Meet Joseph Martinez, Senior Technical Specialist for Safety and Facilities
When TDOT employee Joseph Martinezstarted his career, he didn’t initially consider military service.
But a workplace incident early in his career changed his perspective and set him on a new path.
“I witnessed a workplace accident involving something I had been concerned about for a long time,” Joseph said. “I was constantly reporting it and saying it needed to be fixed before someone got hurt. That experience is what drove me toward a career in occupational safety.”
Joseph knew he wanted to work in occupational safety, but he needed the experience and education to pursue the role he envisioned. To help build that foundation, he joined the U.S. Army while earning his degree and serving as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist.
His military career took him around the world, with assignments in Georgia, Texas, Missouri, and South Korea. During his service, he also became a certified X-ray technician. It was during X-ray school clinicals that he met his wife, Kayleigh
Mann, who serves in the Tennessee National Guard.
"The people here in Tennessee are very responsive. They genuinely care
about their own safety and the safety of those around them”
- Joseph
Earlier this year, Joseph and Kayleigh relocated to East Tennessee to be closer to family. The relocation helped bring Joseph to TDOT, where he now serves as the Senior Technical Specialist for Safety and Facilities in Region 1. Just fourmonths into the role, he says he already feels welcomed and supported.
“The people here in Tennessee are very responsive. They genuinely care about their own safety and
the safety of those around them,” Joseph said.
Joseph continues his military service through the Army Reserve, traveling to his unit in Minnesota one weekend each month for training.
Earlier this year, he and his fellow service members experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when they were honored during the opening ceremony of a Minnesota Vikings game.Joseph and his plus-one, Kayleigh, were invited to help hold the 120-yard-long American flag on the field during the national anthem, an experience he describes as “surreal.”
“As soon as the first person walked out of the tunnel, thousands of fans erupted in cheers. When the American flag came onto the field, the energy was incredible. It reminded me of the movies. That feeling is 100 percent real,” he said.
Joseph says his military background has been invaluable in his role at TDOT. In addition to gaining technical experience related to occupational safety standards, regulatory investigations, and safety auditing, his time as an X-ray technician taught him the importance of communication, empathy, and teamwork.“At the end of the day, I want everyone to be safe, but I also want them to understand that working in a safe manner is critical and can benefit them both on and off the job,” Joseph said. “I want people to trust me and allow me to help strengthen the behavior-based safety culture here at TDOT.”
Joseph encourages fellow veterans and service members to consider a career with TDOT. While he appreciates the agency's strong benefits for veterans and service members, he says the respect shown to veterans stands out most.
“If someone wants to work in a place that truly respects its veterans and recognizes the sacrifices they've made, TDOT is definitely the place,” Joseph said. “I recommend it, 10 out of 10.”
TDOT thanks Joseph and all employees who serve or have served in the military for their dedication, sacrifice, and continued commitment to serving the people of Tennessee.
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