Highway Programs Specialist

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

4d • $29 - $43 • Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska Department of Transportation is hiring a Highway Programs Specialist to provide technical expertise, instructional support, and statewide training for NDOT staff and local public agency personnel. The role supports bringing the Nebraska Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) in-house under NDOT and helps ensure workforce development, best practices, and program standards are consistently delivered across Nebraska.

The specialist researches, develops, adapts, and delivers technical training and provides subject-matter support in transportation planning, infrastructure development, roadway and transportation safety, work-zone safety, traffic control, maintenance, construction oversight, and regulatory requirements. The role translates complex federal and state requirements into practical learning opportunities and develops curriculum, materials, and assessments aligned with changing standards and agency priorities.

The position consults with NDOT leaders, program managers, and external stakeholders to identify training needs and performance gaps; coordinates the full training program, including scheduling, instructors, registrations, records, evaluations, and reporting; and collaborates with state and external partners. It also evaluates training effectiveness, improves curriculum, and supports outreach to strengthen local agency capacity and promote consistent transportation standards and safety practices statewide. Regular travel is required.

Requirements

• Two-year post-high-school degree or equivalent coursework/training in public administration, business administration, communications, regional or community planning, social sciences, education, or human rights.
• One year of experience in project management, public policy, marketing, and/or planning. Additional years of comparable experience may substitute for required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to provide independent, authorized transportation.
• Knowledge of adult learning theories, concepts, methods, and instructional techniques.
• Knowledge of training principles, methods, and materials.
• Knowledge of employee coaching and counseling techniques.
• Skill in researching topics for curriculum development and training.
• Skill in presenting educational materials in a classroom or e-learning setting.
• Skill in establishing rapport with students or teaching groups.
• Ability to assess agency or client training needs and develop learning opportunities to address them.
• Ability to assess trainee learning and competency and develop related individual learning or mentoring programs.
• Ability to evaluate training-course effectiveness and initiate or recommend course changes based on evaluation.
• Ability to operate audio-visual and computer equipment for training or instruction.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with trainees, supervisors, and agency administrators.
• Regular travel is required.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of the Local Technical Assistance Program and training.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, and Teams/WebEx.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, adapt, and deliver technical training courses, workshops, webinars, and multi-session programs on transportation planning, infrastructure development, safety, work zones, traffic control, maintenance, construction oversight, and regulatory requirements.
• Translate complex federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and safety standards into practical, competency-based learning opportunities.
• Design, evaluate, and update curriculum frameworks and instructional materials to align with changing standards, safety practices, agency initiatives, and industry best practices.
• Incorporate current and emerging safety standards into training and develop competency-based assessments to measure trainee proficiency and program effectiveness.
• Consult with division leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders to identify performance gaps, training deficiencies, safety needs, and emerging program requirements.
• Organize and lead training development committees or task forces and establish formal training plans supporting agency goals, regulatory compliance, and safe transportation infrastructure delivery and maintenance.
• Coordinate and administer the training and development program, including scheduling, venue selection, instructor coordination, participant registration, attendance tracking, evaluation data, compliance documentation, and outcome reporting.
• Provide advanced technical assistance and subject-matter support to NDOT divisions and local public agencies on transportation planning, project development, safety, traffic control, maintenance standards, construction compliance, and related requirements.
• Support implementation of legislation, safety standards, policy updates, and agency initiatives through targeted training, technical guidance, and outreach.
• Develop and deliver training on roadway safety, work-zone safety, traffic control, roadway maintenance, signing and pavement markings, safe construction practices, and applicable safety standards.
• Provide practical guidance to help NDOT and local agencies identify safety risks and apply appropriate safety practices consistently.
• Collaborate with NDOT divisions, LTAP, Infrastructure Hub staff, FHWA, consultants, local agencies, and professional associations to align training with statewide priorities and workforce development needs.
• Evaluate training programs by analyzing participant feedback, supervisor input, productivity measures, safety outcomes, and strategic performance indicators, and refine curricula accordingly.
• Support statewide outreach to increase participation in professional development, strengthen local agency capacity, and promote consistent transportation standards, safety practices, and compliance.

Benefits

• State-matched retirement contribution of 156%.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately.
• Military leave.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges.
• Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Employer-paid health insurance plans (79%).
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Training and development based on career aspirations.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Free parking.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree