Senior GIS Specialist

Basic Function

Maintain and update the electronic bus schedule GIS data layers (route patterns, bus stops, and special points) on a timely (daily) basis, update the Centerline GIS Street Base Map, ensure complete and accurate coding of the spatial data (Trapeze software) for integration into the downstream technology systems (IVOMS, CIC, Web Planner, Q-Card, and others). Prepare maps and other visual aids for Service Planning projects.  Advise and make recommendations to the Manager of Scheduling.  Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Bus Stop Inventory – Capture accurate bus stop locations and attributes, using portable Global Positioning System (GPS) technology in the field.  Verify updates through coordination with Service Planning and Facility Maintenance.  Maintain GIS electronic database of active and inactive METRO bus stop locations, amenities and history of each bus stop.
• Trapeze FX – Import GIS bus stop data into Trapeze FX.  Import Centerline GIS Street Base Map into Trapeze FX and Trapeze Pass.  Maintain bus route spatial attributes at a route pattern level. Sequence bus stops along each bus route pattern.  Coordinate with Scheduling group to perform QA/QC checks to ensure that bus stops and time points are in sync with the geographic locations of street centerlines.  Use data interface tools to export required information to IVOMS and for use in GIS.  Trapeze FX is used to trace patterns, sequence bus stops and time points, generate bus stop level tables and perform necessary data integrity checks.
• IVOMS – IVOMS requires precise coding of schedule and spatial data to operate properly and provide accurate field measures of ridership and bus locations. Import schedule and GIS data into IVOMS test server and perform necessary data coding fixes before uploading the information into the production server and deployment to transit equipment.  IVOMS data is typically updated twenty (20) times annually.
• Centerline GIS Street Base Map – Maintain base map for use in GIS, Trapeze, IVOMS and other technology systems.  Import base map data layers provided by HGAC.  Ensure geographic and attribute accuracy for map layers including but not limited to highways, streets, capital facilities, and service area boundaries.  Complete annual base map updates, typically in January.
• Other Responsibilities – Provide analysis of bus stops and bus routes as well as other GIS data for special projects.  Prepare maps for the annual Transit Service Plan, service changes and other special projects.  Remain up to date in industry specific GIS trends and share that information within the Planning department through training and mentoring.  Provide technical input in the implementation of technology projects which have a geographic element as a part of the overall project database and therefore relate to GIS.  Apply in-house developed GIS tools to create trigger points for bus stop announcements and transit signal priority (TSP).
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned. 

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Business, Public Administration and Urban Regional Planning or related degree is required.  Master’s degree is preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in a responsible transportation position in the areas of GIS and related applications.  Experience to include a minimum of three (3) years lead/supervisory experience.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Knowledge of GIS application and GIS automation and spatial data coding.  Strong analytical, organization, technical and communication skills.  Ability to plan, organize, direct, coordinate and supervise work and staff as assigned.  Evaluate facts, evidence and data in order to draw reasonable and fair conclusions and make sound decisions.  Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.  Strong personal computer skills, scheduling programs/applications in particular (Trapeze preferred).  ESRI GIS certification is preferred.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.