HEALTH AND SAFETY TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 10132026-81642
About the role
The Health and Safety Technical Specialist works in a team setting, providing support to Region Business Solutions by assisting in developing, implementing, and evaluating safety programs and initiatives for Region/District employees. This position delivers safety training, coordinates safety campaigns, and assesses Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use and readiness. The Health and Safety Technical Specialist collaborates with Region/District teams to consistently apply safety protocols and uniform training standards across TDOT Regions. Effective communication, training support, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration within a matrixed organizational structure are essential components of this role. This position plays a key role in fostering a safety-first culture through hands-on support, awareness efforts, and engagement with Region teams. The Health and Safety Technical Specialist reports directly to the Safety and Facilities Team Lead.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: TDOT Technical Specialist I - Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study as may be outlined in the position description. TDOT Technical Specialist II - Bachelor's Degree and 1 year of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description. TDOT Technical Specialist III - Bachelor's Degree and 2 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description.
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, including business needs. Within 6 months of hire, employees must demonstrate successful mastery of corresponding work competencies and skill blocks of the Technical Specialist Competency Program for the level of worker for 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.
Necessary Special Qualifications for TDOT Technical Specialist I, II, III: 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.
Skills
- 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, while interacting 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 those concepts to the 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
- 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
- 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
Responsibilities
- Conduct safety inspections, gather and document safety-related data, including incidents and near-misses, and support the Occupational Health and Safety Division in identifying potential risks and contributing to safety performance metrics.
- Support emergency preparedness efforts by assisting in developing, revising, and distributing facility-specific emergency action plans.
- Participate in planning and executing safety drills, help coordinate logistics with internal stakeholders, and contribute to post-drill evaluations.
- Help identify gaps and provide recommended improvements to strengthen Region readiness, ensure regulatory compliance, and proactively promote a safety culture.
- Support the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Division by assisting with training record-keeping, data reporting, and regulatory compliance responses.
- Coordinate onboarding logistics, maintain accurate training rosters, and help implement TDOT safety policies and performance standards.
- Work closely with Human Resources (HR), Training Teams, and OHS, ensuring that all responsibilities, especially those related to