STATEWIDE TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 09012026-80601

State of Tennessee; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 89,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Tennessee is seeking a Statewide Technical Specialist to develop and implement discipline-specific technical guidance for transit, rail, and freight programs within the Department of Transportation. The role shapes statewide policy standards and program initiatives across freight and rail, including passenger rail.

The Specialist will lead TDOT policy development, write technical manuals, research national best practices, and ensure compliance while coordinating with internal teams,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description.
• Master's Degree and 7 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert for freight, rail, and transit program areas within the Division.
• Read, interpret, and apply statutes, regulations, policies, plans, and grant language requirements.
• Support development and implementation of Division policies, guidelines, and technical manuals.
• Develop and implement technical quality control and QA processes for freight, rail, and transit programs.
• Manage external partners, including scopes of work, invoicing, and consultant grading.
• Remain current on national best practices and evaluate new technologies for TDOT.
• Integrate federal and state requirements into TDOT guidance documents.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to strengthen multimodal program capabilities.
• Ensure deliverables are consistent and high-quality by applying technical expertise.
• Provide excellent customer service and clear technical communication.

Skills

Project delivery methods

Regulatory compliance

Critical thinking

Technical writing

Stakeholder communication

Team collaboration

Process analysis

Transportation finance

Contract principles

Risk mitigation

Innovation application

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Master's Degree in related field

Tools

Class D driver's license

Job description

State of Tennessee Job Information

Opening Date/Time 09/01/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Job Information

Opening Date/Time 09/01/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time 09/14/2026 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly) $7,458.00 - $9,697.00

Salary (Annually) $89,496.00 - $116,364.00

Job Type Full-Time

City, State Location Nashville, TN

Department Transportation

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DAVIDSON COUNTY

This position is in the Passenger Transportation, Rail and Freight Division - Policy Section.

For More Information, Visit The Link Below

https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/hr/Statewide-Technical-Specialist-Policy-FINAL-PJE-080526.pdf

Salary and Work Schedule

This position has a starting salary of $8,569 monthly/$102,828 annually.

This position has a hybrid work schedule of three days in the office and two days working from home.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description,
• Master's Degree and 7 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description.

Necessary Special Qualifications For Regional Technical Specialist

• 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

Any necessary special qualifications will be denoted in the position description.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Competencies, And Tools/Equipment

• Skilled in the project delivery methods, including design/bid/build and alternative delivery
• Skilled in state and federal regulations/requirements for development and construction of projects
• Skilled in using critical thinking to problem solve and make informed decisions, independently
• Skilled in advanced technical writing
• Skilled in review and assessment of draft legislative language Skilled in the ability to communicate effectively, while interacting with internal and external stakeholders in a professional and courteous manner
• Skilled in working on project teams
• Skilled in the ability to analyze a process and offer actionable feedback for use in improving the effectiveness, quality, and efficiency of the existing process
• Skilled in the application of transportation finance principles
• Skilled in the development of contract principles and applications
• Skilled in the ability to identify and mitigate risk associated with transportation projects
• Skilled in the ability to research and explore innovative technical concepts and develop applications for how to apply those concepts to transportation projects
• Ability to research and explore innovative technical concepts and develop applications for how to apply those concepts to transportation projects
• Ability to communicate effectively, with excellent verbal/written and public speaking skills, interacting with others in a professional and courteous manner, including internal/external stakeholders, consultants, landowners, and governmental agencies
• Ability to resolve conflicts, coach and motivate others, build high-performing teams, and create a culture of accountability, collaboration, and accomplishment

Conditions of Employment

• Incorporating overtime, weekends, and night shifts into their 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

Overview

The Statewide Technical Specialist develops and implements innovative, discipline-specific technical guidance that enhances Tennessee's transit, rail, and freight programs and projects. This position addresses statewide policy and program standards and initiatives related to freight and rail, including passenger rail, for the Division.

The Specialist leads the development and implementation of TDOT policies, procedures, and technical manuals for integration into TDOT programs and project delivery. The role researches and incorporates national best practices to strengthen efficiency, reliability, safety, and performance within the Passenger Transportation, Rail, and Freight Division.

The Statewide Technical Specialist collaborates with Division units, other TDOT divisions, service providers, authorities, consultants, federal partners, and external stakeholders. The position also supports TDOT's Quality Assurance Program by integrating federal and state requirements into guidance documents and ensuring program compliance, consistency, and effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert for freight, rail (including passenger rail), and transit program areas within the Passenger Transportation, Rail, and Freight Division. Research, develop, and implement discipline specific technical guidance to address recurring issues on projects and programs.
• Read, interpret, and apply statutes, regulations, policies, plans, specifications, standards, grant language requirements, contract requirements, and funding applications to ensure consistent statewide implementation and compliance.
• Support the development, refinement, and implementation of Division policies, procedures, guidelines, and technical manuals by providing discipline specific expertise and ensuring alignment with TDOT's multimodal program delivery needs.
• Develop and implement technical quality control and quality assurance processes for freight, rail, passenger rail, and transit programs and projects. Monitor Division technical practices to ensure timeliness, relevancy, and accuracy in addressing current and future multimodal transportation needs.
• Manage external partners from a technical perspective, including advising on scopes of work, reviewing contract and grant invoicing for technical accuracy, supporting oversight tasks, and completing consultant grading to ensure deliverables meet TDOT requirements.
• Remain current on national best practices related to transit, freight, and rail (including passenger rail) operations and program delivery. Evaluate emerging practices and technologies and recommend technical improvements for potential implementation within TDOT.
• Integrate federal and state requirements into TDOT guidance documents, processes, and procedures to support statewide consistency in technical standards and program execution.
• Participate in peer exchanges with federal, state, and local agencies and industry partners to gather insights, share technical expertise, and strengthen TDOT's multimodal program capabilities.
• Assist in ensuring Passenger Transportation, Rail, and Freight Division deliverables are consistent, predictable, and repeatable by applying technical expertise that mitigates risk, supports high-quality outcomes, and strengthens the Division's track record of successful multimodal program delivery.
• Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers by exercising effective listening skills, providing prompt responses, maintaining accurate documentation, and communicating technical information clearly and effectively.