Airport Data Technician (Hybrid)

Schedule: Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (37.5 hours/week) Work Arrangement: Hybrid - Work from home up to 3 days per week

Hybrid Schedule Details

• Report to the Nashville office at least two days each week.
• Mondays are mandatory in-office.
• The second in-office day is flexible and may include visits to local airports depending on project needs.

About the Opportunity

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Aeronautics Division is seeking a detail-oriented Data & Field Support Technician to assist with airport pavement data collection, drone operations, and administrative support.

This is not a construction or maintenance position. The primary responsibility is reviewing digital images of airport pavement and accurately tracing visible pavement cracks on a computer. The information you create will be used to help develop a machine-learning system that improves how airport pavement is inspected and maintained across Tennessee.

If you enjoy computer-based work that requires accuracy, attention to detail, and organization, this is an excellent opportunity.

What You’ll Be DoingYour Primary Responsibility (Approximately 80% of the Role)

Most of your time will be spent working on a computer where you will:

• Review high-resolution images of airport pavement.
• Carefully identify and trace visible pavement cracks using established guidelines.
• Label pavement defects accurately for machine-learning data.
• Organize completed image files and maintain tracking logs.
• Identify images that require additional review.
• Perform quality checks to ensure data accuracy and consistency.

Please Note: This work is repetitive and detail-oriented. Success in this role depends on patience, accuracy, and the ability to stay focused while reviewing large numbers of images.

Additional Responsibilities

You will also provide support for field and office operations, including:

• Serve as a visual observer during drone flight operations.
• Monitor surrounding aircraft activity, vehicles, pedestrians, and airport conditions while the drone pilot conducts inspections.
• Communicate observations to the drone pilot and project staff.
• Assist with field notes, photographs, and data organization.
• Scan, file, rename, and organize project documents.
• Update spreadsheets and perform general data entry.
• Provide additional administrative or project support as assigned., * Most work is performed on a computer in an office or remote setting.
• Occasional travel to airports may be required.
• Field work may involve walking, standing, exposure to heat, sunlight, wind, aircraft activity, and active airport pavement areas.

Why Join This Opportunity?

This position offers the chance to contribute to an innovative transportation project that combines aviation, data analysis, and emerging machine-learning technology. Your work will directly support airport infrastructure management and help improve pavement inspections throughout Tennessee.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Basic computer skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to accurately follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work independently after training.
• Comfortable working in an office environment and occasionally outdoors.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with any of the following is a plus:

• Microsoft Excel
• SharePoint
• OneDrive
• Microsoft Teams
• Data entry
• GIS
• CAD
• Drone operations
• Aviation
• Construction
• Engineering or pavement inspection, If you are organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy working with technology and data, we’d love to hear from you.

$17 - $19 an hour - Full-time, Contract