Tennessee Department of Transportation
Job Overview
The ITS Communications Senior Technical Specialist will work independently and in a team setting, providing support and expertise to the ITS Communications Section. This position will assist the ITS Communications Section with implementing statewide work plans, meeting the Section’s strategic vision, and assuring compliance with Federal and State laws and requirements pertaining to ITS and Digital Radio Communications.
This Senior Technical Specialist will be involved with overseeing Quality Assurance and Quality Control on the ITS and Digital Radio Communications programs and implementation of best practices at Headquarters (HQ) and in the Regions. This position will also assist the ITS Communications Team Lead with the planning and implementation of the State ITS Communications Section performance metrics and plans, schedules, and budgets; development of various technical reports; and assurance of continuity and consistency statewide.
The ITS Communications Senior Technical Specialist requires collaboration with TDOT Divisions, Project Teams, consultants, contractors, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and external stakeholders. This position must effectively articulate technical concepts through training, mentoring, and collaboration as part of a matrix organization. The Senior Technical Specialist will support the accessibility of all State ITS Communications Section deliverables, ensuring that relevant documentation and data are collected and stored to facilitate timely and accurate invoicing, efficient decision-making, and effective project close-outs.
This role demands critical thinking skills for problem-solving and making informed decisions that enhance the safety, reliability, performance, sustainability, and efficiency of TDOT’s transportation system.
Essential Job Responsibilities
- Coordinate resources and assist the ITS Communications Section and Project Managers as the ITS and Digital Radio Communications Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the management of external partners together with the Professional Services Division. Responsibilities include negotiation of contracts, review of consultant invoicing, development of scopes, management of contract tasks, compliance monitoring, and completion of consultant grading.
- Take ownership of change, clarify the vision of the TDOT ITS Communications Section’s program goals and metrics, communicate effectively, remain transparent, and hold yourself accountable to develop, maintain, and enhance TDOT’s ITS Communications production and public service standards.
- Coordinate with the ITS Communications Team Lead to assist the TDOT Technical Training Director in the development and delivery of ITS and Digital Radio Communications training and technical guidance. This includes addressing acquired knowledge, risk management, technical design elements, and emerging technologies related to transportation to improve team performance, create a stronger understanding of the transportation industry, inspire new ideas, and develop skills. Provide mentoring to TDOT staff, consultants, and local agencies with respect to the ITS Communications Section.
- Administer and manage the TDOT ITS Communications Section’s database program and software.
- Provide input into the development of a Consultant Acquisition Plan (CAP) and oversee external partners by serving as a resource on selection committees for professional ITS Communications services under the Brooks Act. This includes assisting with Request for Proposals (RFP) development, attending project-specific marketing meetings, assisting with determining scoring criteria, participating in information sessions when applicable, serving as a scorer as part of the consultant acquisition process, and attending consultant debriefs where usable feedback must be provided.
- Serve as a resource on Project Teams, as part of a matrix organization, in developing the project vision for projects with the highest complexity.
- Help define ITS Communications-related critical goals and intended outcomes for scope, schedule, budget, and quality in coordination with the Project Manager. Support Project Management staff by assisting with writing the ITS Communications Scope of Work in collaboration with other Traffic Operations Division Teams, TSMO/ITS, TDOT Roadway, TDOT Maintenance, and TDOT Construction.
- Assist with ensuring that ITS and Digital Radio Communications cost estimate data is accurate and current. Proactively assess risk factors. 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 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 implement TDOT’s statewide vision.
- Assist in ensuring TDOT ITS and Digital Radio Communications deliverables are aligned 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 ITS Communications Section’s tracking mechanism to ensure project continuity and efficient workflows for internal stakeholders.
- Assist the ITS Communications Team Lead with developing and implementing revisions to statutes, specifications, standards, policies, procedures, and guidelines related to ITS and Digital Radio Communications. Perform investigations and research of ITS Communications components. Conduct and/or review complex technical studies and analyses to identify communications needs, opportunities, priorities, and appropriate remedies.
- Drive innovation to generate safer transportation facilities through interoperable emergency communications technology. Assist with reviewing department guidelines and project deployments to ensure statutory and regulatory requirements are integrated into all ITS Communications elements and tasks.
- Collaborate and coordinate with TDOT Information Technology (IT) to ensure appropriate system integration and security measures are maintained for the sustainability of the ITS communication network and applicable digital radio equipment.
- Coordinate with Regions and ITS stakeholders to identify, plan, deploy, and maintain appropriate communications equipment and ITS programs.
- Assist with the development and maintenance of a strategic statewide interconnective communications plan that is stakeholder-driven, multi-jurisdictional, and multi-disciplinary to enhance infrastructure interoperability across emergency communications networks. This includes connecting with legacy communication systems, ensuring compatibility and scalability to accommodate future data backhaul needs, establishing protocols to mitigate cybersecurity risks, and establishing plans and procedures for communication gaps and underserved areas.
- Remain current on national best practices related to TDOT ITS Communications guidelines, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), FHWA, local and state officials, ITS America, the Transportation Research Board (TRB) National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), and other applicable Department standards and procedures.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of demonstrated competency in ITS Communications and Digital Radio work
OR
Master’s degree and two (2) years of demonstrated competency in ITS Communications and Digital Radio work
Ideal Candidate
The ITS Communications Senior Technical Specialist brings a strong blend of technical expertise and industry knowledge to the team. They are exceptional collaborators and communicators, capable of engaging seamlessly with project teams, leadership, and external stakeholders. They take a meticulous approach to their work, ensuring all ITS Communications and Digital Radio efforts meet the highest quality standards and comply with Federal and State regulations.
The ideal candidate is a proficient problem solver with a proven ability to overcome obstacles through innovative solutions—particularly when navigating multi-agency coordination, communication compatibility challenges, legacy network sustainability, and similar complexities. They understand that the strongest outcomes are achieved through collective effort and effective communication.
Job Type: Full-time