Planning Specialist: Center for Transportation Research - UTK

About the job

Under the direction of the Planning Manager of the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) Office of Community Transportation, this position will serve as a Planning Specialist for transportation planning programs in Tennessee.

This position will interface with stakeholders, independently makes decisions regarding the type and extent of planning assistance offered and coordinates these activities across state government. This involves working with local Rural Planning Organizations, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and other planning agencies to develop their transportation plans.

Responsibilities

Responsible for responding to internal and external requests for information and assistance on transportation planning issues, including traffic analysis, urban planning, and land use planning.  Works with state, federal, and university personnel to address transportation planning needs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in community / urban planning, transportation planning, public administration, civil engineering, or other related fields

• Minimum of two years experience in transportation planning or research.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Strong Interest in Transportation Planning and Plan Development

• Strong interest in Transportation Sustainability and Resiliency

• Strong interest in environmental and/or air quality planning and transportation policies.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Experience with Microsoft Office 365 products

• Leadership experience

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in community / urban planning, transportation planning, public administration, civil engineering, or other related fields

• Three to five years of experience in transportation planning or research.

• Knowledge of Travel Demand Models and Traffic Operations

• Knowledge of Metropolitan and Rural Planning Organizations

• Experience with Adobe Suite products

• Knowledge of the Code of Federal Regulations; specifically, Titles 23 and 49

• Knowledge of various State Regulations; specifically, Titles 4-8, and 13.

• Skills in the use of computer software, e.g.: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), such as ESRI's ArcGIS, ArcMap; Travel demand analysis software, such as TransCAD; Microsoft Office Suite.

• Knowledge of writing proposals or problem statements for research projects/ grants

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Hybrid

Compensation and Benefits

• Market Range: MR11
• Anticipated hiring range: $62,000 - $67,000
• 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

CTR is part of the Tickle College of Engineering at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. CTR researchers and staff members work with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, and many other partners to improve transportation and promote the safe and efficient transport of goods and people.

About Us

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!

Additional Information

• Job Identification: 10314
• Job Category: Administrative
• Posting Date: 2026-10-13
• Job Schedule: Full time
• Locations: 600 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (Hybrid)