REGION LIAISON TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 03172026-75928

Job Information

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

This position is located in Procurement Division - Region 1 Procurement Section.

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/HR/Procurement-Division-Region-Liaison-Technical-Specialist-V01-Final.pdf

The starting salary for this position is $61,200 - $70,680 annually.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

TDOT Technical Specialist I

Bachelors Degree in a related field of study as may be outlined in the position description

TDOT Technical Specialist II

Bachelors Degree and 1 year of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description

TDOT Technical Specialist III

Bachelors Degree and 2 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description

The Tennessee Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and all 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.

Necessary Special Qualifications for TDOT Technical Specialist I, II, III

Some positions in these classifications may have additional requirements such as:

• 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, and Competencies

The required KSACs for TDOT Technical Specialist I, II and III include:

• 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 KSACs for TDOT Technical Specialist II and III include:

• 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 KSACs for the TDOT Technical Specialist III include:

• 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

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 Region Liaison Technical Specialist plays a key role in supporting TDOT's statewide procurement environment by serving as a technical resource and communication link between Region teams and Headquarters Procurement. This position helps strengthen documentation accuracy, reinforce compliance with procurement policies and promote procedural consistency across Regions. The Technical Specialist collaborates on onboarding, training, and workflow standardization efforts to build staff capacity and improve procurement readiness. This is a mobile position that includes Region-and/or statewide travel to deliver in-person support while augmenting training during day-to-day operations , addressing the needs of internal stakeholders across TDOT Headquarters, Regions, and District Offices. This position reports to the Region Procurement Support Team Lead.

The Region Liaison Technical Specialist provides technical procurement support by interpreting statewide policies, promoting consistent application of procedures, and assisting Region staff in navigating complex or time-sensitive procurement scenarios. This position contributes to quality assurance and process improvement initiatives by reviewing documentation practices, identifying opportunities for increased compliance, supporting compliance with budget and funding standards, and supporting training and onboarding activities in coordination with Headquarters and Strategic Services. The Technical Specialist helps strengthen Region procurement operations by fostering collaboration, sharing technical knowledge, and encouraging consistent, policy-aligned practices across the state.

Responsibilities

Support Region teams in maintaining consistency and timeliness of procurement activities by providing technical guidance and monitoring adherence to established TDOT procurement policies, Central Procurement Office (CPO) rules, and relevant state purchasing guidelines.

Assist Region staff by tracking procurement activities and providing guidance on documentation standards, timelines, and compliance expectations.

Maintain accurate procurement records in TDOT-approved systems and SharePoint repositories; support documentation standardization to uphold compliance readiness, workflow consistency, and process transparency. Contribute to procurement reporting efforts by monitoring activity calendars, identifying potential delays or compliance concerns, and communicating status updates to the Team Lead and appropriate staff. Ensure collaboration with the Region Procurement Support Team, as well as Quality Assurance and Training, by maintaining clear and professional communication, demonstrating transparency in actions and decisions, and promoting accountability for oneself and others throughout all procurement activities.