ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 10202026-81894

Opening: 10/20/2026 · Closing: 11/02/2026 · Full‑Time · Tennessee Department of Transportation, Local Programs Community Investments Division – Active Transportation Section (Davidson County, Nashville, TN). Hybrid schedule: three days on‑site, two days remote. Position description (PDF)

About the role

The Active Transportation Technical Specialist supports the administration and advancement of active transportation programs, policies, and projects that improve walking, bicycling, and personal mobility across Tennessee. The position collaborates with internal and external partners to promote mobility, connectivity, accessibility, and safety for all roadway users. Work includes implementing statewide programs such as the Multimodal Access Grant Program, the Pedestrian Road Safety Initiative (PRSI), the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), and the Active Transportation Plan, as well as providing coordination and technical assistance during planning, development, and construction phases of multimodal infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation and ongoing coordination of active transportation programs, including updating project tracking systems, reviewing applications, and developing reports.
• Support the development and refinement of the Statewide Active Transportation Plan and the Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Safety Assessment through data collection, stakeholder engagement, and action item follow‑through.
• Provide technical support to internal and external stakeholders on active transportation concepts, designs, and integration, including multimodal access, complete streets principles, and ADA compliance.
• Participate in project development activities alongside Project Teams, including reviewing multimodal elements in project plans, assessing feasibility of pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, and participating in field visits.
• Assist with the development and delivery of training materials and presentations on active transportation topics for TDOT staff, consultants, local agencies, and external partners.
• Support the quality assurance and performance evaluation of active transportation projects, ensuring alignment with federal and state guidelines and TDOT's performance goals.
• Stay informed on national best practices, emerging technologies, and industry trends related to active transportation and provide recommendations for program or policy updates.

Additional duties for Technical Specialist II and III

• Assist with design standards, State of Tennessee laws, and federal regulations applicable to the development and maintenance of the transportation system.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and maintenance of statewide policies, procedures, and direction while considering input from federal agencies, state agencies, TDOT Regions and Divisions, and local governments.
• Assist in the engineering review, comments, and revisions of construction plans for projects with TDOT active transportation inclusion.
• Serve as a liaison between TDOT and local communities, ensuring early and effective coordination on active transportation initiatives and local infrastructure projects.

Additional duties for Technical Specialist III

• Coordinate with the Senior Technical Specialist in providing assistance working with local governments on state and federal aid projects to ensure multimodal access is considered, including project initiation, contract administration, project closeout, and compliance with federal and state requirements.
• Assist in mentoring staff and perform quality control of the work of other employees.
• Ensure all data‑related activities and critical documents are saved and follow a consistent set of rules and procedures statewide and are in alignment with TDOT performance objectives.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Technical Specialist I: Bachelor's degree in a related field of study as outlined in the position description.
• Technical Specialist II: Bachelor's degree and 1 year of demonstrated competency in a related field as outlined in the position description.
• Technical Specialist III: Bachelor's degree and 2 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as outlined in the position description.

The Department reserves the sole right to determine the position level based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and business needs. Within 6 months of hire, employees must demonstrate successful mastery of the corresponding work competencies and skill blocks of the Technical Specialist Competency Program for the level hired; failure to meet those competencies may result in demotion to the qualified level.

Necessary Special Qualifications (all levels)

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

Skills & Competencies

Required for all levels (I, II, III)

• 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 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 them to 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 for Technical Specialist II and III

• 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 for Technical Specialist III

• 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 improving the effectiveness, quality, and efficiency of the existing process

Conditions of Employment

• Incorporating overtime, weekends, and night shifts into schedules as work demands 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 requiring personal protective equipment
• Sitting for extended periods while driving or working on computers
• Standing for extended periods while working outdoors or in a laboratory setting

Pay

Monthly: $5,151.00 – $6,437.00 · Annually: $61,812.00 – $77,244.00

Schedule

Hybrid: three days in the office, two days working from home.