TDOT Operations Manager

Job Title: TDOT Operations Manager

Reports To: TDOT RSP Project Manager

The Operations Manager serves as the primary on-site leader responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant day-to-day execution of the Tennessee Rural Service Patrol program within their assigned TDOT regions. Reporting directly to the Executive Assistant and Project Manager, the Operations Manager oversees a large team of 70 patrol operators and a fleet of 39 dedicated F-250 service patrol vehicles, ensuring 100% beat coverage 16 hours per day, 7 days per week across rural interstate corridors. This role is the single point of accountability for operational performance, personnel management, fleet readiness, safety compliance, and rapid incident response in alignment with TDOT’s Traffic Incident Management (TIM) objectives and the Rural Service Patrol scope of work. We're also interested in candidates in the following zip codes: 37205 and 37215.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of 70–80 Safety Service Patrol Operators and Supervisors across multiple beats and shifts, including scheduling, performance coaching, progressive discipline, and promotion recommendations.
• Ensure 100% scheduled beat coverage daily through proactive staffing adjustments, on-call coordination, and deployment of contingency operators during emergencies, special events, or unplanned absences.
• Conduct daily roll-call briefings, uniform/appearance inspections, vehicle pre/post-operation reviews, and regular ride-alongs to verify compliance with TDOT SOPs, SHRP2 TIM training standards, and AutoBase safety protocols.
• Monitor real-time operations via AVL/GPS and 4-channel in-cab camera systems; perform daily quality assurance reviews of operator performance, incident documentation, response times, and roadway clearance activities.
• Serve as the primary field liaison with Tennessee Highway Patrol, TDOT Region personnel, local first responders, and towing/recovery partners to coordinate incident response and ensure seamless Traffic Incident Management.
• Oversee fleet readiness for 39 assigned vehicles, including daily equipment inventories, coordination with AutoBase’s local and national fleet team, spare vehicle deployment, and strict adherence to the Preventive Maintenance Program to achieve zero downtime.
• Manage supplies, tools, and consumables inventory; initiate timely re-ordering to prevent operational impacts.
• Investigate incidents, near-misses, crashes, customer complaints, and safety concerns; complete root-cause analyses and implement corrective actions in coordination with the Project Manager and Safety Specialist.
• Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and initial field training of new operators in collaboration with the Project Manager and corporate HR team.
• Prepare shift schedules, overtime authorizations, and emergency coverage plans that maintain required staffing levels across phased regional rollouts (Regions 1–4).
• Deliver timely, accurate reports to the Project Manager on operational metrics, response/clearance times, motorist assists, debris removal, maintenance reports, and any contract performance deviations.
• Attend regular TDOT progress meetings, TIM committee meetings, and emergency operations briefings as required.
• Act as contingency operator when necessary, during major incidents, staffing shortages, or disaster response activations to guarantee uninterrupted service.
• Enforce strict compliance with Tennessee drug & alcohol testing requirements, background check standards, and all federal/state TIM safety regulations.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in safety service patrol, traffic incident management, roadside assistance, or large-fleet emergency response operations.
• Proven track record supervising 50 field personnel and managing fleets of 30 specialized response vehicles (preferred).
• Demonstrated expertise in SHRP2 National TIM Responder Training, incident scene safety, quick-clearance techniques, and rural interstate operations.
• Strong working knowledge of AVL/GPS fleet tracking systems, in-cab video review processes, and performance-based contracting metrics.
• Excellent communication, conflict-resolution, and customer-service skills with experience interfacing with state DOTs, law enforcement, and the motoring public.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, respond 24/7 to emergencies, and perform physical duties in all weather conditions if required.
• Clean driving record and ability to pass comprehensive background check and drug screening.

Pay: $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience in SHRP2 National TIM Response Training?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Leadership: 5 years (Required)
• safety service patrol: 5 years (Required)
• incident scene safety: 5 years (Preferred)
• Fleet management: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000