What are the responsibilities and job description for the AVL COORDINATOR position at SMART?
AVL Coordinator
Department: Information and Technology
Status: Full-Time
Position Summary
The AVL Coordinator owns the day-to-day performance, data integrity, and operational readiness of SMART’s Computer-Aided Dispatch / Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) ecosystem—centered on Clever Devices (e.g., CleverCAD, IVN, ODK/ODU, AVA, APC, headsign control). This role bridges Operations, Dispatch, Scheduling & Planning, IT, and Fleet Maintenance to ensure real-time vehicle visibility, accurate schedule/GTFS data, high-quality incident and performance reporting, and reliable on-board systems that directly support on-time performance (OTP), customer information, and service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
System Operations & Reliability
- Serve as the day-to-day owner for CleverCAD/CAD–AVL uptime, data quality, and configuration baselines.
- Monitor real-time system health (AVL, communications, GPS lock, IVN, cellular/Wi‑Fi backhaul) and drive rapid triage/resolution of outages with IT, Radio/Comms, and Maintenance.
- Maintain and publish service-level dashboards (availability, message latency, GPS validity, data throughput).
- Administer user roles, permissions, and profiles for Dispatch, Road Supervisors, and Operational leadership.
Clever Devices Platform Administration
- Coordinate firmware/application deployments for IVN, APC, AVA, ODK/ODU, and peripherals; maintain a controlled change calendar and rollback plans.
- Manage configuration packages (routes, blocks, patterns, stops, audio/visual announcements, headsign codes) and validate field activation on representative vehicles before fleetwide release.
- Oversee incident queues with vendor support, track defects through resolution and document knowledge articles.
Data Integrity, Schedules & GTFS
- Own the daily import/validation of schedules, blocks, and trips from Scheduling & Planning into CAD/AVL; ensure parity with public GTFS and internal run-cut outputs.
- Validate stop locations, geofences, timepoints, layover rules, and adherence parameters, correct data issues that impact OTP, APC validity, and customer information.
- Coordinate timely GTFS/GTFS‑realtime updates for service changes, detours, and disruptions in partnership with Customer Communications and Planning.
On‑Time Performance (OTP) & Reporting
- Produce daily/weekly/monthly OTP reports at system, route, trip, operator, and time‑of‑day levels; validate methodology and exclusions (e.g., storms, detours, coach swaps).
- Create actionable insights for Bus Operations leadership: dwell hotspots, chronic late departures, pattern timing issues, loop/turnout GPS anomalies, and device outages.
- Track corrective actions and improvements, present trends at ops huddles, performance reviews, and executive updates.
Field Validation & Commissioning
- Lead pre‑deployment bench tests and structured on‑route validation for new software, configurations, and hardware (across peak and off‑peak periods).
- Verify GPS accuracy, IVN health, APC counts, AVA/headsings, operator HMI, and dispatch visibility under real service conditions.
- Document results with checklists, photos/logs, and sign‑offs from Dispatch and Maintenance.
Training, SOPs & Change Management
- Develop and maintain SOPs, quick‑reference guides, and job aids for Dispatchers, Road Supervisors, and Maintenance techs.
- Deliver training on CleverCAD features (incident coding, detours, automated messages, operator messaging, adherence views) and best practices.
- Run post‑incident reviews and share lessons learned; keep a living knowledge base.
Cross‑Functional Coordination
- Act as primary liaison among Dispatch, IT/Networking, Radio/Comms, Fleet Maintenance, Scheduling & Planning, and Vendor support.
- Schedule standing touchpoints for open issues, releases, and performance targets; maintain a transparent backlog and roadmap.
- Support procurement/specification for CAD/AVL components and service contracts; contribute to acceptance criteria and vendor KPIs.
Compliance & Security
- Ensure data retention, audit trails, and privacy safeguards for AVL and operator communications per policy and applicable regulations.
- Follow change control, configuration management, and cybersecurity practices in alignment with IT standards. in Information Systems, Transportation Operations, Electronics, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 3–5 years of experience administering CAD/AVL systems in transit or closely related operations.
- Hands‑on experience with Clever Devices platforms (CleverCAD, IVN, APC, AVA, headsign integration) including configuration and troubleshooting.
- Strong understanding of transit schedules, run‑cuts, blocks/trips, timepoints, and detour management.
- Proficiency with data analysis/reporting (Excel/Power BI/SQL basics) and GIS/GTFS concepts.
- Working knowledge of vehicle communications (GPS, cellular, Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, CAN bus) and networking fundamentals (IP addressing, VLANs, VPNs).
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Transportation/IT/Engineering or related discipline.
- Prior experience as a Dispatcher, Road Supervisor, or Radio/ITS technician in a public transit environment.
- Vendor certifications or training from Clever Devices (or equivalent CAD/AVL vendors).
- Experience with APC validation, GTFS/GTFS‑realtime publishing, and real‑time customer information systems.
- FCC GROL or industry radio/telecom certifications; CompTIA Network or equivalent networking credential.
Key Competencies
- Operational mindset with strong follow‑through and urgency for service restoration.
- Analytical problem solving; ability to translate data into clear operational actions.
- Clear, calm communication with Dispatch and frontline teams during incidents.
- Meticulous documentation and configuration discipline; change‑management rigor.
- Collaborative leadership across departments and with vendors.
Work Environment
- Split between control center/office, bus garages, and field environments.
- Exposure to operational noise, weather, rooftops, shop floors, and on‑vehicle work as needed for validations.
- Occasional early morning, late evening, or weekend work to support service changes and cutovers.
SMART is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation / Age
THE AUTHORITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE OR CHANGE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION AT ANY TIME.
Salary : $74,319