This position provides technical to advanced technical expertise in roadway schematic development and project development activities supporting transportation improvement projects throughout the Houston District. The selected candidate will develop in-house roadway schematics, including geometric layouts, alternative evaluations, project exhibits, and other schematic-level deliverables using OpenRoads Designer (ORD) and related software. The position coordinates with Environmental, Design, Traffic, Right of Way, Utilities, and Project Management personnel to address project requirements and constraints while supporting project development from planning through schematic completion and advancement toward PS&E. This is an excellent opportunity for a transportation professional seeking a hands-on role focused on roadway schematic design and project development. The Texas 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, and based on business needs. At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including: • Retirement Plans • Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules • Paid Leave and Holidays • Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees • On-the-Job Training • Tuition Assistance Program • Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives • Career Development and Advancement Opportunities • Family-Friendly Policies and Programs In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance. For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov) Transportation Specialist II Provides technical expertise and coordination for transportation programs involving multiple design and building construction projects, construction of transportation systems, traffic operations, maintenance of highways and facilities, or bridge inspection and appraisal in accordance with Department standards. Assists with project planning and the development of policies and procedures for area of responsibility. Work requires contact with governmental officials, consultants, contractors and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor. Transportation Specialist III Provides technical expertise and coordination for transportation programs involving multiple design and advanced building construction projects, construction of transportation systems, traffic operations, maintenance of highways and facilities, or bridge inspection and appraisal in accordance with Department standards. Assists with project planning and oversight, and the development of policies and procedures for area of responsibility. Work requires contact with governmental officials, consultants, contractors and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence. Essential Duties: Transportation Specialist II: • Assists with project design involving design calculations and sketches of plans, layouts and typical sections • Coordinates design work among TxDOT entities, consultants and contractors • Develops and monitors budgets. • Evaluates and analyzes design issues • Prepares and makes transportation-related presentations at various conferences and meetings. • Represents the Department at various meetings • Researches and analyzes incoming correspondence, reports and other written material • Researches and evaluates data, interprets and analyzes results, prepares reports and recommends solutions to problems • Serves as technical member on transportation-related project • Performs other job responsibilities as assigned. Transportation Specialist III: All essential duties listed above, as well as: • Assists in overseeing design work among TxDOT entities, consultants and contractors. • Assists in overseeing project assignments and determining work requirements to complete project plans and coordinates scheduling to accommodate projects already underway. • Assists in overseeing project design involving design calculations and sketches of plans, layouts and typical sections. • Develops and prepares consultant work orders and agreements • May serve as a lead worker and the related tasks. • Meets with the public to discuss complaints and coordinates proposals with other governmental officials Minimum Qualifications: Transportation Specialist II Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications Experience: 4 years transportation design, construction, traffic operations, maintenance, bridge inspection experience. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle. Transportation Specialist III Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications Experience: 5 years transportation design, construction, traffic operations, maintenance, bridge inspection experience. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle. Preferred Qualifications: Transportation Specialist II and III • Extensive experience developing roadway schematics using OpenRoads Designer (ORD). • Experience participating in public meetings and stakeholder engagements. • 3+ years of schematic development experience using OpenRoads Designer. Competencies: Transportation Specialist II: • Considerable Knowledge of: • Design and plan preparation methods and requirements • Proficient skill in: • Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external • Maintaining effective working relationships with others • Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities • Writing, reviewing and revising documents to include engineering notes, specifications, standards and procedures • Performing calculations to include material and labor estimates, expenses, technical survey data and engineering calculations • Planning, coordinating and handling multiple projects within area of responsibility to meet short and long-term deadlines • Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others • Preparing and maintaining confidential and sensitive records, files, and report • Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and system Transportation Specialist III: Inlcudes all essential competencies listed above, as well as: • Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Transportation Specialist II and III • Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions • Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs. at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools • Standing - prolonged periods of time • Fingering - picking, pinching, typing; working primarily with fingers rather than whole hand • Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words • Hearing - perceive sound at normal speaking levels;receive information by oral communication • Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers • Close Visual Acuity - work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading Conditions of Employment: Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) • This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical. • Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing. • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position. TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category. To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category. https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990. Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information