GIS Analyst

Metra Rail • Chicago, IL

41d

About The Position

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service. The Asset Management and Supply Chain Operation Division consists of all Storehouse and Warehouse Operations, Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), and Transit Asset Management (TAM). The purpose of the department is to service various customers within Metra. Managing the continuous supply of parts materials and services required to support Engineering, Mechanical and Transit Operations. The department operates Metra's four storehouses and one central warehouse. Additionally, the department manages the agency's Transit Asset Management (TAM) program and the Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems. Reporting to the GIS Manager, the Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst will assist with the administration and maintenance of the agency's geospatial repository and data management system; produce high quality geospatial deliverables for projects needing service; and contribute to the development of governance that establishes policies and processes for managing the production, use, and sharing of geospatial information assets effectively.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in geography, computer science, urban planning, engineering, environmental sciences or a related field or in lieu of a specified degree a combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years in GIS, geospatial data modeling, or application or database development.
• In addition to #1 above, have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in data modeling, application or database development, or GIS system implementation.
• Knowledge of GIS concepts, practices, and methodologies, spatial relationships and analyses techniques, mapping tools like ArcGIS or QGIS, and an understanding of different coordinate systems.
• Knowledge of principles of database management, map design, querying with SQL, and connecting to spatial databases, and data visualization.
• Knowledge of various data collection methods, such as GPS, remote sensing, and surveying.
• Knowledge of GIS governance standards to bridge the gap between technical GIS teams and executive business needs; geospatial database design to design effective testing and validation procedures; and GIS system administration best practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Work, Excel, PowerPoint, Access); and familiar with relational databases.
• Good verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, communicate project deliverables to stakeholders, and present findings in a clear and understandable manner through maps and graphs for different audiences.
• Good organization, analytical, and critical thinking skills to tackle challenges utilizing analytical approaches that blend logical, data-driven thinking with creative problem-solving to find innovative solutions.
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment to meet project goals and objectives.
• Ability to analyze spatial and non-spatial data, identify problems, and draw conclusions to create clear and effective maps and other data visualizations.
• Ability to interpret and manage large datasets, manage multiple projects running concurrently while maintaining high standards of accuracy and organization, and adapt to new technologies.
• Ability to develop effective data processing workflows within GIS and EAM systems.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in data manipulation and management and the use of ArcGIS Pro, ArcCatalog, ModelBuilder, IBM Maximo Spatial or similar GIS applications is preferred.
• Skills in scripting and programming languages such as Python and RStudio to automate tasks and analyze data are preferred.
• Experience using Python, SQL, or RStudio.
• GIS or GIS Professional (GISP) Certification.
• Esri Technical Certification.

Responsibilities

• Manage spatial data development including: defining operational requirements, modeling and developing GIS data prototypes, overseeing final deployment, and providing support needed to capture the full life cycle of Metra's assets and facilities.
• Function as subject-matter-expert providing technical support for the integration of data into enterprise applications.
• Coordinate with Information Technology and other department to fulfill requests for spatial data, provide infrastructure develop technical requirements to build resources, and train users on information required to use the Agency's GIS technology.
• Confer with external partners on industry standards and regulatory requirements for GIS data, adopt existing or establish new standards, and share value added data and tools to increase efficiencies.
• Assign, review, and evaluate staff work; train and mentor staff to meet the needs of the GIS program and their professional development.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Support Activities for Transportation
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees