Manager of Transit Systems bei North County Transit District, CA

About the Department

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Director of System Technology, the Manager of Transit Systems  is responsible for the oversight, maintenance, and optimization of on-board and on-premise transit technologies supporting NCTD’s bus operations. This position serves as the lead subject matter expert for Bus Management Systems, including the Regional Transit Management System (RTMS) and associated vehicle technologies, including CAD/AVL, Automated Passenger Counters (APC), communications, vehicle logic units (IVUs), destination signage, and onboard video systems. The Manager ensures these systems are operational, integrated, and aligned with operational needs, while also managing vendor relationships, preventive maintenance plans, and lifecycle support.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a first-line management classification with end-to-end accountability for the reliability, availability, and data integrity of NCTD’s bus Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), including RTMS, CAD/AVL, APC, IVUs, destination signage, onboard video, and related integrations (e.g., Hastus, AVA, dispatch consoles). The role combines hands-on technical depth with supervisory responsibility, vendor/SLA management, and cross-department coordination to sustain safe and efficient bus operations

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives general direction from the Director of System Technology. Works independently within established goals, policies, and service-critical timelines; work is reviewed for overall results, compliance, and alignment with agency priorities

Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants’ facilities, and other locations as required.  

Position Duties

Essential Functions:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

System Oversight and Technical Management:

• Lead management and performance oversight of NCTD Bus Management System, including but not limited to the RTMS system, radios, IVUs, APCs, CAD/AVL, and digital signage, Hastus platform.
• Ensure RTMS workstations at East Division, West Division, and the Sprinter Operations Facility remain operational and service-ready.
• Administer configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics of the OrbCAD system in both dispatch and onboard applications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve Conduent and Motorola system issues; program and maintain IVU4K units.
• Coordinate and validate data flows between systems, ensuring accuracy of APC data, Automated Vehicle Announcements, and schedule uploads.

Maintenance and Lifecycle Support:

• Develop and manage a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for all systems under purview.
• Monitor and manage existing maintenance contracts with Conduent and Motorola; negotiate renewals or new agreements in alignment with agency procurement policies.
• Ensure consistent performance of all radio systems and site leases; work closely with the Telecommunications Systems Group for alignment and escalation.
• Validate system health through diagnostics and reporting tools; address performance anomalies proactively.
• Oversee system commissioning for new vehicle technology installations, coordinating closely with Fleet Maintenance and vendors.

Data, Training, and Operational Support:

• Maintain proper configuration of destination signage (TwinVision and Luminator) and oversee associated data uploads.
• Provide training to operations personnel on new or updated technology systems.
• Assist in generating, reviewing, and deploying Automated Vehicle Announcements and related content.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling system failures, outages, or degraded operations.
• Track and report on open service tickets, issue resolution rates, and uptime metrics.

Ancillary Responsibilities:

• Support technology troubleshooting and installations on non-revenue support vehicles and, as needed, rail vehicles.
• Contribute to project planning, budgeting, and procurement of hardware and software aligned with NCTD’s system roadmap.
• Ensure proper Motorola alias management and coordination with dispatch communication protocols.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Deep knowledge of CAD/AVL, onboard radio, and ITS systems specific to bus operations.
• Strong understanding of RTMS infrastructure and data exchange processes (DIS, APC, AVA, etc.).
• Familiarity with vendor technologies such as Conduent OrbCAD and Motorola trunked radio systems.
• Proficiency with technical diagnostics, reporting tools, and data-driven performance evaluation.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to coordinate across departments.
• Skilled in writing clear technical documentation, SOPs, and maintenance schedules.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn transit-specific systems and tools.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Associate’s degree in Electronics, Computer Science, Transportation Technology, or related field required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in transit systems technology, ITS, or equivalent technical field.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in a supervisory or team leadership role.
• Experience managing vendor contracts and system maintenance schedules.
• Valid California Driver’s License required.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Possess and maintain a California driver’s license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the preceding 36 month period and no DUI’s in the preceding 7 year period. 
• Maintain compliance with the District’s policy regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics. 
• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corps Base - Camp Pendleton.

General Requirements:

• Strong understanding of transit operations and onboard technologies, including CAD/AVL, radio communications, passenger information systems, and vehicle systems integration.
• Ability to interpret and apply NCTD policies, technology standards, vendor specifications, and regulatory guidelines (e.g., ADA, FTA requirements).
• Ability to manage complex technical projects, including planning, execution, documentation, and stakeholder communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced, operationally sensitive environment.
• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills, including the ability to identify system issues, evaluate root causes, and recommend practical, effective solutions.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues, consultants, vendors, and cross-departmental teams.
• Skilled in preparing clear and concise documentation, reports, SOPs, and technical recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to provide training, coaching, or technical support to field personnel and operations staff.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, database/reporting tools, and the ability to learn new transit-specific software and diagnostic platforms.

Physical Requirements:  

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions and work with office equipment, and lift equipment up to 50 pounds on a daily basis.  The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information.   The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way.  The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dusts, gases, chemicals.  The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

Machines/Tools/Equipment:

• Able to operate a District vehicle.
• Able to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Able to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.
• Ability to carry and operate an on-call device.

Other Qualifications

Application Information: 
All applicants must complete and submit an online application at www.gonctd.com/careers.
A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check. North County Transit-San Diego Railroad is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.