PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 04142026-76607

Job Information

LOCATION OF (2) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DAVIDSON COUNTY

These positions are in the Planning Division - Community Transportation Planning - Program Development Section.

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/HR/Planning-Division-Statewide-Planning-and-Program-Development-Section-Program-Development-Technic.pdf

These positions have a hybrid work schedule of three days in the office and two days working from home.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

TDOT Technical Specialist I

Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study as may be outlined in the position description

TDOT Technical Specialist II

Bachelor's Degree and 1 year of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description

TDOT Technical Specialist III

Bachelor's Degree and 2 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description

The Tennessee Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors, including business needs. Within 6 months of hire, employees must demonstrate successful mastery of corresponding work competencies and skill blocks of the Technical Specialist Competency Program for the level of worker for which they were hired. If skills and competencies are not met during that period, the employee can be demoted to the level of worker for which he/she is qualified.

Necessary Special Qualifications for TDOT Technical Specialist I, II, III

Some positions in these classifications may have additional requirements such as:

• Professional licenses and/or certifications
• Possess and maintain a Class D driver's license valid for use in operating vehicles in the State of Tennessee

Any necessary special qualifications will be denoted in the position description.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

The required KSACs for TDOT Technical Specialist I, II and III include:

• Knowledge of transportation engineering principles
• Knowledge of transportation finance principles
• Knowledge of contract development principles and applications
• Knowledge of technical report writing
• Ability to communicate effectively, while interacting with internal and external stakeholders in a professional and courteous manner
• Ability to manage time to ensure assignments are completed
• Ability to use critical thinking to problem solve and make informed decisions
• Ability to learn technical concepts and apply those concepts to the position responsibilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to conduct work with precision and a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to read and interpret project plans

Additional KSACs for TDOT Technical Specialist II and III include:

• Skilled in the application of engineering principles
• Skilled in the application of transportation finance principles
• Skilled in the application of state and federal regulations to transportation projects
• Skilled in technical report writing
• Skilled in the development of contract principles and applications
• Ability to work in project teams
• Ability to maintain effective work relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Ability to manage time and prioritize work items to ensure project assignments are completed

Additional KSACs for the TDOT Technical Specialist III include:

• Ability to resolve conflicts, coach, and mentor others, and support a culture of accountability, collaboration, and accomplishment
• Ability to analyze a process and offer actionable feedback for use in improving the effectiveness, quality, and efficiency of the existing process

Conditions of Employment

• Incorporating overtime, weekends, and night shifts into their schedules as work schedules dictate
• Extended durations outdoors in extreme weather conditions
• Working in and around construction and vehicular traffic
• Walking on uneven terrain
• Climbing ladders and construction scaffolding
• Carrying equipment and samples in excess of 25 pounds
• Driving long distances as required to perform daily duties
• Performing work in which personal protective equipment will be required to be worn
• Sitting for extended periods while driving or working on computers
• Standing for extended periods while working outdoors or in a laboratory setting

Overview

The Program Development Technical Specialist supports the Planning Division by assisting with the preparation and updating of TDOT's transportation work programs. This position is responsible for supporting the development and update of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), including coordinating with the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), TPOs (Transportation Planning Organizations), RPOs (Rural Planning Organizations), the TDOT Office of Community Transportation (OCT), and other TDOT Division to incorporate the Transportation Improvement Plans (TIPs).

The Program Development Technical Specialist is responsible for implementing and maintaining statewide policies, procedures, and direction in cooperation with federal and state agencies, TDOT Regions, and local governments to ensure continuous and effective administration of the statewide, nonmetropolitan, and metropolitan transportation planning and programming processes. The Program Development Technical Specialist is responsible for providing comprehensive financial oversight, including the administration of contracts and grants to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and funding requirements. Duties include developing and monitoring budgets, processing invoices, and tracking expenditures against funding sources to maintain alignment with approved allocations. This role also involves coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to set up funding, manage financial reporting, and support audit readiness by maintaining thorough documentation and financial records.

This position supports the Departments transportation planning efforts to identify transportation needs statewide through data analysis and engagement with communities to obtain input on transportation investments. The Program Development Technical Specialist assists in implementing the Quality Management Program as part of the Planning Divisions activities to eliminate rework and manage risk. This position must effectively coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to receive project input and to provide project information as part of a matrix organization to facilitate a consistent and effective project prioritization and selection process. Provide exceptional customer service by exercising effective listening skills, providing timely responses, and maintaining clear communication.

Responsibilities

Essential Job duties of Technical Specialist I, II, and III include:

Assist in developing and updating the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) by accurately applying federal and state requirements and processes, and by coordinating effectively with federal agencies, TDOT Regions, MPOs, TPOs, RPOs, and local governments to receive and incorporate TIPs. Review and confirm that the STIP remains financially constrained in non-attainment and maintenance areas in accordance with federal requirements. Assist with administering the contracts and grants that flow through the Planning Division for the MPOs and RPOs. Support financial tracking and reconciliation for federal and state-funded projects in the State Planning and Research Work Program, ensuring timely and accurate processing of contracts and invoices, and alignment with procurement requirements and funding sources.

Review the MPOs, TPOs, and RPOs TIPs to confirm they have been prepared in the proper format, include all required information, and are fiscally constrained. Process MPO, TPO, and RPO TIP amendments, including the resulting amendments to the STIP. Coordinate with the TDOT Regions as needed to facilitate the timely review and approval of STIP and TIP amendments with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Coordinate within the Statewide Planning and Program Development Team and among the TDOT Regions to effectively integrate work program project planning and long-range planning activities, ensuring the ongoing consistency between the STIP and the Statewide Long-Range Plan.

Support the Statewide Planning and Program Development Teams efforts to improve the FHWA compliance audit results by remaining current on and accurately applying the federal regulations, procedures, and processes that govern the statewide transportation planning process and the development work plans.

Provide exceptional customer service to project stakeholders by facilitating the sharing of project information that is organized and understandable to both technical staff and the general public. Exercise effective listening skills, provide prompt responses, and communicate effectively. Promote transparency, responsiveness, and clarity by removing barriers to communication and maintaining well-organized documentation.

Implement policies, standards, guidance, and a data management system that promotes statewide uniformity and consistency of Planning and Program Development Section deliverables. Apply records retention policies to ensure compliance with Records Disposition Authorization (RDA) requirements.

Research and apply emerging processes, procedures, and technologies that improve the efficiency, effectiveness, reliability, sustainability, and safety of TDOT's transportation network. Remain current on national best practices, regulatory changes, and peer agency innovations.

Additional Job duties for the Technical Specialist II and III include:

Perform consultant prequalification, assist in the selection process, review and process consultant invoices, and complete performance assessments.

Contribute to the development and implementation of policies for consultant submittal requirements and ensure compliance with federal and state procurement regulations.

Additional Job Duties for the Technical Specialist III include:

Provide training to headquarters and region leadership and staff on planning requirements, analysis, and documentation.

Facilitate routine collaboration to discuss trends, share lessons learned, and promote consistency and best practices across statewide planning activities.