HEALTH AND SAFETY SENIOR TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 04282026-76812

Job Information

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

This position is in Region 1 - Business Solutions - Safety and Facilities Section.

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/HR/Region-Business-Solutions-Safety-and-Facilities-Health-and-Safety-Senior-Technical-Specialist.pdf

This position has a starting salary of $6,267 monthly/$75,204 annually.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelors degree and 3 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description.

OR

Masters degree and 2 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description.

Necessary Special Qualifications for Senior Technical Specialist

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 Senior Technical Specialist include:

• Skilled in communicating effectively, while interacting with internal and external stakeholders in a professional and courteous manner
• 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
• Skilled in the ability to maintain effective work relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external in a professional and courteous manner
• Skilled in the ability to manage time and prioritize work items to ensure project assignments are completed
• Ability to manage time to ensure assignments are completed
• Ability to use critical thinking to problem solve and make informed decisions
• Ability to follow, provide, and support verbal and written instructions
• Ability to conduct work with precision and a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to work in project teams
• 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 Health and Safety Senior Technical Specialist for Region Business Solutions supports TDOT's safety culture by guiding the implementation of safety programs, Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), facility inspections, and regulatory compliance across Region and District operations. This position collaborates with Facilities, Procurement, and Headquarters teams to ensure operational readiness, secure safety resources, and deliver training that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA), and TDOT standards.

As a subject matter expert, the Health and Safety Senior Technical Specialist collects safety data, including incidents, injuries, and near-misses, to assist the Occupational Health and Safety Division in identifying trends, guiding risk mitigation, guiding Region safety strategies, and updating performance dashboards. The role also includes leading Region safety initiatives, mentoring staff, conducting field audits, serving as the Region authority on safety compliance and program development and engaging with internal and external partners to promote statewide consistency and apply national best practices. The Health and Safety Senior Technical Specialist reports directly to the Region Business Solution's Safety and Facilities Team Lead.

Responsibilities

Implement and enforce federal, state, and TDOT safety regulations across Region and District facilities and operations, including OSHA, TOSHA, and Occupational Health and Safety Division policies. Work closely with Human Resources (HR), Training Teams, and OHS, ensuring that all responsibilities, especially those related to employee records, testing, and other sensitive information, are handled with strict confidentiality.

Collaborate with the Occupational Health and Safety Division and Region/District facility teams to ensure operational readiness of TDOT facilities through inspections, preventive maintenance, and contractor oversight; develop and maintain Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for natural disasters, hazardous materials, security threats, and workplace emergencies.

Conduct field safety reviews of contractor and TDOT activities taking place within TDOT Right of Way (ROW), including work zones. Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and accident or incident investigations, including near-misses and property damage events, to identify hazards and mitigate risks, review and approve corrective action reports, report findings, and trend data to the Occupational Health and Safety Division for statewide monitoring and improvement efforts.

Participate in peer exchanges and professional networks (e.g., AASHTO, TRB) to integrate national best practices into TDOT safety operations and ensure alignment with statewide safety policies through collaboration with the Occupational Health and Safety Division and Region teams.

Guide the development and implementation and continuous improvement of Region safety programs and training initiatives in alignment with TDOT's Safety Management System; coordinate with Procurement and Finance Teams to secure safety-related resources and participate in facility planning, space utilization, and smart technology integration to improve operational efficiency and compliance.

Support the Occupational Health and Safety Division in the development and administration of written safety programs (e.g., Hazard Communication, Confined Space Entry, Respiratory Protection) by maintaining Region consistency with regulatory standards and TDOT policies; assist with the delivery of Region-wide safety training in partnership with HR and Training Teams; mentor staff on Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) use and risk mitigation; and actively promote a safety-first culture through initiatives such as Safe 4 the RIGHT Reasons.

Serve as the Region point of contact during TOSHA audits, safety-related regulatory inspections, and internal performance evaluations. Interpret, communicate, and ensure compliance with complex safety policies and regulatory requirements. Coordinate with regulatory agencies, contractors, and internal stakeholders to resolve safety concerns.

Provide exceptional customer service by mentoring staff, offering technical guidance, actively listening, responding promptly, maintaining complete and accurate documentation, and fostering strong partnerships with TDOT divisions, Region teams, and regulatory agencies to ensure safety consistency and accountability statewide.