ACQUISITION SENIOR TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 04282026-76915

Job Information

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

This position is int the Right of Way & Utilities Division - Acquisition and Relocation - Acquisition Section.

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/hr/ROWDivision-Acquisition&RelocationSection-SeniorTechnicalSpecialist-Acquisition.pdf

This position has a starting salary of $6,267 monthly/ $75,204 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 3 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description.

OR

Master's 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 Right of Way (ROW) Acquisition Senior Technical Specialist will work both independently and in a team setting providing support and expertise to the State Acquisition and Relocation Section. This position will assist the Acquisition Team Lead with implementing statewide work plans, meeting the Sections strategic vision, and assuring compliance with Federal and State laws and requirements pertaining to Acquisition and Relocation. This position will be involved with overseeing Quality Assurance/Quality Control on the ROW Acquisition and Relocation programs, implementation of best practices, and mentoring and training ROW Technical Specialists at HQ and in the Regions. This position will also assist the Acquisition Team Lead with the planning and implementation of the State Acquisition and Relocation Section performance metrics/plans, schedules and budgets, development of various technical reports, and assurance of continuity and consistency statewide.

The Acquisition Senior Technical Specialist requires collaboration with TDOT divisions, Project Teams, consultants, contractors, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and external stakeholders. This position must effectively articulate technical concepts through training, mentoring, and collaborating as part of a matrix organization. The Acquisition Senior Technical Specialist will assist with ensuring all the State Acquisition and Relocation Section deliverables are readily accessible and applicable documentation and data are collected and stored to assist with timely and accurate invoicing, efficient decision-making, and project close-outs. This position requires critical thinking to problem-solve and make well-informed decisions that increase the safety, performance, sustainability, and efficient delivery of TDOT's transportation system.

Responsibilities

Coordinate resources and assist the ROW Section and Project Managers as the Acquisition Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the management of external partners together with the Professional Services Division, including the negotiation of contracts, review of consultant invoicing, development of scopes, management of contract tasks, compliance monitoring, and completion of consultant grading.

Coordinate with the TDOT Technical Training Director and assist in the development and delivery of Acquisition and Relocation training and technical guidance that addresses acquired knowledge, risk management, technical design elements, and emerging technologies related to transportation for the purpose of improving team performance, creating a stronger understanding of the transportation industry, inspiring new ideas, and developing skills. Provide mentoring to TDOT staff, consultants, and local agencies with respect to the State Acquisition and Relocation Section. Administer and manage TDOT ROW Division's database program and software.

Assist in the development of a consultant acquisition plan and assist in the oversight of external partners by serving on selection committees for professional ROW services as part of the Brooks Act, including assisting with Request for Proposals (RFP) development, attending project-specific marketing meetings, assisting with determining scoring criteria, assisting with project information sessions, when applicable, serving as a scorer as part of the consultant acquisition process, and attending de-briefs for consultants where usable feedback must be provided.

Take ownership of change, clarify the vision of TDOT ROW Division's Program goals and metrics, communicate effectively, remain transparent, and hold yourself accountable to develop, maintain, and enhance TDOT's ROW production and public service standards.

Participate on Project Teams, as part of a matrix organization, in developing the project vision for those projects having the highest complexity; help define ROW related critical goals and intended outcomes for the scope, schedule, budget, and quality in coordination with the Project Manager; support Project Management staff by assisting with writing the ROW Scope of Work in collaboration with other ROW Division Teams, TDOT Roadway, TDOT Maintenance, and TDOT Construction; assist with ensuring that ROW cost estimates data is accurate and current; proactively assess risk factors; and for Project Teams associated with Alternative Delivery Contracts, forecast the cause and effect of implementing Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs) related to RFPs, project cost, and construction timing.

Provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers by exercising effective listening skills, providing prompt responses, maintaining complete and accurate documentation, and communicating effectively. Ensure successful strategic partnerships with FHWA and local agencies to effectively implement TDOT's vision statewide.

Assist in ensuring TDOT ROW deliverables are accomplished in alignment with TDOT's Quality Management procedures to produce consistently high levels of quality and achievement, mitigate risk to the Department, and establish a track record of success. Integrate all deliverables into the State Acquisition and Relocation Section's tracking mechanism to provide for project continuity and efficient workflows for internal project stakeholders.

Negotiate for and acquire special acquisition parcels such as Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), railroads, state agencies and Federal branches. Participate in the review and approval of Public Interest Justifications (PIJ's), finalization of ROW Certifications, disposition of eminent domain lawsuits, compliance with the Statewide Storm Water Management Plan (SSWMP), assisting the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) with contaminated sites and with responses to Public Records Requests. This position will also assist and support the Relocation Team Lead in HQ through all Relocation tasks including intermediate and complex level relocations, Last Resort Housing determinations, relocation appeals, local agency coordination, training, and compliance audits.

Remain current with applicable Federal Regulations, FHWA guidance, State of Tennessee laws, and the TDOT ROW Manual. Assist with modifications to all applicable policies, procedures, Statutes, and special provisions. Stay informed on ROW-related industry trends and national best practices by participating in AASHTO, industry associations, and other appropriate committees.