AVL Coordinator

AVL Coordinator

Department: Information and Technology

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‑real time 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.