PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 09082026-80745

Overview

The Professional Services Technical Specialist will support Contract Managers through consultant pre‑qualification, invoicing, and performance evaluation activities. This role assists in safeguarding consistent statewide administration of rules and procedures related to consultant and contract services. The position collaborates with internal stakeholders—including TDOT Finance, TDOT Legal, Regions, and TDOT Divisions—within a matrix organization to deliver the Department’s Work Program. It also articulates consultant and contract services concepts through training, mentoring, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate consultant pre‑qualification applications, renewals, and modifications for completeness; provide detailed direction to consultants when additional information is needed.
• Update the pre‑qualification consultant database and coordinate with ROW pre‑qualified consultants.
• Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers, including prompt responses, accurate documentation, and effective communication.
• Foster professional relationships with Divisions and Regions to promote accountability, consistency, and program stability.
• Coordinate consultant invoices with Contract Managers to ensure consistent formatting, timely review, and resolution of concerns.
• Create transmittal documents for TDOT Finance indicating invoice review and approval for payment.
• Ensure deliverables align with the Consultant and Contract Services Quality Management Program to reduce errors, maintain high quality, mitigate risk, and track success.
• Integrate deliverables into the Section’s tracking mechanism to meet performance metrics.
• Implement records retention policies in compliance with Records Disposition Authorization (RDA) requirements.
• Stay current on applicable federal and state laws, TDOT performance measures, and RDA requirements.
• Assist with coordinating with TDOT Finance on administrative review of consultant pre‑qualification applications, including evaluation of consultant overhead rates (Technical Specialist II & III).
• Generate qualification and renewal letters; prepare denial letters in coordination with TDOT Legal and Finance (Technical Specialist II & III).
• Support contract closeouts by monitoring contract terms and coordinating required actions (Technical Specialist II & III).
• Complete contractual modifications for consultant mergers, acquisitions, and name changes (Technical Specialist II & III).
• Assist with consultant performance evaluations, provide mandatory feedback, monitor grades, manage suspension/re‑instatement processes, and terminate under‑performing contracts (Technical Specialist II & III).
• Assist the TDOT Technical Training Director in developing and delivering training on pre‑qualification, invoicing, performance evaluations, and emerging technologies (Technical Specialist III).
• Provide mentoring to TDOT staff, consultants, and local agencies regarding consultant and contract services (Technical Specialist III).

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• TDOT Technical Specialist I – Bachelor’s degree in a related field as outlined in the position description.
• TDOT Technical Specialist II – Bachelor’s degree plus 1 year of demonstrated competency in a related field.
• TDOT Technical Specialist III – Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of demonstrated competency in a related field.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation determines the appropriate level based on work experience, education, skill level, and business needs. Within six months of hire, employees must demonstrate mastery of the Technical Specialist Competency Program for their level; failure to meet competencies may result in demotion.

Additional special qualifications may include professional licenses/certifications and a valid Class D driver’s license for operating vehicles in Tennessee.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Knowledge of transportation engineering, finance, and contract development principles.
• Knowledge of technical report writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Time‑management skills to ensure assignments are completed.
• Critical‑thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Capacity to learn and apply technical concepts.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Precision and high accuracy in work execution.
• Ability to read and interpret project plans.
• Skilled in applying engineering and transportation finance principles (Specialist II & III).
• Skilled in applying state and federal regulations to transportation projects (Specialist II & III).
• Skilled in technical report writing and contract development applications (Specialist II & III).
• Ability to work effectively in project teams and maintain strong work relationships (Specialist II & III).
• Ability to prioritize work items to meet project deadlines (Specialist II & III).
• For Specialist III: ability to resolve conflicts, coach and mentor others, support a culture of accountability, analyze processes, and provide actionable feedback for improvement.

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 setting.

Pay

Monthly: $5,100.00 – $6,373.00
Annual: $61,200.00 – $76,476.00

Schedule

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