Transit Apprentice

This position is Time Limited and will last for one (1) calendar year.

About Our Opportunity:

The City of Asheville is seeking a recent university graduate to serve as a Transit Apprentice for one year in the City's Transportation Department, Transit Division. The Transit Division is responsible for managing and improving public transit services in Asheville. The position is grant funded for one year only and is an entry level position intended for a recent university graduate that is interested in learning more about public transit. As a Transit Apprentice, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in transit planning and operations while contributing to the enhancement of Asheville's transportation network.

Purpose of Classification:

The Transit Apprentice is an entry-level role that learns and supports the planning, analysis, and daily coordination work that help deliver safe and reliable public transportation services for the community.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is a single level classification. Other Things to

Know:

Typical work schedule is Monday - Friday; 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Occasional evenings/weekends required for outreach and public meetings.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Collects and analyzes service data to support decision-making (e.g., ridership patterns, on-time performance, revenue hours/miles); prepares summary tables, charts, and concise write-ups for supervisor review. Supports field reviews of bus stops and corridors; documents conditions with photos/notes, maps locations, and drafts recommendations for amenities and access improvements consistent with adopted plans and standards. Assists with customer and community surveys of riders and non-riders; helps design instruments, coordinates distribution, conducts basic analysis, and compiles findings into plain-language presentations. Prepares materials for outreach and committees, including slide decks, handouts, and meeting summaries; helps staff events to gather input and answer routine questions. Maintains service information assets (e.g., schedules, map layers, datasets, and public-facing information feeds) under direction; follows naming/versioning conventions and quality-checks updates. Supports service planning tasks, compiling inputs for route and schedule adjustments, documenting trade-offs, and tracking feedback, issues, and follow-ups across internal and external partners. Learns and applies transit technology tools used for planning and operations (e.g., vehicle location, passenger counting, scheduling/route modeling, mapping), following data integrity and privacy practices. Drafts staff reports, memos, and procurement-ready content for small, well-defined purchases or installations; organizes project files and maintains clear records. Prepares materials for decision-making and public engagement. Assists with field reviews of stops and corridors. Supports small projects. Performs routine assignments with increasing independence while modeling excellent customer service and a commitment to accessibility across all work. Performs routine administrative tasks such as meeting coordination, data entry, and file maintenance to support efficient division operations. Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, website, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Transportation, Public Administration, Engineering, Geography, Environmental Policy, Sustainability, Political Science, or a closely related field. asic competence with spreadsheets, presentations, and word processing; ability to learn mapping and data tools. Ability to work occasional evenings/weekends for outreach and public meetings.

Preferred Qualifications:

Coursework, internship, fellowship, apprenticeship, capstone, or project experience related to transit, transportation planning, community engagement, or data analysis. Familiarity with fundamentals of mapping/GIS concepts, data visualization, and survey methods.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization:

Gathers, organizes, and analyzes quantitative and qualitative information; computes percentages/ratios; applies basic statistical reasoning appropriate to entry level.

Technology Aptitude:

Learns new planning/operations and mapping tools; uses productivity software to produce clear, accurate work products.

Human Interaction & Customer Focus:

Engages riders, community members, and partners with professionalism; listens actively and documents input objectively.

Communication:

Writes concise summaries, memos, and presentations in plain language; presents information clearly in small group settings.

Planning & Organization:

Manages multiple small assignments, meets deadlines, and maintains orderly files and datasets.

Functional Reasoning:

Applies established procedures; recognizes issues that require escalation; proposes practical, well-documented options within defined parameters.

Situational Reasoning:

Adapts to changing priorities, field conditions, and feedback; maintains composure and service orientation in public-facing settings.

ADA Compliance:

Physical Ability:

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Sensory Requirements:

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors:

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.