Traffic Count Technician: Center for Transportation Research - UTK

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!