AIR QUALITY AND ALTERNATIVE FUELS TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - 04072026-76401

Job Information

LOCATION OF (3) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DAVIDSON COUNTY

These positions are in the Local Programs and Community Investments Division - Community Investments - Air Quality and Alternative Fuels Section.

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/HR/Local-Programs-and-Community-Investments-Division-Community-Investments-Section-Air-Quailty-and.pdf

These positions have a hybrid work schedule of three days in the office and two days working from home.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

TDOT Technical Specialist I

Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study as may be outlined in the position description

TDOT Technical Specialist II

Bachelor's Degree and 1 year of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description

TDOT Technical Specialist III

Bachelor's Degree and 2 years of demonstrated competency in a related field as may be outlined in the position description

The Tennessee Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors, including business needs. Within 6 months of hire, employees must demonstrate successful mastery of corresponding work competencies and skill blocks of the Technical Specialist Competency Program for the level of worker for which they were hired. If skills and competencies are not met during that period, the employee can be demoted to the level of worker for which he/she is qualified.

Necessary Special Qualifications for TDOT Technical Specialist I, II, III

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 Technical Specialist I, II and III include:

• Knowledge of transportation engineering principles
• Knowledge of transportation finance principles
• Knowledge of contract development principles and applications
• Knowledge of technical report writing
• Ability to communicate effectively, while interacting with internal and external stakeholders in a professional and courteous manner
• Ability to manage time to ensure assignments are completed
• Ability to use critical thinking to problem solve and make informed decisions
• Ability to learn technical concepts and apply those concepts to the position responsibilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to conduct work with precision and a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to read and interpret project plans

Additional KSACs for TDOT Technical Specialist II and III include:

• 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
• Ability to work in project teams
• Ability to maintain effective work relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Ability to manage time and prioritize work items to ensure project assignments are completed

Additional KSACs for the TDOT Technical Specialist III include:

• 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 Air Quality and Alternative Fuels Technical Specialist provides technical, programmatic, and regulatory support for the implementation of TDOT's air quality improvement strategies and alternative fuel initiatives. This position is responsible for supporting project eligibility reviews, program delivery, and stakeholder coordination for initiatives such as the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program, electric vehicle infrastructure development, and clean fleet conversion. These efforts are designed to reduce transportation emissions and advance the adoption of clean fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. This position must effectively communicate program requirements through training, mentoring, and collaboration as part of a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Duties of the Technical Specialist I, II, and III include:

Support program tracking and documentation efforts. Maintain accurate logs of project data, funding awards, and contract milestones using TDOT systems or spreadsheets.

Assist in organizing project files, verifying required documentation, and preparing materials to support internal audits, performance reviews, and compliance reporting.

Conduct preliminary research to support project eligibility and emissions analysis. Use established tools and guidance such as emissions calculators, FHWA manuals, and TDOT eligibility lists to gather information on alternative fuel types, emissions benefits, and grant requirements. Summarize key findings to aid senior staff in evaluating project compliance and developing internal resources.

Assist in stakeholder meeting coordination and documentation. Support the planning and execution of program-related meetings by scheduling, preparing materials, and attending alongside senior staff. Record accurate meeting notes, organize follow-up actions, and compile summaries for internal use and distribution to partners such as local governments and planning agencies.

Remain current and engaged on revisions to federal and state requirements, TDOT Local Programs and Community Investments policies, and air quality and alternative fuels oversight best practices.

Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers, exercise effective listening skills, assist in the implementation of policies and procedures related to air quality and alternative fuels, provide prompt responses, maintain complete and accurate documentation, and communicate effectively.

Additional Job Duties for the Technical Specialist II and III include:

Support implementation of federal clean transportation programs. Assist with the administration of Congestion, Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ), Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI), Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFC), and Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) programs by reviewing project proposals, tracking obligations, compiling data for reports, and coordinating with internal teams and external partners to meet program timelines and guidance requirements.

Assist in air quality conformity and planning activities. Support TDOT's Clean Air Act conformity responsibilities by helping review Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs), long-range transportation plans, and project-level analyses. Participate in interagency coordination and assist with documentation and data collection to ensure compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

Review project applications and reimbursement requests. Evaluate CMAQ, CRP, NEVI, PROTECT, and alternative fuel proposals and reimbursement packages for completeness, eligibility, and alignment with program requirements.

Identify discrepancies and assist with applicant communications under the guidance of senior staff.

Contribute to program guidance and stakeholder tools. Assist in preparing and updating technical resources such as eligibility lists, scoring rubrics, and application FAQs. Coordinate with program leads to ensure guidance materials are accurate, accessible, and compliant with regulatory updates.

Conduct emissions analysis using approved tools. Estimate emissions benefits for proposed projects using TDOT- or FHWA-approved calculators. Review assumptions for accuracy, input data, interpret outputs, and prepare summaries to support funding decisions and performance reporting.

Additional Job Duties for the Technical Specialist III include:

Independently evaluate air quality improvement proposals and advise on strategic deployment of clean transportation resources. Conduct comprehensive reviews of proposed projects targeting emissions reduction, including vehicle fleet upgrades, infrastructure deployments, and operational strategies. Use advanced knowledge of transportation emissions modeling, CMAQ and CRP program objectives, and TDOT priorities to assess cost-effectiveness, equity impacts, and alignment with state and federal policies. Provide recommendations to leadership and stakeholders on optimal resource allocation for high-impact outcomes.

Provide assistance for the development and delivery of air quality and alternative fuels training that addresses transportation emission impacts and strategies to reduce associated impacts, resilience, community assessments and engagement, and processes and procedures, creating statewide transparency and consistency, inspiring new ideas, and developing skills. Provide mentoring to TDOT staff and consultants with respect to the Air Quality and Alternative Fuels Team's program and project delivery.

Perform quality assurance reviews of air quality and alternative fuels deliverables, ensuring all federal and state requirements are met. Ensure all data-related activities and critical documents are saved and follow a consistent set of rules and procedures statewide and are in alignment with TDOT performance objectives.