CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN - 10202026-81762

Opening date: 10/20/2026; Closing date: 11/02/2026. Full-time position located in Clarksville, TN (Region 3 – District 38 Operations – Construction Section). Monthly salary $3,667 – $4,578 ($44,004 – $54,936 annually). Starting salary $3,667 monthly / $44,004 annually. For additional details see TDOT Construction Technician classification document.

About the role

The Construction Engineering Technician plays a crucial role in providing expertise and independent oversight to both Region Operations and construction, engineering, and inspection (CEI) personnel for the full spectrum of inspection required during TDOT infrastructure construction projects. This position must have a solid understanding of the methods and materials contractors are allowed to use in the construction of transportation infrastructure. The Construction Engineering Technician works to identify potential construction challenges, reduce variability in construction operations, and ensure the consistent delivery of TDOT’s Work Program. The Construction Engineering Technician ensures compliance with TDOT specifications, policies, technical guidance, and procedures during construction activities. This position must effectively work on project sites with contractors, subcontractors, utilities, and suppliers, while also contributing to the training and mentoring of junior staff. The Construction Engineering Technician supports quality management efforts by assisting with field inspections, material testing, and project documentation to meet federal and TDOT requirements, while also ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of TDOT employees and the public.

Responsibilities

• Assist in resolving project issues from the perspectives of TDOT Construction, contractors, suppliers, and producers.
• Collaborate with Project Teams to ensure the efficient and timely delivery of TDOT’s Work Program.
• Oversee and conduct comprehensive field and laboratory testing of construction materials, including soil, asphalt, concrete, and aggregates, while verifying the suitability of samples and ensuring all test results comply with project specifications, state standards, and quality assurance protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of daily project activities, including work progress, material usage, and contractor performance.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports, test results, and other required documentation to support effective project oversight and compliance with standards.
• Integrate Quality Management into all deliverables to help ensure all independent project oversight is timely, accurate, and sufficient to meet both federal and TDOT requirements.
• Independently produce data, reports, and technical drawings ensuring consistency, quality, and desired accuracy.
• Remain current on the broad array of construction methods, procedures and practices, and the appropriate specifications and contractual requirements.
• Remain current on the broad array of materials incorporated into TDOT transportation infrastructure projects.
• Perform preventive maintenance and calibration of assigned lab and mobile testing equipment to ensure accurate functionality and adherence to project specifications.
• Provide guidance and technical support to field teams on the proper use and operation of testing and inspection equipment, promoting consistent and reliable application of testing standards across projects.
• Safely operate both heavy and light-duty vehicles and equipment to support construction, maintenance, and roadway safety activities, including removing snow and ice from highways and bridges.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as checking fluid levels, greasing service points, maintaining tire pressure, and conducting operator-level repairs to ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently.
• Actively participate in the Construction Pro-Path Program to enhance professional knowledge and skills, ensuring alignment with industry standards and best practices.
• Pursue and maintain required certifications and training annually in areas relevant to the completion of assigned duties, such as material testing, field inspections, project documentation, and quality assurance.
• Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external project stakeholders by facilitating the sharing of acquired knowledge.
• Ensure project site testing data is easily accessible and organized.
• Assist Project Teams and stakeholders in understanding oversight requirements by exercising effective listening skills and communicating effectively.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) diploma.
• 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, and based on business need.
• Within 6 months of hire, employees must demonstrate successful mastery of corresponding work competencies and skill blocks of the Technician Proficiency Program for the level of worker to 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.

TDOT Engineering Technician Levels

• TDOT Engineering Technician 1 (Entry level): No prerequisites other than High School Education or equivalent. Eligible for promotion to TDOT Engineering Technician 2 upon satisfactory review and completion of the required skills and competency elements of the TDOT Engineering Technician 1 level, including having obtained the appropriate level of Commercial Driver's License based on the employee's age and job location.
• TDOT Engineering Technician 2 (Intermediate level): Must have successfully completed the required skills and competency elements of the TDOT Engineering Technician 1 level. Eligible for promotion to TDOT Engineering Technician 3 upon satisfactory review and completion of the required skills and competency elements of the TDOT Engineering Technician 2 level.
• TDOT Engineering Technician 3 (Experienced level): Must have successfully completed the required skills and competency elements at the TDOT Engineering Technician 2 level.

Each level of the TDOT Engineering Technician Series will have a defined Work Element Plan that details a set number of hours of core and elective skills and competencies and the corresponding exam and demonstration requirements that must be completed for eligibility to move forward to the next level of the series.

Necessary Special Qualifications

Some positions in these classifications are assigned job duties that may require the following to operate a designated state vehicle:

• Possess and maintain a Class D driver's license valid to operate vehicles in the State of Tennessee.
• If under age 21, employees must, at their own expense and within eleven months, obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License that is valid in the State of Tennessee (a Code O, Code K, and Code 52 restriction is allowable); Code L restriction is not allowable, testing must be completed in a manual transmission vehicle.
• If you are currently a TDOT employee in possession of a Class A Commercial Driver’s License when you reach the age of 21, you must possess and maintain, or obtain at your own expense and within 3 months of your 21st birthday, a Class-A Commercial Driver's License with an N endorsement that is valid in the State of Tennessee.
• If age 21 or older and not currently employed with TDOT, you must possess and maintain, or obtain at your own expense within eleven months of hire, a Class-A Commercial Driver's License with an N endorsement that is valid in the State of Tennessee.
• Employees will have five months from hire or promotion into this classification to obtain the applicable permits leading to eligibility for the specific required license. Code L restriction is not allowable, testing must be completed in a manual transmission vehicle.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for commercial driver and safety impact positions. Commercial drivers and safety impact employees will be subject to additional drug and alcohol testing during employment.
• Incorporating overtime, weekends, and night shifts into their schedules as work schedules dictate; specific positions may require on-call schedules.
• 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 are required as part of daily duties.
• Performing work in which personal protective equipment will be required to be worn.

Competencies (KSAs)

Required for TDOT Engineering Technicians I, II, and III

• Knowledgeable in basic report and form writing
• Knowledge of applicable industry standards
• Knowledgeable in street and highway traffic rules and regulations, and temporary signing and safety precautions to be observed while working on