TDOT SENIOR TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 03102026-75606

Job Information

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

This position is in the Local Programs and Community Investments Division - Community Investments Section - Air Quality and Alternative Fuels Section.

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/HR/Air-Quality-Sr-Tech-Specialist-FINAL-011526.pdf

This position has a starting salary of $6,267 monthly/$75,204 annually.

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 Air Quality and Alternative Fuels Senior Technical Specialist serves as the subject matter expert providing technical, programmatic, and regulatory support to Project Teams directly responsible for working with local governments on state and federal aid projects. This position is responsible for ensuring project eligibility reviews, program delivery, and stakeholder coordination for initiatives such as the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program, electric vehicle infrastructure development, and clean fleet conversion. These efforts are designed to reduce transportation emissions and advance the adoption of clean fuels and advanced vehicle and infrastructure technologies. This position must effectively communicate program requirements through training, mentoring, and collaboration within a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

Measure and support program tracking and documentation efforts. Maintain accurate logs of project data, funding awards, and contract milestones using TDOT systems or spreadsheets. Maintain project files, verify required documentation, and prepare materials to support internal audits, performance reviews, and compliance reporting.

Conduct technical research and emissions modeling using FHWA and TDOT tools to assess project eligibility, quantify emissions benefits, and support grant compliance. Synthesize findings to inform internal reviews and decision-making.

Support the planning and execution of program-related meetings including stakeholder coordination and documentation. Ensure accurate meeting notes, follow-up actions, and summaries are compiled for internal use and shared with partners such as local governments and planning agencies.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and state policies, including TDOT Local Programs and Community Investments policies, and air quality and alternative fuels oversight best practices.

Assist the Division Director, Manager, and Team Lead in the development and delivery of Local Agency and Community Coordination training and technical guidance that addresses acquired knowledge, risk management, technical design elements, and emerging technologies related to transportation to improve team performance, deepen understanding of the transportation industry, inspire innovation, and build technical capacity. Provide mentoring to TDOT staff, consultants, and local agencies. Identify best practices and report on performance metrics that support adherence to federal and state requirements. Effectively articulate technical concepts through training, mentoring, and collaborating as part of a matrix organization.

Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders. Apply effective listening skills, implement air quality and alternative fuels policies and procedures, respond promptly to inquiries, maintain accurate documentation, and communicate clearly and professionally.

Support the implementation of federal clean transportation programs. Assist in administering CMAQ, CRP, NEVI, AFC, and PROTECT by reviewing project proposals, tracking obligations, compiling data for reports, and coordinating with internal teams and external partners to meet program timelines and guidance requirements.

Assist in air quality conformity and planning activities. Support TDOT's Clean Air Act responsibilities by reviewing TIPs, long-range transportation plans, and project-level analyses. Participate in interagency coordination and contribute to documentation and data collection to ensure compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

Review project applications and reimbursement requests. Evaluate CMAQ, CRP, NEVI, PROTECT, and alternative fuel proposals and reimbursement packages for completeness, eligibility, and alignment with program requirements. Identify discrepancies and support applicant communications across the division and department.

Contribute to the development and maintenance of program guidance and stakeholder tools. Prepare and update technical resources such as eligibility lists, scoring rubrics, and application FAQs. Coordinate with program leads to ensure materials are accurate, accessible, and aligned with regulatory updates.

Independently evaluate air quality improvement proposals and advise on the strategic deployment of clean transportation resources. Conduct comprehensive reviews of projects targeting emissions reductionincluding fleet upgrades, infrastructure deployments, and operational strategies. Apply advanced knowledge of emissions modeling, CMAQ and CRP objectives, and TDOT priorities to assess cost-effectiveness, equity impacts, and policy alignment. Provide recommendations to leadership and stakeholders to optimize resource allocation for high-impact outcomes.

Assist in developing and delivering training on air quality and alternative fuels, focusing on emissions impacts, mitigation strategies, resilience, community engagement, and procedural consistency. Promote statewide transparency, inspire innovation, and strengthen technical capabilities across TDOT and its partners. Provide targeted mentoring on program and project delivery within the Air Quality and Alternative Fuels Team.

Conduct quality assurance reviews of air quality and alternative fuels deliverables to ensure compliance with all federal and state requirements. Ensure all data-related activities and critical documents follow standardized procedures statewide and align with TDOT performance objectives.