Planning Specialist

Planning Specialist- Transportation Center (Nashville, TN)- Market Range 10

Description

Duties/Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Planning Supervisor of the Tennessee Department of Transportation's (TDOT) Research Office, this position will serve as a Planning Specialist for the transportation research program in Tennessee. The position will Coordinate the research needs identification process and proposal selection process for the Call for Research Projects. This position will solicit research ideas from TDOT staff, Tennessee university researchers, and other stakeholders to be considered for funding. In collaboration with subject matter experts, will review and evaluate research ideas for duplication and value to the Department. This position is charged with facilitating the solicitation of research proposals and the coordination of recommendations for research proposals to be considered for funding. Research proposals are reviewed and evaluated by key TDOT personnel, and this role will lead the coordination efforts. This position is responsible for oversight of the web application for grant management and running reports.

In collaboration with TDOT Lead Staff, this position will lead the proposal negotiation process to ensure the agency's research needs are properly addressed through the research project. Applies contracts and grants concepts to review complex contracts and grant proposals and obtain/verify necessary compliance approvals.

Monitors progress and the fulfillment of project scopes, including receipt of high-quality deliverables. This position will also review research reports and deliverables as needed for technical purposes, ensuring the research team has met the research objectives and the methodology is technically sound.

Will ensure all TDOT-sponsored research is compliant with federal regulation, including working with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to receive approval for research activities included in the State Research Work Program and closing out projects in the Federal Management Information Systems (FMIS).

Will develop, administer, communicate, and promote the use of products of research, development, and technology transfer programs under 23 USC Section 420 and 23 USC Section 505.