STATEWIDE PLANNING TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 05262026-77841

Job Information

LOCATION OF (3) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DAVIDSON COUNTY

These positions are in the Planning Division - Statewide Planning Section.

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

This position has 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 Statewide Planning Technical Specialist will support Planning by coordinating statewide planning responsibilities with Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Regional Planning Organization (RPO) transportation planning activities, economic development strategies, and related multistate planning efforts. This position is responsible for collaborating with TDOT Divisions as part of a matrix organization to facilitate development of statewide planning documents.

This position supports administration of the State Planning and Research Program (SPR) (excluding Subpart B) and for ensuring compliance with federal requirements through coordination with Federal, State, and local agencies, and the general public during development of statewide planning documents. The Statewide Planning Technical Specialist has a working knowledge of TDOT Work Program development and effectively communicates project status updates as needed in support of the successful delivery of the Department's Work Program.

The Statewide Planning Technical Specialist assists in implementing the Quality Management Program as part of the Planning Division's activities to eliminate rework and manage risk. This position must effectively articulate project information and planning concepts through training and collaborating as part of a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

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

Develop the Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan (SLRTP), the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), and the State Public Involvement Process consistent with Federal and State requirements in cooperation with the MPOs and RPOs and in consultation with the Tribal Governments. Update statewide planning documents consistent with requirements.

Coordinate with the Program Development staff and others to review, update, and approval of the STIP and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendments with FHWA. Ensure the STIP is fiscally constrained in nonattainment and maintenance areas in accordance with the Clean Air Act and FHWA guidance.

Support the development of statewide and TDOT-initiated transportation plans initiated by other TDOT Teams including the Statewide Active Transportation Plan, the Multimodal Freight Plan, the Statewide Rail Plan, the Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan, the Mobility and Accessible Transportation Strategic Plan, the Statewide Management Plan (transit) and others to ensure all plans are integrated, complimentary, and considered during the development of long-term and near-term planning and programming processes.

Support development of statewide and TDOT-initiated regional transportation studies, including congestion analyses, traffic impact studies, corridor plans, household travel surveys, access management strategies, and others.

Provide exceptional customer service to project stakeholders by facilitating the sharing of project information that is organized and understandable to 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 the Statewide Planning and Program Development Section deliverables. Implement records retention policies for use and compliance with Records Disposition Authorization (RDA) requirements.

Research and implement emerging processes, procedures, and technologies that improve the efficiency, effectiveness, reliability, sustainability, and safety of TDOT's transportation network. Stay 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 invoices, and complete performance assessments. Contribute to the development and implementation of policy for consultant submittal requirements and compliance with state and federal procurement regulations.

Assist in preparing presentations for meetings, workshops, and webinars. Facilitate and guide discussions related to planning studies and technical analyses. Support the communication of planning processes, document preparation and updates, and program information to both internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Job Duties for the Technical Specialist III include:

Provide training to Headquarters and Region leadership and staff related to planning requirements, analyses, and documentation. Conduct routine collaboration to address trends, share lessons learned, and promote consistency across statewide planning practices.

Mentor TDOT staff in areas such as planning processes, planning documents, and federal documentation requirements. Serve as a subject matter expert on best practices and regulatory compliance related to planning deliverables.

Perform quality assurance reviews of planning work products and planning documents to ensure all federal and state requirements are met. Ensure that project records, datasets, and critical documentation are consistently maintained and in alignment with TDOT's performance goals and data management standards.