RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION AND RELOCATION SENIOR TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 08042026-79392

Location: Jackson, TN (Madison County) – hybrid schedule: 3 days in office, 2 days remote.

About the Role

The Right-of-Way (ROW) Acquisition and Relocation Senior Technical Specialist supports the Region ROW Section both independently and in a team setting. This role assists the Region Acquisition/Relocation Team Lead with implementing statewide work plans, meeting strategic vision, and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws related to acquisition and relocation. Responsibilities include overseeing Quality Assurance/Quality Control, mentoring and training ROW Technical Specialists, and collaborating with TDOT divisions, project teams, consultants, contractors, and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Acquisition and Relocation Subject Matter Expert (SME), coordinating resources and assisting the Region ROW Section and Project Managers in managing external partners, including contract negotiation, invoice review, scope development, and compliance monitoring.
• Coordinate with the TDOT Technical Training Director to develop and deliver training and technical guidance on acquisition, relocation, risk management, and emerging technologies.
• Mentor TDOT staff, consultants, and local agencies on Region ROW Section processes.
• Maintain and utilize the TDOT ROW Division’s database program and software.
• Assist in developing a consultant acquisition plan and oversee external partners by participating in selection committees, RFP development, scoring criteria, and consultant debriefs.
• Clarify and communicate TDOT ROW Division’s program goals, ensuring accountability for ROW production and public service standards.
• Participate in Project Teams to define ROW-related goals, scope, schedule, budget, and quality for high-complexity projects; assist with ROW Scope of Work, cost estimates, risk assessment, and Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs).
• Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders through effective communication, documentation, and responsiveness.
• Foster strategic partnerships with FHWA and local agencies to implement TDOT’s statewide vision.
• Ensure ROW deliverables align with TDOT’s Quality Management procedures to mitigate risk and maintain high-quality outcomes.
• Integrate deliverables into the State Acquisition and Relocation Section’s tracking mechanism for project continuity and efficient workflows.
• Negotiate and acquire intermediate and complex tracts, including special acquisition parcels (e.g., local agencies, contaminated parcels).
• Assist with ROW Certification, eminent domain lawsuits, Title VI inquiries, public hearings, and Public Records Requests.
• Support the Region Acquisition/Relocation Team Lead with relocation tasks, including Last Resort Housing determinations and relocation appeals.
• Coordinate with local agencies, including compliance audits, training, and problem-solving.
• Participate in Value Engineering and Preliminary Group Inspection (PGI) teams.
• Stay current with federal regulations, FHWA guidance, state laws, and the TDOT ROW Manual; assist with policy and procedure updates.
• Monitor ROW-related industry trends and national best practices through participation in AASHTO and other industry associations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of demonstrated competency in a related field, or Master’s degree and 2 years of demonstrated competency.
• Professional licenses or certifications may be required (as outlined in the position description).
• Possess and maintain a valid Class D driver’s license for operating vehicles in Tennessee.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Application of engineering and transportation finance principles.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations for transportation projects.
• Technical report writing and contract development.
• Time management and prioritization to ensure project completion.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Ability to follow and provide verbal/written instructions with precision and accuracy.
• Collaboration in project teams and conflict resolution.
• Coaching, mentoring, and supporting a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Process analysis and actionable feedback for improving efficiency and quality.

Conditions of Employment

• Incorporate overtime, weekends, and night shifts as required.
• Work outdoors in extreme weather conditions for extended durations.
• Work in and around construction sites and vehicular traffic.
• Walk on uneven terrain, climb ladders/scaffolding, and carry equipment over 25 pounds.
• Drive long distances for daily duties.
• Wear personal protective equipment as required.
• Sit for extended periods while driving or working on computers.
• Stand for extended periods while working outdoors or in a laboratory setting.

Pay

Monthly: $5,647.00 – $9,005.00
Annual: $67,764.00 – $108,060.00