Senior Manager, Geospatial Innovation Architect

ABOUT THE 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.

JOB 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

• 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
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Effective analytical, transportation planning, asset management, and problem-solving 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).

The following is/are preferred:

• Understanding of engineering railroad operations and planning or demonstrated equivalent.
• Familiarity with MTA Capital Program guidelines and requirements.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. 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.
2. 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.

The following is/are preferred:

• Minimum 7 years of experience with LLM/AI-ready geospatial datasets, spatial analytics pipelines, and enterprise integration patterns (REST APIs, event-based data exchange)

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required: None

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”).
• Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.
• Employees driving company vehicleswill be subject to License Monitoring andmust 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.
• To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

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

HOW TO APPLY:

For Internal Applicants: Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.

For External Applicants: Visit www.mta.info, click the “Careers” link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on “See All Open MTA Positions”. Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.