GIS Manager

Job Summary

Inlinewith49 CFR 625, 630, and 673requirements,theGIS Manager is responsible to lead the development, implementation, and management of the Geographic Information System (GIS) for the authority. This role plays a critical part in supporting MBTA’s asset management, reliability engineering, transportation planning, operations, and maintenance activities. The GIS Manager will oversee all GIS activities, including data management, spatial analysis, updates to track schematics, and application development.

This role will report to the Deputy Director of Configuration Engineering under the Engineering Department. This role will provide technical guidance and play a pivotal role in maturing MBTA’s enterprise asset management (EAMS) software. This role will work in conjunction with Asset Information Managers, Reliability Engineers, Information Technology, Maintenance departments, and third-party assessors to ensure efficient user experience of any asset data represented via any GIS applications or formats.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management:
  • Collaborate and occasionally lead a support team within the Asset Management and Reliability Engineering Department, including analysts, coordinators, and other support staff.
  • Assign and manage project workloads, set goals, and ensure adherence to MBTA timelines and priorities.
  • Foster a collaborative work environment while providing guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth.
• GIS Project Management:
  • Plan and manage GIS-related projects, aligning them with the MBTA’s broader asset management, operational, and regulatory objectives.
  • Collaborate with internal departments such as Operations, Engineering, Planning, and Capital Programs to develop geospatial solutions that support decision-making and regulatory compliance (49 CFR 625, 630, and 673).
  • Ensure the delivery of timely and accurate GIS products, including maps, spatial data analysis, and reporting, to support capital planning and maintenance.
• Data Integrity & Compliance:
  • Oversee the acquisition, creation, and maintenance of spatial datasets to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and consistency across the MBTA.
  • Ensure compliance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements, particularly in relation to asset lifecycle management, the State of Good Repair (SGR), and the annual FTA NTD submission.
  • Implement data governance procedures in line with industry standards to maintain data integrity within the Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system.
• Technology & System Management:
  • Administer and maintain GIS software platforms (e.g., ESRI ArcGIS) and associated geospatial tools to support MBTA’s operations.
  • Collaborate with IT and external vendors to maintain system performance, develop new GIS applications, and integrate GIS with other MBTA systems such as the EAM, work order management systems, and asset databases.
  • Research and implement cutting-edge GIS technologies, including mobile and cloud-based solutions, to enhance operational efficiency and data accessibility.
• Spatial Analysis & Decision Support:
  • Lead the development of advanced spatial analysis and geospatial modeling to support decision-making across departments.
  • Generate high-quality maps, dashboards, and reports that provide insight into MBTA assets, transportation networks, and infrastructure needs.
  • Support capital planning efforts by producing geospatial data and analysis required for prioritizing investments and improving the State of Good Repair.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for GIS-related inquiries within the MBTA and external partners, including government agencies, vendors, and contractors.
  • Work with the Planning, Capital, and Operations teams to align GIS projects with key MBTA objectives and initiatives.
  • Represent MBTA’s GIS team at industry conferences, forums, and working groups to stay at the forefront of emerging trends and best practices.
• General Responsibilities:

• • On occasion be flexible to work all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed.
  • Respond or report to work as directed by supervisory personnel for emergencies, extreme weather conditions, or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
  • Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
  • Perform related duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a technical field related to Architecture, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Urban Planning, Transportation, or a related field.

• Five (5) years of professional experience with GIS, graphic design, asset management, enterprise asset management software suite, or CAD.
• One (1) year of leadership experience at the supervisory or individual level or management of large projects.
• Experience working within a transportation, public agency, or urban infrastructure environment is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in asset management, particularly in managing the lifecycle of transportation assets.
• Familiarity with data integration in Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems and GIS database management.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively explain technical concepts
• Exceptional problem-solving skills combined with analytical skills to analyze data, perform research, and diagnose and solve problems

Substitutions Include

• An Associate’s Degree from an accredited institution in a technical field related to Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology or a related field with Three (3) years of professional experience with GIS, enterprise asset management software suite including project management, process improvement analysis, and software solution recommendation under enterprise software architecture.
• A high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) from an accredited institution with the ability to comprehend, communicate and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English and Seven (7) additional years of experience preferably in enterprise asset management software (EAMS) suite including project management, process improvement analysis, and software solution recommendation under enterprise software architecture

Preferred Experience and Required Skills

• A Master’s degree or GIS certification (e.g., GISP) from an accredited institution in a technical field related to Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology or a related field.
• Employee or Consultant experience for a Transit/Rail agency.
• Asset Management and Configuration Management experience.
• Experience in Railroad or Transit infrastructure design and build.
• Basic knowledge of AREMA, Asset Management principals and EAMS.
• Knowledge of the FTA’s State of Good Repair (SGR) standards, TERM Scale, and NTD reporting requirements.