This position supports the Center for Transportation Research (CTR) by
conducting field-based transportation data collection and documentation for the
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Annual Average Daily Traffic
(AADT) counting program. Work is performed in accordance with established TDOT
procedures and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Highway Performance
Monitoring System (HPMS) guidelines. Primary responsibilities include deploying
and retrieving traffic-counting equipment (primarily pneumatic tube
counter/classifiers), downloading and transmitting traffic volume data,
performing routine equipment maintenance and inventory monitoring, and
completing required logs, documentation, and data entry to support TDOT program
deliverables.
This position works under general supervision from both TDOT and CTR. Position
holders regularly perform independent fieldwork, work year-round in a variety of
weather conditions, and travel statewide with frequent overnight stays.
RESPONSIBILITIES
AADT Traffic Volume Field Data Collection
Plan, schedule, and conduct traffic-count data collection across assigned
Tennessee counties using TDOT technology and equipment, following TDOT, FHWA,
and HPMS requirements.
Travel to count locations, assess site, traffic, weather, and roadway
conditions, and adjust schedules, start times, or locations to maintain
safety and collect accurate data.
Prepare, configure, deploy, monitor, inspect, and troubleshoot traffic
counters and pneumatic tubes, documenting issues and arranging recounts when
necessary.
Data Processing, Quality Assurance Support, and Documentation
Download, review, and assess traffic-count data each week for accuracy and
quality, then upload completed files and report daily progress through TDOT’s
data collection application.
Prepare weekly reports covering completed counts, issues, schedule changes,
and the following week’s work plan.
Respond to TDOT Data Office requests by providing information and scheduling
recounts as needed.
Equipment Maintenance and Inventory Monitoring
Maintain, inspect, test, and troubleshoot traffic-counting equipment to
ensure accurate, continuous operations;
Track equipment inventory and coordinate repairs, replacements, and supply
needs with TDOT staff.
Regularly inspect and maintain PPE, safety devices, and the assigned vehicle,
including routine fluid and tire checks, scheduled maintenance, reporting
nonroutine problems, and keeping the vehicle and equipment organized.
Manual and Video Traffic Counts (as assigned)
Conduct scheduled manual turning-movement counts and deploy traffic cameras
using established safety and data-collection procedures.
Select safe, effective observation or camera locations;
Test and configure equipment for accurate coverage and records;
Document site issues
Submit complete count data and required documentation to the requesting
office.
Coordinate Activities with Others
Collaborate with TDOT and CTR traffic-counting staff to coordinate work,
request or provide assistance at challenging or hazardous locations, and
support year-end coverage needs.
Help train and mentor new technicians, share best practices, and seek
guidance when handling unfamiliar field situations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or GED
Experience: Equivalent of two years of full-time work experience.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to recognize potential hazards and take appropriate precautions or
pause activities until conditions improve.
Knowledge of computers and common software/tools used for data entry, file
handling, and communications. Examples include the Windows Operating
System, iPadOS, Microsoft Office, and Chrome/Firefox/Edge or similar web
browsers.
Skill in maintaining accurate activity logs and basic report/form
documentation to support program deliverables.
Ability to accurately read maps and navigate to designated count locations.
Ability to perform labor-intensive outdoor field work in varying weather
conditions and follow safety protocols while working in or near roadways.
Ability to work effectively in a team setting with increasing
responsibility and also perform assigned tasks independently under general
supervision.
Ability to communicate effectively and maintain productive working
relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to travel on a daily basis with frequent overnight travel.
Preferred Qualifications
Education: Associate’s degree in science, engineering, computer science,
math, or similar field of study.
Experience:
Prior experience in traffic data collection activities.
Prior experience in roadway construction, maintenance, or operations.
Prior experience in independent work settings.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Skill in operating, maintaining, and performing routine troubleshooting on
traffic counting equipment and related tools.
Knowledge of temporary traffic control and worker safety rules and
recommendations.
Knowledge of protocol-based field data collection and documentation
practices supporting transportation research and traffic monitoring
programs.
Work Location
This is a home-based position open to candidates located anywhere in Tennessee,
with particular interest in candidates residing in Southern Middle Tennessee,
generally the area from Nashville south. Almost daily travel will be required to
support Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) traffic data collection
activities. Travel distances and the frequency of overnight travel will vary
based on the employee’s location and operational needs, with candidates in
Southern Middle Tennessee generally expected to have fewer overnight travel
assignments.
Each position holder will be assigned a TDOT vehicle and traffic-counting
equipment. The vehicle will serve as the employee’s mobile workstation.
Employees will be responsible for the care and appropriate use of the assigned
vehicle and equipment. Personal use and out-of-state travel are prohibited in
these work vehicles.
Compensation and Benefits
UT market range: MR05
Anticipated hiring range: $47,000 - $50,000
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:
Resume
About The Department
Established in 1972, the Center for Transportation Research (CTR) at the
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a nationally and internationally
recognized hub for cutting-edge transportation innovation. Managing a robust
portfolio of $14.5 million across more than 300 active programs and projects,
CTR bridges the gap between academic research and real-world impact by tackling
modern transportation challenges. By driving transportation research, workforce
development, and community outreach, CTR equips the next generation of
researchers, students, and professionals to shape the future of transportation.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and
innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more
than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold
the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and
service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting
colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its
footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie
classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry
leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the
Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of
Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that
focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols
are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career
development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of
development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience
implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent,
fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and
engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning
and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that
Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked
nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large
Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best
Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!