ECOLOGY TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 09152026-80929

Overview

The Ecology Technical Specialist works in a team setting, providing support and expertise to the Ecology Team, Technical Studies Section, Project Teams, and the Department. This position assists the Ecology Senior Technical Specialist by delivering technically sound and timely ecology information and deliverables, ensuring compliance with Federal and State requirements for identification, classification, assessment, documentation, and interagency consultation of natural resources for TDOT projects. The role also supports the Quality Management Program within the Environmental Division and collaborates with TDOT divisions, consultants, contractors, and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assist with ensuring TDOT compliance with the Endangered Species Act, Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), the Clean Water Act, the Tennessee Water Quality Control Act, EPA’s NPDES program, and other relevant state and federal ecological regulations.
• Review TDOT projects to identify ecological resources; conduct desktop research and field visits for identification, classification, and documentation for interagency consultation.
• Delineate streams and wetlands, collect and process data, map, identify flora, fauna, and specialized habitats, and complete documentation for Environmental Boundary Reports and interagency consultations.
• Utilize GIS data sets and online sources from TDEC, TWRA, USACE, USDA, USFWS, USGS, NPS, and others in project reviews.
• Provide the Permits, Mitigation, and Compliance Teams with ecology information needed for permit applications, assessments, surveys, analyses, delineations, and mitigation documentation.
• Serve as a resource for Project Teams within the matrix organization, delivering research, fieldwork, documentation, and coordination related to ecological resources.
• Stay current with applicable State and Federal regulations impacting ecology deliverables.
• Implement discipline‑specific policies and procedures.
• Provide exceptional customer service through effective listening, prompt responses, accurate documentation, and clear communication.
• Ensure ecology deliverables are consistent, predictable, and repeatable to achieve high performance and risk mitigation.
• Additional responsibilities for Technical Specialist II and III:
  • Assist Project Teams throughout project milestones (Kick‑Off, Risk Workshops, Scoping, Field Reviews, Plans/Specs/Estimates meetings).
  • Coordinate project schedules to include ecology activities and mitigate impacts to ecological resources.
  • Review roadway design plans and develop avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures for ecological resources.
  • Consult with TDEC, TWRA, USACE, USDA, USFWS, and other agencies; coordinate communications of avoidance/minimization efforts.
  • Participate in selection committees for ecology services, develop scopes of work, attend marketing meetings, set scoring criteria, score proposals, and provide feedback.
  • Assist the Ecology Team Lead with contract negotiation, consultant invoicing, task management, and consultant grading.
• Additional responsibilities for Technical Specialist III:
  • Mentor TDOT staff, consultants, and local agencies on ecology matters.
  • Lead training and technical guidance development with the Ecology Senior Technical Specialist and TDOT Technical Training Director.
  • Support strategic partnerships with FHWA and local agencies to implement TDOT’s statewide vision.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience
  • Technical Specialist I – Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
  • Technical Specialist II – Bachelor’s degree plus 1 year of demonstrated competency in a related field.
  • Technical Specialist III – Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of demonstrated competency in a related field.
  • TDOT reserves the right to determine level based on experience, education, skill level, and business needs.
  • Within 6 months of hire, employees must master the competencies for the hired level or may be demoted.
• Special Qualifications
  • Professional licenses or certifications as required by the specific position.
  • Maintain a valid Class D driver’s license for operating vehicles in Tennessee.
  • Any additional qualifications will be noted in the position description.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies (KSACs)
  • Knowledge of transportation engineering, finance, contract development, and technical report writing.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Time‑management and critical‑thinking skills for problem solving and decision making.
  • Ability to learn and apply technical concepts, follow instructions, and produce precise work.
  • Ability to read and interpret project plans.
  • Additional KSACs for Specialist II/III:
    • Skilled application of engineering, finance, and regulatory principles.
    • Skilled in technical report writing and contract development.
    • Ability to work in project teams and maintain effective relationships.
    • Advanced time‑management and prioritization.
  • Additional KSACs for Specialist III:
    • Conflict resolution, coaching, mentoring, and fostering a culture of accountability.
    • Process analysis and actionable feedback for improving effectiveness, quality, and efficiency.

Conditions of Employment

• Potential overtime, weekend, and night shift work as schedules dictate.
• Extended outdoor work in extreme weather conditions.
• Work in and around construction zones and vehicular traffic.
• Walking on uneven terrain, climbing ladders and scaffolding.
• Carrying equipment and samples exceeding 25 pounds.
• Driving long distances as required for daily duties.
• Use of personal protective equipment as required.
• Sitting for extended periods while driving or working on computers.
• Standing for extended periods while working outdoors or in a laboratory.

Pay

Monthly salary: $5,100.00 – $6,373.00

Annual salary: $61,200.00 – $76,476.00

Schedule

Hybrid work schedule: three days in the office and two days working from home.