Procurement & Contract Specialist II

The salary range for this position is $6,569.00 - $8,738.00 monthly.

Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for a Procurement & Contract Specialist II to join our dynamic, energetic, and innovative Business Services team. The successful candidate will perform procurement activities and related contract development and administration for goods and services involving public works, technical and professional consulting, architectural and engineering consulting, construction, and infrastructure maintenance and repair.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintains expert knowledge of current regulatory requirements for local government purchasing, procurement, and contract administration in Washington State related to goods and services, including but not limited to those for public works, technical and professional consulting, architectural and engineering consulting, construction, and infrastructure maintenance and repair. May act as liaison with other departments, vendors, and regulatory agencies, as required.
• Works closely and collaboratively with various staff to develop and implement internal procedures for best practices in purchasing, procurement, and contract administration to ensure compliance with state and local policies and regulations.
• Responsible for procurement activities in support of departmental programs, such as planning, developing, issuing, advertising, and coordinating solicitations (e.g., RFPs, RFIs, ITBs); writing or assisting others with writing and editing scopes of work; and advising on structure of solicitations and determination of appropriate selection criteria and weighting. Leads the proposal evaluation and vendor selection process; negotiates or participates in negotiations of contract scope of work and associated costs; issues notices of award; and maintains all related documents and records.
• Negotiates, prepares, and maintains various contract mechanisms, such as service contracts; on-call contracts; contracts for materials, equipment, and supplies; change orders; contract amendments and memorandums of agreement. Ensures contract mechanisms are in compliance with departmental standards, local policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Provides direction, assistance, and training to department managers and staff on purchasing, procurement, and contract administration requirements and processes.
• Responsible for purchasing goods and services, including small purchases and larger purchases that involve complex procurement activities. Research state and local master contracts and other means to purchase goods and services in the most efficient manner to achieve the best value.
• Assists various users with contract administration. Provides oversight and recommendations to ensure contract specifications pertaining to licensing, permitting, insurance, bonds, and other requirements are met. Advises users of risks, upcoming expiration dates, and other contract-related issues. Works with department staff to address contract issues and corresponds with vendors to resolve disputes.

To view the full job classification, click here: Procurement and Contract Specialist II

Essential Personnel: This position is considered to be an essential worker and may be required to work during non-business hours or closures in order to meet operational requirements and needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment - Office setting in Thurston County, Washington.
• Schedule - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with Thurston County staff and the public.

WHO WE ARE:

The Thurston County Public Works Department, located in Olympia, Washington, is a national award-winning agency in delivering quality projects to our community. Our mission is to provide excellent public services in all areas of our business. We actively help our staff develop and grow professionally, we bring together resources across divisions to achieve organizational goals, we are always ready to respond to community needs, and we are an American Public Works Association accredited agency, consistently meeting industry best practices benchmarks.

Our Core Values:

• Accountability - We take responsibility for our actions and the resulting outcomes.
• Customer Service - We provide our customers with the highest level of service and quality.
• Innovation - We strive to continuously improve processes, performance, and results.
• Safety - We demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to safety.
• Teamwork - We work together toward achieving a common recognized end.

Mission - To provide excellent public services in all areas of our business.

Vision - The premier public works organization, accountable and transparent in all services we provide to our community.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paidholidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program that allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmers markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration, Mathematics or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in procurement or contract administration, grant writing, accounting, or a related field.
• Any combination of experience or education equivalent to seven (7) years of experience in governmental procurement or contract administration, or other professional program coordination or administration involving data development, tracking and analysis will be considered.
• Proficiency utilizing automated data systems and high level of competency in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and Access.
• Other training and certifications may be required depending on specific job duties.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Knowledge of and skills in applying relevant policies, regulations, standard methods, and procedures related to public purchasing, procurement, and contract development and administration in Washington State.
• Ability to write and understand technical and legal language related to procurement and contracting processes.
• Knowledge of Washington State BARS System.
• Ability to work independently with general direction, as well as train and direct the work of other employees or contractors as needed.
• Ability to think logically and develop solutions to complex procurement and contracting problems.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work cooperatively with staff, other departments, vendors, governmental agencies, and the general public.
• Skill and training in negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Ability to maintain reports and data in a highly organized manner using established administrative protocols.
• Knowledge of process analysis and improvement methods.
• Certified Purchasing Professional, Certified Public Procurement Officer, or similar certification.
• Ability to analyze and organize information to prepare clear, comprehensive, and concise guidelines, procedures and reports.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact Matthew Guzman, Business Services Manager, at (360) 867-2459 or[email protected] .

This position is:

• Represented by a Union
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Eligible for benefits

Items required for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• Supplemental Questions

Learn more about Thurston County at: Thurston County

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.