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Geographic Information Systems Administrator - Chicago Transit Authority

For more information and to apply please visit: Geographic Information Systems Administrator

SALARY
$95,000 - $110,000

POSITION SUMMARY
Oversees  Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, applications and usage for the Chicago Transit Authority.  Promotes the power of spatial comprehension and integrates various data sets and data models into GIS systems or GIS projects. Plans for and implements all aspects of the CTA’s GIS-related projects including recommending a roadmap for implementation, identifying resources and establishing project objectives, timelines and milestones, as well as  developing standards for GIS deployment and use and supporting system upgrades. Takes the lead on maintaining various GIS datasets and consults on spatial projects in the Planning Division and throughout the agency.

Qualifications

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Creates maps and cartographic presentations on request for routine or ad-hoc requests.
  • Plans and oversees GIS projects, including defining requirements, tasks and resource assignments, assessing progress, and ensuring timely implementation.
  • Maintains GIS datasets, ensuring accuracy, availability, and timeliness, and geo-models, data processing steps, and routine applications.
  • Administers agency-wide GIS contract, including processing of invoices, testing of applications, reviewing of deliverables, and procurement of task orders. Serves as a liaison with GIS vendors for the proper acquisition, installation, operation and maintenance of GIS-related resources.
  • Serves as technical support for existing GIS users throughout the Authority in coordination with technology department peers, making recommendations for software, data, and consulting purchases. 
  • Stays up-to-date in GIS-related software, technologies, and best usages. Coordinates staff GIS training opportunities and maintains clearinghouse for GIS technical information.
  • Supports regular upgrades to GIS systems, in order to ensure vendor support and utilization of most current version of the software. 
  • Maintains documentation of GIS processes, data sources, and architecture to ensure system continuity and reliability. 
  • Promotes and consults on the use and standardization of geospatial databases within technology projects and the integration of geospatial databases with other agency-critical databases.
  • Hires, trains, develops, monitors, and evaluates performance of staff, including interns, as applicable.  Reviews and recommends personnel actions for approval, as applicable.  
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to this position are the following jobs:
Job Title

  • GIS Coordinator
  • Interns


CHALLENGES

  • Understanding, maintaining, and developing documentation for in-house databases and applications.
  • Staying up to date on industry skillsets.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography, GIS, Transportation, Urban Planning, or Civil Engineering or a closely related field of study, plus three (3)-years of work experience with GIS software such as ArcGIS, and other industry-standard GIS programs and applications along with project management experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to this position. 
  • Masters degree preferred. 
  • Detailed knowledge of GIS applications software, including ESRI’s ArcGIS products required.   
  • Experience with ArcSDE, Oracle Spatial, and ArcGIS Server strongly preferred.
  • Experience with SQL and relational database management systems preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Working knowledge of transit fundamentals, service planning, and operations.
  • Working knowledge of large data sets and information sources relevant to transportation planning.
  • Solid analytic and quantitative skills. 
  • Strong spatial thinking skills, including the ability to read and comprehend maps.
  • Ability to understand technical framework for GIS products and relationship to CTA systems.  
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, superiors, vendor representatives and across departments.
  • Strong problem-solving, project management, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, in order to explain GIS-related technical issues and concepts to non-technical staff and write technical documents such as procedure manuals, recommendation memos, and reports.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to listen to internal customers and to provide solutions and timely results.
  • Good attention to detail and organization skills.
  • Must be vaccinated against Covid-19
  • Must comply with CTA's Statutory Service Area Requirements

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • General office environment.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

  • Personal computer and associated software.  
For more information and to apply please visit: Geographic Information Systems Administrator