METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) SENIOR TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 04142026-76415

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DAVIDSON COUNTY

This position is in the Planning Division - Community Transportation Planning - MPO Section.

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/HR/Planning-Division-Community-Transportation-Planning-Section-Metropolitan-Planning-Organization-S.pdf

This position has a hybrid work schedule of three days in the office and two days working from home.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelors degree and 3 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description.

OR

Masters degree and 2 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description.

Necessary Special Qualifications for Senior Technical Specialist

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 Senior Technical Specialist include:

• Skilled in communicating effectively, while interacting with internal and external stakeholders in a professional and courteous manner
• 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
• Skilled in the ability to maintain effective work relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external in a professional and courteous manner
• Skilled in the ability to manage time and prioritize work items to ensure project assignments are completed
• Ability to manage time to ensure assignments are completed
• Ability to use critical thinking to problem solve and make informed decisions
• Ability to follow, provide, and support verbal and written instructions
• Ability to conduct work with precision and a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to work in project teams
• 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 Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Senior Technical Specialist serves as the subject matter expert for TDOT's metropolitan transportation planning processes. This position is responsible for participating in transportation studies coordinated by MPOs and local municipalities and assisting in the development of plans, studies, and other transportation planning products.

The MPO Senior Technical Specialist role requires collaboration with TDOT Divisions and Regions, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and various local, regional, and state agencies. This position must effectively articulate metropolitan planning program and project concepts through training, mentoring, and collaborating as part of a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

Develop and coordinate FHWA and TDOT review of Unified Planning Work Programs (UPWP), Public Involvement Plans (PIPs), Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs), Long Range Transportation Plans (LRTPs), and other federally mandated plans, reports, and documents to create a foundation for well-informed decision-making and long-term success in transportation planning and implementation.

Research transportation-related funding opportunities and other planning resources to support the development of sustainable, resilient, and efficient transportation systems and aid MPOs in their transportation challenges. Provide funding information to the MPOs and local agencies for projects that have been programmed in the TIPs. Develop, assist, coordinate, and manage statewide and regional transportation studies and plans that support TDOT's mission and vision and align with the State's transportation goals and objectives.

Assist MPOs with potential funding opportunities by informing them of Federal and State grant availability, including grant requirements, Notices of Funding Opportunities, eligibility requirements, and other pertinent grant information to maximize financial resources and to support local and regional priorities. Coordinate with local governments and Federal and State agencies regarding status and implementation issues of awarded grants and assist in ensuring all grant reporting is accomplished per requirements.

Coordinate the review of MPO transportation plans, programs, and policies with other TDOT Divisions and Regions, Federal agencies, other state and local agencies, and the public, as necessary to ensure they are comprehensive, technically sound, and widely supported.

Assist in preparing for and presenting information at MPO Board and other local meetings to ensure clear and accurate communication, facilitate effective decision-making, enhance stakeholder engagement, foster transparency, promote collaboration, and strengthen public confidence in transportation planning efforts.

Assist the Division Director, Manager, and Team Lead in the development and delivery of metropolitan planning training and technical guidance that addresses acquired knowledge and risk management, inspiring new program and project processes, procedures and technologies, and developing skills. Provide expertise, training, and mentoring to TDOT staff and local agencies regarding metropolitan planning issues and considerations.

Provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers by exercising effective listening skills and providing prompt responses. Serve as a TDOT liaison in teaming with federal and state partners, MPOs, other local governments, and industry for planning-related issues.

Remain current with national and regional applicable metropolitan planning initiatives and trends. Assist in developing, maintaining, and updating TDOT's policies, methods, procedures, and guidelines for the efficient and effective management of metropolitan planning programs in conformance and compliance with federal and state requirements and TDOT policies.

Promote and encourage the pursuit of excellence in alignment with TDOT's visions. Assist with the development and execution of quality management procedures for metropolitan planning to ensure a high level of quality, achievement, and implementation. Consistently work to improve processes that support quality deliverables.