What are the responsibilities and job description for the STATEWIDE PLANNING SPECIALIST - 04212026-76804 position at Tennessee Department of Transportation?
Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
Opening Date/Time04/21/2026 12:00AM Central TimeClosing Date/Time04/30/2026 11:59PM Central TimeSalary (Monthly)$7,458.00 - $9,697.00Salary (Annually)$89,496.00 - $116,364.00Job TypeFull-TimeCity, State LocationNashville, TNDepartmentTransportation
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DAVIDSON COUNTY
This position is in the Planning Division - Statewide Planning Section.
For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/hr/Planning_Division_Statewide_Planning_Section_Statwide_Technical_Specialist_Position_Description.pdf
This position has a starting salary of $8,569 monthly/$102,828 annually.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Bachelor¿s Degree and 8 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description,
OR
Master¿s Degree and 7 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description.
Necessary Special Qualifications For Regional Technical Specialist
Some positions in these classifications may have additional requirements such as:
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Competencies, And Tools/Equipment
The Statewide Planning Specialist will work alongside the Statewide Planning Section Manager and Statewide Team Lead to develop work plans that align with TDOT's strategic vision.
The Statewide Planning Specialist will lead the development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and manuals related to statewide planning for incorporation into TDOT's programs and projects. The Statewide Planning Specialist will research national best practices to drive innovation and efficiency within the Statewide Planning Team.
Responsibilities
Assist in the development of all statewide and TDOT-initiated system and integrated multi-modal transportation plans, including the Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan (SLRTP), strategic corridor and regional transportation studies, and other statewide policy plans and initiatives. Serve as a coordinator for Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) Studies when appropriate. Create frameworks that advance greater alignment of these and other planning activities of TDOT to the goals and strategies of the Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan.
Monitor and adjust planning programs to ensure timeliness, relevancy, and accuracy in addressing current and future transportation needs.
Manage external partners including developing and advising on contract scopes of work, negotiating contracts/grants, reviewing consultant contract/grant invoicing, managing contract/grant tasks, and completing consultant grading.
Provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers, exercising effective listening skills, providing prompt responses, maintaining complete and accurate documentation, and communicating effectively. Establish and ensure
there is a direct relationship between quality and work outcomes by developing and implementing quality control and quality assurance processes for the Statewide Planning Team with respect to statewide planning activities.
Ensure the Team remains current on national best practices as it relates to statewide planning processes and procedures; incorporate research, evaluations and implementation of emerging processes and technologies into the Statewide Planning responsibilities that will improve efficiency, resiliency, effectiveness, reliability, sustainability, and the safety of Tennessee¿s transportation network; integrate federal and state requirements into TDOT's guidance documents, processes, and procedures. Participate in peer exchanges with State and local governments and applicable industry partners for key insights and collaboration.
State of Tennessee Job Information
Opening Date/Time04/21/2026 12:00AM Central TimeClosing Date/Time04/30/2026 11:59PM Central TimeSalary (Monthly)$7,458.00 - $9,697.00Salary (Annually)$89,496.00 - $116,364.00Job TypeFull-TimeCity, State LocationNashville, TNDepartmentTransportation
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DAVIDSON COUNTY
This position is in the Planning Division - Statewide Planning Section.
For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/hr/Planning_Division_Statewide_Planning_Section_Statwide_Technical_Specialist_Position_Description.pdf
This position has a starting salary of $8,569 monthly/$102,828 annually.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Bachelor¿s Degree and 8 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description,
OR
Master¿s Degree and 7 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description.
Necessary Special Qualifications For Regional 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
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Competencies, And Tools/Equipment
- Skilled in the project delivery methods, including design/bid/build and alternative delivery
- Skilled in state and federal regulations/requirements for development and construction of projects
- Skilled in using critical thinking to problem solve and make informed decisions, independently
- Skilled in advanced technical writing
- Skilled in review and assessment of draft legislative language Skilled in the ability to communicate effectively, while interacting with internal and external stakeholders in a professional and courteous manner
- Skilled in working on project teams
- Skilled in the ability to analyze a process and offer actionable feedback for use in improving the effectiveness, quality, and efficiency of the existing process
- Skilled in the application of transportation finance principles
- Skilled in the development of contract principles and applications
- Skilled in the ability to identify and mitigate risk associated with transportation projects
- Skilled in the ability to research and explore innovative technical concepts and develop applications for how to apply those concepts to transportation projects
- Ability to research and explore innovative technical concepts and develop applications for how to apply those concepts to transportation projects
- Ability to communicate effectively, with excellent verbal/written and public speaking skills, interacting with others in a professional and courteous manner, including internal/external stakeholders, consultants, landowners, and governmental agencies
- Ability to resolve conflicts, coach and motivate others, build high-performing teams, and create a culture of accountability, collaboration, and accomplishment
- 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
The Statewide Planning Specialist will work alongside the Statewide Planning Section Manager and Statewide Team Lead to develop work plans that align with TDOT's strategic vision.
The Statewide Planning Specialist will lead the development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and manuals related to statewide planning for incorporation into TDOT's programs and projects. The Statewide Planning Specialist will research national best practices to drive innovation and efficiency within the Statewide Planning Team.
Responsibilities
Assist in the development of all statewide and TDOT-initiated system and integrated multi-modal transportation plans, including the Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan (SLRTP), strategic corridor and regional transportation studies, and other statewide policy plans and initiatives. Serve as a coordinator for Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) Studies when appropriate. Create frameworks that advance greater alignment of these and other planning activities of TDOT to the goals and strategies of the Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan.
Monitor and adjust planning programs to ensure timeliness, relevancy, and accuracy in addressing current and future transportation needs.
Manage external partners including developing and advising on contract scopes of work, negotiating contracts/grants, reviewing consultant contract/grant invoicing, managing contract/grant tasks, and completing consultant grading.
Provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers, exercising effective listening skills, providing prompt responses, maintaining complete and accurate documentation, and communicating effectively. Establish and ensure
there is a direct relationship between quality and work outcomes by developing and implementing quality control and quality assurance processes for the Statewide Planning Team with respect to statewide planning activities.
Ensure the Team remains current on national best practices as it relates to statewide planning processes and procedures; incorporate research, evaluations and implementation of emerging processes and technologies into the Statewide Planning responsibilities that will improve efficiency, resiliency, effectiveness, reliability, sustainability, and the safety of Tennessee¿s transportation network; integrate federal and state requirements into TDOT's guidance documents, processes, and procedures. Participate in peer exchanges with State and local governments and applicable industry partners for key insights and collaboration.