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Transit Systems Architect - CTA

Transit Systems Architect - (24000021) Hybrid Role
Application Deadline: 02/09/2024


POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision, acts as lead for the routine and long term, data maintenance of the Automated Voice Annunciation System (AVAS), CTA’s AVL System. Monitors schedule, service, routing, and stop changes and incorporate into AVAS system. Maintains audio files, public service announcements, and schedule new recordings. Delivers the AVAS distribution process to entire CTA fleet. Serves as key resource in the evaluation of AVAS, Bus Tracker, and related data.


Full description and application available here.

Qualifications

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Delivers monthly distribution of updates to the schedule, bus stops, route geometry, parameters, and settings for BusTracker and CleverCad to be incorporated into the AVAS system.
  • Maintains the audio files, public service announcements, media files and coordinate new recording sessions into the AVAS system, based on department requests.
  • Acts as liaison with multiple internal departments and external vendors to develop distribution timeline.
  • Identifies expected outcomes for monthly distribution data and monitor to assure achievement of outcomes.
  • Establishes best practices to support AVAS, downstream systems, and products impact by the AVL management system.
  • Advises CTA departments on AVAS functionality, processes, and capabilities.
  • Prepares files and attend audio sessions with external vendor.
  • Manages long term maintenance of the bus stop and route clean-up process in AVL data management system. Implements process updates to over 10,000 bus stops and 129 routes requiring meticulous adherence to technicalities. Diagnoses the strengths and weaknesses of different collection methods and provide recommendations to improve AVAS system performance.
  • Monitors all route detours for impact to the Bus Location Information System (BLIS) system which monitors on-time performance and is used for bus operator disciplinary action.
  • Develops PowerBI Dashboards, reporting programs, and quality control tools to measure AVAS data integrity in Oracle and SQL Server.
  • Performs tests for scenario driven or system upgrades on AVL data management system.
  • Designs and delivers manuals, procedures, test criteria, reference materials, and learning aids to assure department processes are documented.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

CHALLENGES

  • Meeting deadlines with timeliness, balancing competing priorities, and managing multiple initiatives.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation, Computer Science, Urban Planning, or Economics, Geography, or Mathematics or a closely related field of study with five (5) years of experience in transit operations or information technology role with a demonstrable progression in level of work responsibility for the last three (3) years or a combination of education and experience relating to this position.
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • Familiarity with GIS systems preferred.
  • Must possess current, valid Illinois driver’s license, along with a clean driving record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.
  • Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Working knowledge of transit fundamentals, scheduling, and operations.
  • General knowledge with data and information sources relevant to transportation planning.
  • General knowledge of the streets of Chicago.
  • General knowledge of GIS systems.
  • Working knowledge of Clever Works, HASTUS, GTFS, Trapeze, or similar applications.
  • Strong analytic and quantitative skills.
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
  • Strong SQL Skills.
  • Good problem-solving skills.
  • Good time management skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • General office environment.
  • Occasional travel to various CTA, vendor, and transit property locations.
  • Subject to weather conditions when travelling to and from work locations.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

  • Personal computer and associated software. 
 
Additional Details Please note, employees and/or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate and may be higher or lower than target.

Applicants, if hired,must comply with CTA's residency ordinance.