RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION AND RELOCATION SENIOR TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 07142026-78935

About the role

The Right-of-Way (ROW) Acquisition and Relocation Senior Technical Specialist located in the Region will work both independently and in a team setting, providing support and expertise to the Region ROW Section.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate resources and assist the Region ROW Section and Project Managers as the Acquisition and Relocation Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the management of external partners together with the Professional Services Division, including the negotiation of contracts, review of consultant invoicing, development of scopes, management of contract tasks, compliance monitoring, and completion of consultant grading.
• Cook up training and technical guidance that addresses acquired knowledge, risk management, technical design elements, and emerging technologies related to transportation for the purpose of improving team performance, creating a stronger understanding of the transportation industry, inspiring new ideas, and developing skills.
• Mentor TDOT staff, consultants, and local agencies with respect to the Region ROW Section.
• Utilize and maintain the TDOT ROW Division's database program and software.
• Aid in the development of a consultant acquisition plan and assist in the oversight of external partners by serving on selection committees for professional ROW services as part of the Brooks Act, including assisting with Request for Proposal (RFP) development, attending project-specific marketing meetings, assisting with determining scoring criteria, assisting with project information sessions, when applicable, serving as a scorer as part of the consultant acquisition process, and attending de-briefs for consultants where usable feedback must be provided.
• Take ownership of change, clarify the vision of TDOT ROW Division's Program goals and metrics, communicate effectively, remain transparent, and hold yourself accountable to develop, maintain, and enhance TDOT's ROW production and public service standards.
• Participate on Project Teams, as part of a matrix organization, in developing the project vision for those projects having the highest complexity; help define ROW related critical goals and intended outcomes for the scope, schedule, budget, and quality in coordination with the Project Manager; support Project Management staff by assisting with writing the ROW Scope of Work in collaboration with other ROW Division Sections, TDOT Roadway, TDOT Maintenance, and TDOT Construction; assist with ensuring that ROW cost estimates data is accurate and current; proactively assess risk factors; and for Project Teams associated with Alternative Delivery Contracts, forecast the cause and effect of implementing Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs) related to RFP's, project cost, and construction timing.
• Provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers by exercising effective listening skills, providing prompt responses, maintaining complete and accurate documentation, and communicating effectively.
• Ensure successful strategic partnerships with FHWA and local agencies to effectively implement TDOT's vision statewide.
• Aid in ensuring TDOT ROW deliverables are accomplished in alignment with TDOT's Quality Management procedures to produce consistently high levels of quality and achievement, mitigate risk to the Department, and establish a track record of success.
• Integrate all deliverables into the State Acquisition and Relocation Section's tracking mechanism to provide for project continuity and efficient workflows for internal project stakeholders.
• Negotiate for and acquire intermediate and complex level tracts and special acquisition parcels such as local agencies and contaminated parcels.
• Aid in the ROW Certification process, disposition of eminent domain lawsuits, Title VI inquiries/investigations, public hearings/workshops, and responses to Public Records Requests.
• Aid in the Relocation tasks including intermediate and complex level relocations, Last Resort Housing determinations, and relocation appeals.
• Aid in Local agency coordination including compliance audits, training, and problem solving.
• Participate in Value Engineering and Preliminary Group Inspection (PGI) teams.
• Remain current with applicable Federal Regulations, FHWA guidance, State of Tennessee laws, and the TDOT ROW Manual.
• Aid in modifications to all applicable policies, procedures, Statutes, and special provisions.
• Stay informed on ROW related industry trends and national best practices by participating in AASHTO, industry associations, and other appropriate committees.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree and 3 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description. OR Master's degree and 2 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description.

Skills

• Skilled in communicating effectively, while interacting with internal and external stakeholders in a professional and courteous manner.
• 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.
• Skilled in the ability to maintain effective work relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external in a professional and courteous manner.
• Skilled in the ability to manage time and prioritize work items to ensure project assignments are completed.
• Ability to manage time to ensure assignments are completed.
• Ability to use critical thinking to problem solve and make informed decisions.
• Ability to follow, provide, and support verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to conduct work with precision and a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to work in project teams.
• 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.

Benefits

• Salary (Monthly): $5,647.00 - $7,326.00
• Salary (Annually): $67,764.00 - $87,912.00
• Hybrid work schedule of three days in the office and two days working from home.