ECONOMIC PROJECTS STATEWIDE TECHNICAL SPECIALIST -09082026-80735

Overview

The Economic Projects Statewide Technical Specialist ensures economic projects follow TDOT project development guidelines, design standards, and applicable Tennessee Code and serves as a subject matter expert for the Economics Projects Team. This position is responsible for ensuring statewide consistency in the analysis, development of concepts, and evaluation of potential economic projects, supporting TDOT Project Managers in defining critical goals and intended outcomes for scope, schedule, budget, and quality. The role collaborates with multiple TDOT divisions, project team members, consultants, and external stakeholders, and assists in implementing the Quality Assurance Program to reduce errors, delays, and contractor claims.

Responsibilities

• Support and serve on Project Teams as the economic projects subject matter expert, ensuring teams are aware of design features, local agreements, contracts, deposits, and stakeholders; provide technical options and recommendations to promote efficient delivery.
• Assist the Engineering Concepts Team with reviewing potential economic project investigations, conceptual designs, cost estimates, evaluations, and concept reports.
• Help cities, counties, and developers understand applicable Tennessee Code, project eligibility, application and evaluation processes, agreements, and development, permitting, and construction options.
• Apply context‑sensitive design strategies, implement innovative concepts, and align recommendations with Asset Management objectives, funding allocation, and project goals.
• Optimize Project Teams’ ability to mitigate risk and address unanticipated challenges related to project development and coordination.
• Integrate Quality Management into all deliverables in compliance with Asset Management objectives, Project Management Division guidance, and the Project Delivery Network to reduce right‑of‑way and construction delays and contractor claims.
• Provide reviews as part of TDOT’s Quality Assurance Program.
• Collaborate routinely with Asset Management, HQ divisions, and regions to document knowledge, maximize project successes, and incorporate national best practices.
• Assist with modifications to policies, procedures, design standards, specifications, and special provisions.
• Develop Consultant Acquisition Plans (CAP) and serve on selection committees for professional engineering and non‑engineering services.
• Support RFP development by attending marketing meetings, determining scoring criteria, participating in information sessions, scoring proposals, and attending de‑briefs.
• For complex projects, support Project Managers and Teams in managing external partners, negotiating contracts, reviewing consultant invoicing, developing contract scopes, managing tasks, and documenting performance.
• Stay current on national best practices, federal regulations, Tennessee statutes, and project management and delivery practices.
• Monitor revisions to design codes, standards, specifications, and guidelines; assist with legislation and regulations; participate in regional/national working groups, research committees, and training opportunities.
• Provide exceptional customer service, mentoring, and technical guidance to internal and external customers, maintaining accurate documentation and effective communication.
• Develop and deliver training and mentoring on economic project development to TDOT staff and external stakeholders.
• Offer technical guidance on risk management, design elements, and emerging technologies.
• Prepare and present at industry conferences to improve team performance and inspire new ideas.
• Ensure Economic Projects Team deliverables are consistent, predictable, and repeatable, achieving high levels of success.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years of demonstrated competency in a related field, OR Master’s Degree and 7 years of demonstrated competency, as outlined in the position description.

Necessary Special Qualifications: May require professional licenses and/or certifications; must possess and maintain a valid Class D driver’s license for operating vehicles in Tennessee.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Competencies, and Tools/Equipment:

• Skilled in project delivery methods, including design/bid/build and alternative delivery.
• Skilled in state and federal regulations/requirements for development and construction of projects.
• Skilled in using critical thinking to solve problems and make informed decisions independently.
• Skilled in advanced technical writing.
• Skilled in review and assessment of draft legislative language.
• Skilled in effective communication with internal and external stakeholders in a professional and courteous manner.
• Skilled in working on project teams.
• Skilled in analyzing processes and offering actionable feedback to improve effectiveness, quality, and efficiency.
• Skilled in the application of transportation finance principles.
• Skilled in the development of contract principles and applications.
• Skilled in identifying and mitigating risk associated with transportation projects.
• Skilled in researching and exploring innovative technical concepts and developing applications for transportation projects.
• Ability to research and explore innovative technical concepts and develop applications for transportation projects.