Transportation Engineering Specialist - Parking Services - UTK

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking a Transportation Engineering Specialist to serve as the campus subject matter expert for traffic engineering and mobility operations. This position is responsible for overseeing daily traffic and signal operations, conducting transportation studies, coordinating major traffic events, managing construction-related traffic control, and advancing intelligent transportation systems across campus.

UT Knoxville experiences a high volume of special events, ongoing construction, multimodal transportation demands, and complex mobility patterns. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the campus transportation network operates safely, efficiently, and effectively for students, employees, visitors, and community partners.

Key Responsibilities 

Daily Traffic & Signal Operations

• Evaluate traffic conditions and recommend roadway safety improvements

• Oversee compliance and functionality of traffic control devices and intersections

• Manage campus traffic signal systems and maintenance contracts

• Ensure inspections, testing, and corrective actions occur as required

   

Traffic Studies

• Conduct and analyze transportation studies including:

  • Vehicle and pedestrian counts

  • Micromobility usage

  • Crash analysis

  • Parking and travel time studies

  • Traffic impact and origin-destination studies

  • Multimodal transportation analysis

Special Events Traffic Management

• Develop and implement traffic control and signal timing plans

• Coordinate detours and operational strategies for major events (athletics, concerts, etc.)

• Optimize traffic flow and safety during high-attendance activities 

Construction & Temporary Traffic Control

• Review construction plans for traffic impacts

• Develop safe work-zone traffic control plans and detours

• Adjust signage, markings, and signal timing around projects

   

Intelligent Transportation Systems & Coordination

• Plan and expand campus ITS infrastructure

• Support potential Traffic Management Center initiatives

• Coordinate with campus departments, city/state agencies, utilities, and external partners

Represent the university in transportation safety and planning committees 

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Transportation Engineering, Engineering, or related science field

• One or more relevant certifications (examples: TATE, IMSA, PTMP, RSP1, Traffic Operations)

• Minimum five (5) years of transportation engineering experience

• Valid Tennessee driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, transportation, or related field

• Professional Engineer (PE) license/certificate

• Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification

• Experience managing multiple traffic engineering projects

• Traffic simulation software experience and additional IMSA certifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of transportation engineering best practices and traffic management procedures

• Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to improve mobility and safety

• Skill in serving as a technical expert and campus resource for transportation operations

• Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills with the ability to explain technical information to non-technical audiences

Work Environment

• Primarily first-shift schedule with occasional evenings or weekends for events

• Interaction with campus partners, public agencies, and contractors

• Combination of office analysis and field observation responsibilities

Work Location: Knoxville, Tennessee – Onsite

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: MR15
• Anticipated hiring range: Commensurate with qualifications.
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Why join Parking & Transportation?

Parking & Transportation at the University of Tennessee supports the daily mobility needs of a dynamic and growing campus, functioning much like a small city transportation network. The team manages parking systems, roadway operations, traffic safety, micromobility, and major event transportation planning — from routine academic days to large-scale athletic and special events.

This role offers meaningful, real-world engineering challenges and the opportunity to improve safe, efficient, and accessible movement for students, employees, visitors, and regional partners every day.

Application Instructions 

Applications must be submitted online through the University of Tennessee employment system. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with an attached resume and cover letter should be submitted.