Highway Freight Specialist

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Paid time off

Education reimbursement

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

The Highway Freight Specialist at INDOT (State of Indiana) coordinates oversize/overweight freight permitting, ensuring compliant and timely processing across agencies. Based in Indianapolis, the role serves as the subject‑matter expert for freight permitting and regulatory interpretation.

You will lead special projects, participate in annual plan submissions, and collaborate with the Indiana Department of Revenue, Indiana State Police, and federal partners to enhance freight mobility, safety,

Qualifications

• Specialized knowledge in program subject matter through experience and/or education.
• Knowledge of pertinent rules and regulations governing the programs.
• Experience with budgeting and reporting relevant to program management.

Responsibilities

• Establish program objectives, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.
• Develop, update, and monitor policies and procedures related to the program area.
• Interpret policies to leadership or customers.
• Analyze monthly and annual program reports.
• Coordinate and communicate with cross-agency stakeholders.
• Manage program budgets and financial planning.
• Train staff on program requirements and usage.
• Liaise with state and federal agencies on regulatory matters.
• Recruit, onboard, and develop personnel as needed.
• Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and compliance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Cross-agency communication

Freight operations

Job description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you’ll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About The Indiana Department Of Transportation

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state’s quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.

Role Overview

The Highway Freight Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and legally compliant movement of freight across Indiana’s transportation network. This position leads coordination between multiple INDOT programs, the Indiana Department of Revenue, and the Indiana State Police to ensure Oversize/Overweight (OS/OW) permits are issued accurately and in a timely manner. The Specialist serves as INDOT’s subject matter expert for OS/OW permitting, including interpreting state and federal regulations, maintaining expertise in INDOT systems that support routing and infrastructure protection, and providing guidance to internal and external partners.

Key responsibilities include preparing and submitting the annual Vehicle Size and Weight Enforcement Plan and federally required certifications to the Federal Highway Administration. The role also represents INDOT within regional and national workgroups such as the MAASTO Highway Transport Committee, supporting continuous improvement and alignment with best practices. In addition, the Highway Freight Specialist manages special projects that impact freight mobility throughout Indiana, contributing to economic growth, safety, and roadway reliability.

Top Skills Needed

• Strong analytical and regulatory interpretation skills
• Exceptional cross‑agency communication and collaboration abilities
• Expertise in freight operations, permitting systems, and project management

Position‑Specific Details

This role may occasionally require participation in meetings, trainings, or conferences outside of the normal working hours. No regular deviations from the standard 7.5‑hour workday are expected.

Location

This position is with INDOT’s Central Office in Indianapolis.

Salary

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day In The Life

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Establish program objectives, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.
• Develop, update, and monitor all policies and procedures related to the program area.
• Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to leadership or customers.
• Implement corrective action plans to solve program problems.
• Analyze, prepare, and disseminate monthly and annual program reports.
• Review budget and make budgetary recommendations to improve the program area finances.
• Ensure program requirements meet federal and state policies and grants compliance.
• Assist in the development and train employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
• Coordinator and deliver communication plans and communications.
• Serve as a liaison between agency and other state and federal agencies.
• Serve on management committees or other governing boards.
• Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
• Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need For Success

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Specialized knowledge in program subject matter obtained through experience and/or education.
• Specialized knowledge of program area including pertinent rules and regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs.
• Ability to develop and implement new principles and policies and discern any far-reaching implications.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of accounting and budget principles.
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.

A degree is not required. However, at least 7+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered. Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .