Technology Support Specialist Senior

Department: Charlotte Area Transit System Department

Thank you for your interest in joining the team that keeps Charlotte moving, at a very exciting time for our organization. At the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative transit services for our growing community, and we value employees who bring professionalism, passion, and a commitment to public service.

 

This position is currently employed by CATS, a department of the City of Charlotte. With the passage of the PAVE Act and last year’s sales tax referendum, CATS is preparing to transition from a City department to the newly created Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA). The MPTA was established to strengthen regional transit governance, improve accountability, and support long‑term investment in mobility. It’s an important and exciting step forward for transit in our region.

 

Employees hired into this role will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and will transition to MPTA employment on January 1, 2027. Benefits and compensation will follow City provisions through 2026 and shift to MPTA provisions in 2027, with clear information shared in advance. Your core duties, reporting structure, and daily responsibilities will remain consistent, with no break in service. If anything delays the transition, your City employment, including compensation and benefits, will remain in place until the move to the MPTA occurs.

 

The creation of the MPTA positions us for a more modern, sustainable, and efficient transit system, one that can better support the Charlotte region for decades to come. We’re excited about what’s ahead and appreciate your interest in being part of it.

SUMMARY

I&T CATS Technology is seeking a Technology Support Specialist Senior who will aid in digital transformation of in-vehicle, operational support, and customer facing technology for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). This position will be a member of a team comprised of software developers, application administrators, and technical support administrators involved in development, support, maintenance, and administration of digital systems such as CAD/AVL, route scheduling, fare collection, digital signage, and IoT technology. The Technology Support Specialist Senior will support the overall operation and cyber security aspects for the transit mobile network and mobile infrastructure systems, mobile data, related subsystems, and interfaces in support of CATS. This position will report to a CATS Technology Supervisor within the Innovation and Technology (I&T) Department in direct support of CATS.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsible for serving as a technical resource and liaison between technology and customers, troubleshooting, diagnosing and identifying potential solutions to technical issues, providing training to staff on software and hardware use, and configuring and simple to complex departmental technology.  These systems include but are not limited to: complex networks (mobile routers and data modems), operating systems (Windows, Linux, IOS, etc.), communications hardware (data, radio, VoIP), SCADA systems, CCTV systems, fare validating systems, industrial control equipment, desktops/laptops, and all electronic technology related devices. Additional responsibilities may include overseeing and providing direction of work in maintaining tools or systems in support of department’s business needs. 

Interacts with staff, vendors, consultants, contractors, and users throughout I&T and CATS project development, implementation, and support. Implements transit business technology requirements and ensures compliance with National ITS standards, while adhering to local, state, and federal guidelines, directives, and mandates. Requires experience in non-traditional technology environments and has ability to work independently, as priorities will fluctuate.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Mobile data communication platforms and related subsystems
• Industrial controls technologies and SCADA technology
• High level of professionalism, integrity and commitment to quality
• General NFPA, NEiS, and BICSI standards and codes
• Demonstrate ability to design, establish, test, troubleshoot, and support IT systems
• Current and upcoming City and departmental hardware and software specifications and needs
• Principles and practices of inventory management
• IoT technology services and equipment
• Evaluate software to determine efficiency, reliability, and compatibility with existing systems

Skilled in:

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Analysis and troubleshooting
• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills

Ability to:

• Work in team environment
• Organize, meet priorities, complete tasks, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to all levels of users
• Manage technology system security and keep up with security patches
• Provide/present data in various formats
• Handle escalations of issues to the satisfaction of various stakeholders
• Effective time management / self-starter

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
• Three (3) to Five (5) years of experience in system implementation  
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Two (2) years of relevant work experience in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
• Any equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential job duties.
• A valid driver’s license, a good driving record with the ability to obtain and maintain a City Driving Permit.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.

Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us

The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.

BENEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.