Job details

Law Enforcement Liaison/DRE Coordinator: Center for Transportation Research - UTK

Position Number: 6323205
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Campus Safety and Police

Law Enforcement Liaison/DRE Coordinator: Center for Transportation Research - UTK
Nashville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 3604
Job Category: Public Service
Posting Date: 06/25/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1331 Circle Park, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (Hybrid)

Job Description
This full-time exempt status position at the Center for Transportation Research (CTR) of the University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville will be funded through a renewable contract with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS). The CTR serves the transportation needs of government, business, and industry through the conduct of contract research and the provision of training/service in the areas of highway safety, transportation policy, public transportation, environmental protection, transportation planning, and intermodal transportation.

Tennessee's Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) Program is a federally funded initiative established in 1998 by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), per recommendation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). An LEL is the primary connector between THSO and local law enforcement agencies across the State of Tennessee to implement national and state traffic safety priorities through media campaigns, high-visibility enforcement and community engagement. These elements promote traffic safety education and law enforcement to prevent traffic fatalities and improve driver behaviors.

The primary duty station will be in Nashville, TN, however, the successful candidate will have the option of working remotely. This position will require significant travel throughout the state and occasional out of state travel.

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

Responsibilities
The Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) Coordinator exists to serve as a liaison between the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) and law enforcement agencies to encourage their participation in THSO sponsored highway safety programs. The DRE/ARIDE Statewide Coordinator is responsible for oversight of the Tennessee DRE and ARIDE programs. The DRE/ARIDE Coordinator will monitor and maintain a record of all current DREs and DRE Instructors and will send all DRE certification and recertification paperwork to IACP, along with changes in department information or any changes relative to the DRE. The coordinator will be responsible for submitting paperwork for those who become decertified due to failure to meet DRE qualifications according to the IACP Standards. The DRE Coordinator will update the NHTSA DRE website as needed and will manage the DRE Portal managed by Tennessee Tech. He/she will also monitor the portal for current toxicology reports and confirmations of the DRE submissions and opinions. The coordinator will manage DRE classes by arranging dates, location, instructors, and field certification locations. He/she will also provide statewide opportunities for required DRE

In-service training, in accordance with IACP Standards. The coordinator will stay current with knowledge of drug trends and court cases and arrange any advanced training that will enhance the program. The DRE/ARIDE coordinator will serve as a subject matter expert on state and national committees, advisory councils, and task forces as needed. He/she will attend meetings, trainings and other responsibilities as required by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.

The state coordinator will schedule ARIDE classes and work closely with the THSO Training Coordinator. He/she will assign instructors for the classes and will monitor the progress of the class. The DRE/ARIDE coordinator will maintain grades and class evaluations .

Qualifications
Minimum/Required Qualifications:
This position requires a High School Diploma and a minimum of five (5) years of law enforcement experience along with Tennessee P.O.S.T. Commission certification (or equivalent from another state). The successful candidate must possess proven leadership skills, be a self-starter and have excellent communication and organizational skills. The applicant must be able to pass the DRE certification test within 12 months of hire date. Additionally, this person must have a demonstrated record of integrity, the ability to work independently and be proficient in Microsoft Office software. Documented experience giving lectures, providing training and making presentations is also desirable.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Two years supervisory experience in law enforcement is desired. Documented experience giving lectures, providing training, and making presentations is also desirable. Preference may be given to P.O.S.T certified DRE/ARIDE instructors and those with participation in THSO initiatives and training. DRE certification is preferred. A bachelor's in Criminal Justice or comparable degree is preferred.

Work Location

Location: Nashville, TN
Hybrid

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated hiring range: $60,000 - $75,000
Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

Resume
List of 3 Professional References

About The Division

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 that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

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!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/3604/?mode=location