ARGO Systems Operator

Basic Function

Responsible for safe operations (opening and closing) of Automated Reversible Gate Operations System (ARGO) on High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes. Monitors camera systems on HOT Lanes for response to incidents during day-to-day operations, and documenting major incidents and related reports. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Responsible for Automated Reversible Gate Operations (ARGO) (remotely open/close motorized gates from TranStar) on METRO’s HOT lanes.
• Monitors all activities relevant to the safe, clean, and efficient operation of METRO’s HOT Lanes. 
• Dispatches and coordinates ancillary personnel assigned to the HOT lanes as needed for emergency and non-emergency traffic accidents and incidents.
• Prepares reports of significant events for HOV/HOT lane incidents.
• Provides information to and from the City of Houston, Harris County, TxDOT and METRO’s Emergency Management Division when freeway incidents occur, or the Office of Emergency Management is activated and/or one or more HOT lanes are impacted.
• Maintains telephone communications with METRO’s Operations/Transportation staff, METRO Police Department, Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Department, Houston Fire Department dispatchers, Tow & Go Operators and other related law enforcement agencies and emergency services as needed.
• Requests the services of wreckers as required to move inoperable vehicles off roadway.
• Contacts TransCore/vendors for system repairs, opening/closing of HOV/HOT lanes, and/or to address malfunctions, as required.
• Coordinates with METRO’s Bus Transportation dispatchers and checks availability of buses to use for emergency incidents.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Pay Range: $54,300 – $71,200

Education Requirement

High school or GED required. 

Years & Experience Required

Minimum three (3) years’ general work experience to include one (1) year of experience with incident management, video surveillance, or similar related technology experience. Experience with surveillance equipment, traffic control devices, electronic signs, or closed-circuit cameras is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills Required

General computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, Outlook, Word, and Excel. Familiarity with the Houston freeway system. General knowledge of HOVL control flow. Ability to work independently and have excellent time management skills. Working knowledge of incident management is preferred.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.

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