Qualifications
Responsibilities
Benefits
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under direction, conducts difficult and complex analyses of management and operational problems and issues and formulates models of problems for solution using technology tools or other methods; evaluates varied data from multiple sources; applies analytical methods, modeling and simulation techniques and formulae; develops alternative approaches to optimize operational functions; may supervise the work of a small team of professional and technical staff; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Senior Operations Research Analyst is an advanced class in the operations research and management sciences. An incumbent performs complex operations research and analysis leading to the design of optimized operational systems and processes, such as reliability centered maintenance programs and capital replacement programs based on condition assessments and life-cycle evaluations. An incumbent works with engineers and operational staff in defining operational issues and problems; breaks down issues into component parts; acquires relevant data from varied sources and uses appropriate statistical, analytical and decision tools to develop workable methods and solutions that meet desired criteria. A Senior Operations Research Analyst formulates long-term plans and economic forecasts in such areas as strategic asset management. Work requires a high degree of professional judgment, the exercise of initiative and creativity and sensitivity to the interrelationships among assessment factors. Assignments are typically received in broad outline form and results are reviewed for overall quality and results.
Senior Operations Research Analyst is distinguished from other analytical classes by specialization in the use of analytical methods and tools in the development of optimized operational systems and processes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
Plans, organizes and conducts complex operations and management studies in accordance with accepted operations research principles and methods; defines research problems and challenges, breaks down research issues into component parts and uses information-gathering processes to ensure quality, integrity and relevance of data obtained for analysis; determines analytical methods and appropriate modeling and simulation techniques; assesses alternatives based on differing assumptions; makes recommendations on appropriate courses of action; presents findings and recommendations to management.
Draws data from multiple operational and financial sources; interprets conflicting and ambiguous data, refines data capture techniques to improve data quality and ensures valid, relevant data to reach sound conclusions; defines data requirements and develops and participates in implementation of asset management data storage solutions; participates in development of assumptions regarding operational conditions and assessment factors and development of condition asset standards; assesses the interrelationships between operating and environmental conditions for developing predictive and reliability-centered maintenance programs; develops economic and fiscal forecasts and alternatives based on results of analysis; uses results of analysis and participates in the formulation of long-term asset management strategies and life-cycle models for facilities repair and replacement decision-making; drafts a variety of written materials, including plans, position papers, research reports and other documents.
Plans, administers and may supervise processes, procedures and initiatives applicable to assigned program responsibilities; develops and recommends strategies and approaches in areas of assigned responsibility.
Plans, conducts and analyzes the results of best practice studies to evaluate industry asset management practices as well as operational methods and performance in designated areas; presents findings and implications to department/division managers and staff; gathers data and participates in benchmarking studies conducted by other agencies and organizations.
Performs a variety of difficult and sensitive management analyses and research studies; generates statistical data for engineering and operational staff; assists engineering and other staff in the development of project contracts.
May plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the performance of a small team of professional staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; recommends compensation and provides other rewards to recognize performance; subject to management concurrence, takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with District policies and labor contract agreements.
Provides day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports achieving the department’s and the District’s mission, objectives and values regarding team building and employee empowerment; applies process improvement and quality management principles to assigned areas of responsibility.
Coordinates programs and activities with other divisions and departments; confers with representatives of other agencies, groups, vendors, consultants and business, industry and community groups in carrying out assigned program responsibilities.
OTHER DUTIES
Serves as a department/division point of contact in analyzing and resolving information systems needs and problems; coordinates the resolution of applications, data and systems issues with Information Systems staff; coordinates department/division user acceptance testing processes.
Provides technical assistance to others on complex analytical matters.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Advanced principles, practices and methods of operations research and process engineering; methods and techniques for optimization analysis; basic principles and practices of database design and management; economic, statistical and modeling/simulation techniques, formulae and algorithms; statistical analysis and other sophisticated analytical software; principles, practices and techniques for conducting benchmarking studies; operational auditing and assessment practices and techniques; group facilitation methods and techniques; project planning and management methods and techniques; principles and practices of sound business communications.
Ability to:
Analyze complex operational and work process issues/problems; breakdown complex operational issues into component parts and define relevant data requirements; evaluate options and alternatives based on differing assumptions and reach sound fact-based conclusions; collect, analyze, document and interpret varied data from multiple sources, using relevant statistical formulae and analytical tools; identify and utilize appropriate methods to resolve problems with data accuracy, completeness and relevance; lead and facilitate cross-functional project teams; prepare clear and concise reports, presentations and other written materials; maintain accurate records and files; use word processing, graphics and database software applicable to carrying out assigned duties; coordinate multiple projects and meet critical deadlines; apply sound professional judgment, reach independent conclusions and recommend appropriate courses of action within established policy guidelines; establish and maintain effective working relationships with executives, managers, representatives of other governmental agencies, staff, vendors, consultants, the public and others encountered in the course of the work.
Training and Experience:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in operations management, economics, statistics, engineering or a closely related field; and six years of professional experience performing operations research and management, process engineering or similar studies; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in a government or public utility setting is highly desirable.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
A valid Nevada driver's license and ability to maintain insurability under the District's Vehicle Insurance Policy may be required for certain assignments.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to sit; talk or hear, in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate computers and other standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Employees are frequently required to walk and stand.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex, highly technical and ambiguous data, information and documents; analyze and solve complex problems; observe and interpret people and situations; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines on multiple concurrent tasks; and interact with managers, operational supervisors and staff, consulting engineers and others encountered in the course of the work.
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