Highway Programs Specialist

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Transportation - Agency 27 Location: NDOT Central Complex 1600 - Lincoln Hiring Rate: $29.415 Job Posting: JR2026-00030391 Highway Programs Specialist (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 11-21-2026 Job Description: The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is seeking an energetic, team-oriented professional to provide technical expertise, instructional support, and statewide training necessary to build the capacity of both NDOT staff and local public agency personnel. This position offers an opportunity to directly influence the smooth transition of bringing the Nebraska Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) in-house under NDOT, to ensure that workforce development, best practices, and program standards are consistently delivered across the state. We reward our employees' hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes: • 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 • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government • 79% employer-paid health insurance plans • Dental and vision insurance plans • Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy • Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State • Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service • Training and Development based on your career aspirations • Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship • Employee Assistance Program • Fun, inviting teammates • Free parking Pay range is $29.415 - $43.362 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved. JOB DUTIES Research, develop, adapt, and deliver highly technical training courses, workshops, webinars, and multi-session program series related to transportation planning, infrastructure development, roadway and transportation safety, work-zone safety, traffic control, maintenance practices, construction oversight, and regulatory requirements for NDOT and Local Public Agency (LPA) staff. Interpret and translate complex federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and safety standards into practical, competency-based learning opportunities that support safe and effective transportation systems. Design, evaluate, and continuously update comprehensive curriculum frameworks and instructional materials to ensure alignment with evolving federal and state standards (FHWA, FTA, FRA, MUTCD, IIJA requirements, etc.), transportation safety practices, agency strategic initiatives, and industry best practices. Incorporate current safety standards and emerging safety issues into training and develop competency-based assessments to measure trainee proficiency and program effectiveness. Serve in a consultative capacity with division leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders to identify performance gaps, training deficiencies, transportation safety needs, and emerging program requirements. Organize and lead training development committees or task forces to establish formal training plans that support agency strategic goals, regulatory compliance, and the safe delivery, operation, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure. Coordinate and administer a complete training and development program, including scheduling, venue selection (in-person, hybrid, distance learning, computer-based modules), instructor coordination, participant registration, attendance tracking, evaluation data compilation, compliance documentation, and reports demonstrating training outcomes, safety impacts, and program effectiveness. Provide advanced technical assistance and subject-matter resource support on transportation planning, project development, roadway and transportation safety, work-zone safety, traffic control, maintenance standards, construction compliance, and other applicable transportation requirements to NDOT divisions and local public agencies. Support implementation of new legislation, safety standards, policy updates, and major agency initiatives through targeted training, technical guidance, and outreach. Develop and deliver training focused on transportation safety practices, including roadway safety, work-zone safety, traffic control, roadway maintenance, signing and pavement markings, safe construction practices, and other applicable federal, state, and industry safety standards. Provide practical guidance to help NDOT and local agencies identify and address safety risks and consistently apply appropriate safety practices. Collaborate with NDOT divisions, LTAP, Infrastructure Hub staff, and external partners (FHWA, consultants, local agencies, professional associations) to align training initiatives with statewide transportation priorities, safety initiatives, workforce development strategies, and emerging transportation needs. Conduct program evaluation and continuous improvement by analyzing participant feedback, supervisor input, productivity measures, safety outcomes, and strategic performance indicators to assess training impact and refine the curriculum. Support statewide outreach initiatives to expand participation in professional development programs, strengthen local agency capacity, and promote the consistent application of transportation standards, safety practices, and compliance requirements across Nebraska. Requirements / Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: 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, and one year of experience in project management, public policy, marketing, and/or planning. Additional years of experience in comparable fields of work listed may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis. Preferred Qualifications: Working knowledge of the Local Technical Assistance Program and training, and experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and Teams/WebEx. Other: Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent, authorized transportation. Regular travel will be required. KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES Knowledge of : learning theories, concepts, methods, and techniques utilized in the field of adult instruction; training principles, methods, and materials utilized; employee coaching and counseling techniques. Skills in : researching topics for curricula development and training; presenting educational materials in a classroom setting or e-learning framework; creating rapport with students/teaching group. Ability to : conduct formal program assessments to determine agency/client training needs and develop learning opportunities to address identified needs; assess trainee/student learning achievement and competency demonstration and develop related individual learning/mentoring programs; evaluate the effectiveness of individual training courses and initiate or recommend course changes based on evaluation; operate audio-visual and computer equipment to present training or instruction; establish and maintain effective working relationships with trainees, supervisors and agency administrators. If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/ Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits Equal Opportunity Statement The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.