Details
05/04/2018
GIS/Transit Planner
Central Ohio Transit Authority
POSITION SUMMARY Provides agency-wide Geographic Information System (GIS) assistance by leading the development and ongoing maintenance of GIS that supports transit service planning, fixed route scheduling and paratransit services, and performs professional work developing and analyzing new and existing transit routes for COTA's fixed route operations to improve efficiency of operations. Utilizing ArcView GIS software and other technologies, is responsible for a wide variety of GIS needs including spatial data collection, creation, manipulation, and map production. Position will also assist in the development of special projects, evaluating and recommending changes to existing and future bus stop spacing, and maintenance of a bus stop inventory. Oversees establishment and implementation of standards and procedures for GIS geodatabases, geodatabase maintenance and administration, and represents COTA in public meetings and forums.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Utilizing ArcGIS and associated ESRI and other software tools, organize and lead development and ongoing maintenance of COTA's GIS that supports and assists transit service planning, bus stop inventory, fixed route scheduling, paratransit (ADA) operations and analysis, federal compliance reporting (e.g., Title VI), internet mapping functions, marketing, etc.; Responsible for multiple routes assigned to position, including retrieval of pertinent APC and farebox ridership data, conducting research and preparing written responses to customer contacts, creating and posting bus stop commuter bulletins, and serving as internal staff liaison for all issues related to assigned routes. Routinely evaluates individual and overall route effectiveness using COTA's service design standards; evaluates service issues and makes appropriate adjustments to address concerns; prepares monthly ridership analysis report; develops and conducts variety of surveys including on-board passenger and ridership surveys, third party employee surveys, etc.; performs ride checks on-board buses and documents number of passengers on board; and, maintains database and prepares annual usage analysis for park and ride facilities; Create programming scripts and models to automate GIS analysis processes such as ridership loads by line segments, ridership by stop, on time performance by line segments, etc.; Maintains ArcGIS Server to administer, organize, secure, and distribute GIS data to staff and other entities; Manages the ongoing process of importing digital street network data into Trapeze system, coordinating these efforts with internal departments and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC); Assists on special projects including initiatives such as Bus Stop Service Improvement Project and bus stop inventory; Conducts research, analysis, and prepares documentation regarding transit industry practices and standards to assist COTA senior Planning staff in decision making and for peer comparison reviews. Supplements the analysis using GIS technology and data when applicable for the analysis; Actively collects various demographic (income, zero car households, population, etc.) automated passenger counter (APC) and other data for use in GIS to create various reports and produce maps for route alignments and special projects; Provides quality assurance and control for map layers; Provide GIS-related technical guidance and assistance to staff/project teams; Serves as COTA's representative to the Central Ohio GIS User Group, as well as Ohio Geographically Referenced Information Program (OGRIP) forum and other associated meetings; Serves as the primary GIS contact for staff and vendors of GIS hardware and software; Represents COTA in various public forums including public involvement meetings, neighborhood group planning sessions, private development forums, employer meetings, and agency coordination for planning project initiatives and to receive and provide input into service planning (e.g. MORPC, ODOT, City of Columbus, regional partners, industry groups, developers, etc.); Responsible for assigned sections in the Short-Range and Long-Range Transit plans including writing text and creation of maps and other graphics, and preparing information for and writing grants for project funding; Performs other duties as assigned. Regular, predictable and punctual attendance required.
QUALIFICATIONS Requires a Bachelor's Degree in City and Regional Planning, Urban Planning, Geographic Information Sciences or other related fields and minimum of three (3) years of experience in transit planning with similar demonstrated experience with ArcGIS servers, ArcGIS 10.x, ArcPy, ArcGIS Online, Google Maps; GIS analysis; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Master's degree in City and Regional Planning or other related fields is preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid Ohio driver's license. American Institution of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.
EXPECTED COMPETENCIES Excellent working knowledge and skills in using ArcGIS 10.x and various ESRI software extensions (e.g., Network Analyst, etc.) and ArcGIS Online, Arc Server and ArcPy (Python scripting language); Knowledge of GIS techniques, cartographic principles, GPS, map scales, geographical coordinate systems, map projection and data layer creation; Knowledge of the MS Office (or similar) package, including but not limited to Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint; Skills in transportation planning techniques such as demand estimation; market research and data analysis; fare elasticity; traffic design and engineering; survey design, implementation and analysis; cost benefit analysis; and transit service, design and evaluation, relating to the implementation of transit services, passenger amenities, and facilities; Strong verbal and written communication skills; Ability to relate technical information in lay terms in a clear and concise manner; Ability to demonstrate initiative and independent judgment; Ability to speak effectively with individuals and small groups, and to respond to questions; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various departments, individuals or other internal groups; and Ability to deal courteously and diplomatically with the general public.
