight and improve efficiency.
• Creating trusted, ready-to-use datasets through effective data management and governance practices.
• Empowering staff to work independently with data by supporting a strong data culture.
• Improving data transparency by making information accessible, meaningful, and actionable.

This job ad may remain posted until the position is filled. This position is fully in-person in the office.

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Data Analysis & Business Support

• Participate in cross-functional analytics projects that explore how data science can improve transportation operations and oversight.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis across diverse operational, planning, and administrative datasets.
• Build, evaluate, and refine statistical and analytical models to support service planning, performance management, and operational improvement.
• Identify patterns, trends, and anomalies in transportation, ridership, and traffic count data.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and visualizations to support internal decision-making and leadership reporting.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to support policy development, strategic planning, and equity analyses.

Data Management & Quality

• Maintain and update datasets and databases, including traffic count and volume records, ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and documentation.
• Test data quality and work effectively with incomplete or imperfect datasets.
• Perform data quality control checks to ensure reliability and consistency.
• Assist in developing and maintaining data standards, definitions, and best practices across the organization.
• Support federally and state-mandated reporting with accurate and timely data, as applicable.

Systems, Tools & Integration

• Pull, manipulate, and analyze large datasets in response to internal and external data requests.
• Develop queries, scripts, and automated reports using approved analytical tools.
• Support data integrations between operational systems and reporting platforms.
• Assist IT in testing, validating, and implementing new data systems or system enhancements.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate findings through clear written reports, visualizations, and presentations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Prepare materials for leadership, boards, and other stakeholders as needed.
• Collaborate with staff across departments to understand data needs and translate them into analytical solutions.
• Respond to ad hoc data requests accurately and in a timely manner.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who:

• Can apply data science and analytics techniques to real-world operational and planning problems.
• Is proficient in Python, R, SQL, or similar tools for data analysis and modeling.
• Has experience cleaning, analyzing, and visualizing data using tools such as Tableau or Power BI.
• Has knowledge of database development, maintenance, and data quality control practices.
• Can translate complex or messy datasets into actionable insights.
• Communicates clearly and effectively across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrates strong organizational, analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Is comfortable working both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Is proficient with Microsoft Office.
• Is comfortable using or learning productivity tools.
• Has the ability to learn and apply core concepts related to transportation planning and traffic count data.
• Has a proven ability in data storytelling, making complex technical information accessible and engaging for non-technical audiences.
• 2–5 years of experience in data analysis, reporting, or business intelligence (public sector or transportation experience preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Statistics, Public Administration, or a related field.

Core Competencies

• Data integrity and accuracy
• Deep curiosity 
• Analytical thinking and sound judgment
• Clear communication and collaboration
• Documentation and organizational skills
• Adaptability in a regulated, public-sector environment

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Transit Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with transit performance metrics such as ridership trends, on-time performance, and GTFS data structures.
• GIS Experience: Experience with geographic information systems and their application to transportation planning.
• Public Sector Experience: Familiarity with public accountability, government transparency, or compliance-oriented reporting environments.
• UI/UX Design Skills: Understanding of user interface and user experience principles for designing intuitive, accessible data tools.
• Data Governance Knowledge: Experience with data standards, open data initiatives, or public records requirements.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel to transit facilities.
• Standard business hours with occasional extended hours to meet reporting deadlines

E-Verify is used at this agency to verify employment authorization.