Behavioral Safety Specialist
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Traffic & Safety Division is seeking a detail-oriented, highly adaptable Behavioral Safety Specialist to join our Behavioral Safety Team.
About the Role
In this role, you will serve as the department's technical authority on behavioral crash data, primarily supporting the Zero Fatalities and Safe Routes Utah programs, as well as the implementation of the Strategic Highway Safety Plan.
This position requires a unique blend of technical data mastery and strong interpersonal skills; you won't just analyze the data, you will maintain data integrity and communicate its story to improve traffic safety.
Position Information
Here is some important information about this position:
- Salary Range: $33.37 - $59.01
- FT/PT Status: Full Time
- Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service (12 month probationary period)
- Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
- Location: Calvin Rampton Building - 4501 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah
- Recruiter: Jill Barela
- Application Deadline: 8/7/26
- *This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Key Responsibilities
- Data Authority & Analytics: Act as a technical expert on crash data for the department. Be familiar with existing databases, assist with data governance, update dashboards, and conduct data analysis to identify critical outcomes for evaluations and presentations.
- Quality Control & Integrity: Provide quality control (QC) for the Traffic Transportation Safety Intelligence Team. Double-check analysis, maps, and data produced for internal inquiries, GRAMA (public records) requests, specific projects, and media requests.
- Program & Portal Support: Assist users with the Safe Routes Utah data portal and safety plan development.
- Liaison & Representation: Serve as a primary liaison with other agencies, government entities, and Zero Fatalities partners. Represent the Behavioral Safety Team at agency and partner meetings, coordinate activities across units, and accurately report back.
- Project Coordination: Coordinate assigned activities with internal staff and effectively oversee and review the work of outside consultants and contractors.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- A Bachelor's degree (or higher) in a related field (e.g. engineering, planning, statistics, geography, environmental science, geoscience, psychology (human factors), etc.),
- Note: Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis (e.g., 4 years of total related experience if no degree is held).
Preferred Qualifications
Our ideal candidate is:
- A Strategic & Flexible Thinker: You can think on your feet, use logic to identify underlying data trends, and pivot quickly to tackle challenges as they arise.
- An Independent Collaborator: You are a self-starter who can take a project and run with it autonomously, while remaining a dedicated team player who coordinates tasks with others.
- An Expert Communicator: You possess excellent interpersonal skills, allowing you to speak and write clearly, concisely, and effectively to technical engineering teams, other agencies, media partners and the general public.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
In order to be successful, familiarity with or a willingness to learn the following is essential:
- Behavioral Data Analysis: Behavior change theory and behavioral analysis, allowing for the effective connection of data insights to successful public safety intervention and outreach strategies.
- Transportation Standards: Principles, theories, and practices of traffic engineering or transportation planning, including the ability to evaluate information against engineering standards (e.g., MUTCD and Roadside Design Guide).
- Technical Software: Proficiency in using automated business software, statistical analysis tools, and database applications. Ability to create visualizations and displays for data (e.g. dashboards, reports) is a plus.
- Project & People Coordination: Ability to establish strategic objectives, identify actions to achieve them, and coordinate the tasks of diverse people, groups, and organizations.
- GIS and Mapping: While not required, prior experience with ArcGIS is a plus.
Why You Should Join Our Team
A Mission That Matters - At UDOT, our mission is to "Enhance quality of life through transportation." We help the traveling public get where they want, when they want, as safely as possible. By joining our team, you contribute to the framework of Good Health, Connected Communities, Better Mobility, and a Strong Economy for all of Utah.
Our Culture and Values - We aren't just a state agency; we are a team built on an internal culture of Trust, Teamwork, and Flexibility. We live by the values of Respect, Integrity, and Caring. If these values resonate with you, you will find a home here!
The Agency
For more information on the Utah Department of Transportation, click here.
Benefits at A Glance
- Exceptional Health Coverage: We offer some of the most competitive medical premiums in the industry, including comprehensive family plans with very low out-of-pocket costs and HSA options.
- Retirement Choice: Flexibility between a 10% employer-paid 401(k) (no match required) or a Pension/401(k) Hybrid plan.
- Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of combined leave (4 annual and 4 sick) accrued each pay period.
- Dental & Vision: Multiple high-quality plan options to fit your needs.
EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.