TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 09012026-80407

About the role

This position is in the Asset Management Division – Transportation Data Systems Section. The Technical Specialist will work from home two days per week and must report to the office three days after an initial training period.

Responsibilities

• Support the Statewide Data Governance Specialist, Senior Technical Specialist, and Transportation Data Systems Manager by providing actionable data-driven insights to advance asset management strategies and maintain data integrity across systems.
• Ensure accurate, complete, and timely data input into TDOT’s asset management systems by collaborating with stakeholders to address discrepancies and uphold departmental standards.
• Deliver exceptional customer service by sharing organized and accessible data with project stakeholders, maintaining clear communication, and promptly addressing public and departmental inquiries.
• Collaborate with Headquarters and Regional Offices to assess and identify training needs for data collection and accuracy, providing technical guidance and training to optimize workflows, enhance system functionality, and foster a culture of accountability and data integrity.
• Collaborate closely with the Quality Management Section to author and refine departmental policies.
• Identify inefficiencies, optimize resource use, and leverage predictive analytics and data trends to create data-informed policies that align with operational goals and improve decision-making processes.
• Assist with staff training initiatives to improve proficiency in data input protocols, software usage, and compliance with governance policies.
• Develop and deliver workshops and materials in collaboration with the Senior Technical Specialist.
• Serve as a liaison across the department, IT, regional teams, and stakeholders to align asset management practices with TDOT’s strategic goals.
• Conduct in-depth analyses of historical and real-time data trends to identify performance gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Integrate predictive analytics and performance metrics to enhance asset management strategies and inform policy development, resource allocation, and lifecycle planning.
• Act as a primary technical resource for identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving system issues related to data input and governance.
• Monitor system performance proactively to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with governance standards.
• Provide technical guidance and training to optimize workflows, enhance system functionality, and foster a culture of accountability and data integrity.
• Prepare detailed reports to inform decision-making and support operational excellence.
• Develop detailed reports that provide actionable insights, highlight trends, and support continuous improvement initiatives to optimize resource allocation and long-term asset performance.

Requirements

• TDOT Technical Specialist I: Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• TDOT Technical Specialist II: Bachelor’s degree and 1 year of demonstrated competency in a related field.
• TDOT Technical Specialist III: Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of demonstrated competency in a related field.
• The Tennessee Department of Transportation reserves the sole right to determine the level of position based on the applicant’s work experience, education, skill level, and 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Additional for Technical Specialist II and III:
• 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.
• Additional for Technical Specialist III:
• 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.
• Some positions in these classifications may require 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.

Conditions of Employment

• Incorporating overtime, weekends, and night shifts into schedules as work schedules dictate.
• Extended durations outdoors in extreme weather conditions.
• Working in and around construction and vehicular traffic.
• Walking on uneven terrain.
• Climbing ladders and construction scaffolding.
• Carrying equipment and samples in excess of 25 pounds.
• Driving long distances as required to perform daily duties.
• Performing work in which personal protective equipment will be required to be worn.
• Sitting for extended periods while driving or working on computers.
• Standing for extended periods while working outdoors or in a laboratory setting.