Sr. Manager Geospatial Innovation Architect

Position at Long Island Rail Road

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Sr. Manager Geospatial Innovation Architect

Department: Office Of Innovation

MTA Agency: LIRR

Primary Location(s): Queens

Salary Range: $110,233-$165,349

Position Classification: Non- Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: Non-Union

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

About your agency:

Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles - from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.

SUMMARY:

This position is accountable for the reliability, operational readiness, and quality of the enterprise Geographic Information Systems (GIS) platform architecture, operations, and application ecosystem. The Sr. Manager focuses on uptime monitoring, automated health checks, status communications, application testing/regression, system release readiness validation, and incident coordination. The role makes the GIS platform visible in structure, use, and connectivity-ensuring it remains stable, observable, and consistent for operational use across LIRR. Responsibilities include managing enterprise geospatial databases and map services, governing data standards and integrations (including Hexagon EAM and IBM Maximo), and supporting innovation pilots that are architecturally sound, secure, and scalable.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Manage and maintain the GIS platform, including enterprise geospatial databases, map services, and related server environments. Deploy geospatial applications across lower development environments; ensure proper version control and author/lead regression testing. Author and maintain technical documentation and knowledge base articles for application maintenance and support
• Conduct spatial and statistical analyses; develop dashboards, maps, and data visualizations for maintenance and investment decisions; validate GIS team concepts before client presentation.
• Ensure standardization of GIS data across departments and coordinate external data integrations (e.g., field data, as-builts, external agencies), including EAM integrations with Hexagon EAM and IBM Maximo. Manage data from external sources, including any associated Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). Coordinate with MTA to inform Enterprise Geographic Information System (EGIS) design supporting LIRR GIS data needs. Enterprise GIS applications and services are stable, secure, and aligned with corporate data standards; sustainable, documented tools support LIRR operations and capital projects. Applications are fully tested prior to deployment; there is a clear and current view of GIS infrastructure, components, and data/file locations.
• Support strategic geospatial initiatives including infrastructure expansion. Develop and implement GIS-based scripts and applications (Python/R/Go, JavaScript, SQL) for automation of enterprise maintenance tasks and integration workflows
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards
• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
• Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
• Reviews invoices and approve them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
• Addresses performance issues with the contractor, when possible, as applicable
• Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Geography, GIS, Planning, Business, Operations Research, MIS, Engineering, Computer Science or related field. An additional four years of experience may be considered in lieu of the degree.
• Minimum 7 years of related experience in Planning, Asset Management, or GIS, preferably in transportation operations, with demonstrated understanding of regional demographic, economic, and political issues at the LIRR while balancing Enterprise Asset Management needs.
• Effective analytical, transportation planning, asset management, and problemsolving skills.
• Excellent computer skills and working knowledge of GIS/GPS, Esri Enterprise (ArcGIS Server/Portal), and visual database technologies/applications.
• Ability to work with personal and SDE geodatabases, construct/manage linear referencing systems, perform geoprocessing and other spatial analyses, and integrate GIS data with external databases.
• Working knowledge of EAM software such as Hexagon EAM and IBM Maximo, and their integration with GIS and other information systems.
• Ability to train LIRR GIS users in project-specific GIS methodologies when necessary. High Required Effective judgment, writing, presentation, communication, facilitation, and teamwork skills; ability to prepare and deliver presentations to senior management, outside agencies, and other officials.
• Programming/Scripting: Python, R, Go, JavaScript, SQL (for automation, ETL, data pipelines, services, and testing).

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years Experience with LLM/AI-ready geospatial datasets, spatial analytics pipelines, and enterprise integration patterns (REST APIs, event-based data exchange
• Understanding of engineering railroad operations and planning or demonstrated equivalent.
• Familiarity with MTA Capital Program guidelines and requirements.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission"). Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company's discretion. Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers, or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Current employees should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history. Including attendance and discipline records. Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications

In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include, but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written, and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make-up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety-sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.

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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER:

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.