Department of Ecology - Contracts Specialist (Lacey,WA)

Protecting Washington State’s environment for current and future generations is what we do every day at Ecology. We are a culture that is invested in making a difference. If you want to join a team that is highly effective, collaborative, has leadership that embraces the value of people, and believes in the fun factor, Ecology is a good fit. Ecology's Fiscal and Contracts & Purchasing team members are highly sought after for their marketable skills due to having one of the State of Washington’s most complex financial systems. Employee skills are utilized through knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, policies, and rules to maintain the integrity of financial data and provide direct services to staff. Ecology managers, the Governor, State Auditor, Office of Financial Management, and the Legislature can confidently use Ecology’s financial information to make crucial decisions affecting the environment. Couple valuable learning gained with being able to work with this team that works well across units, you have a great formula for individual success! To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at www.ecy.wa.gov. Local efforts... Diverse people... Statewide impacts

The Contracts and Purchasing Unit in Ecology’s Fiscal Office in Lacey, WA is looking to hire a Contracts Specialist 3 (In-Training). The Contracts and Purchasing Unit is located within the Fiscal Office of the Financial Services Division. Financial Services provides centralized financial support and management in accounting, budget, contracts, purchasing, and inventory, so the agency can meet its environmental goals and strategic priorities. The result is Ecology managers, the Governor, State Auditor, Office of Financial Management, and the Legislature have confidence in Ecology and our financial information and management, and can rely on it to make crucial decisions affecting the environment. Some of the key work activities at the Contracts Specialist 3 level include: Performs a full range of senior level professional and technical duties for the procurement and contracting of goods and services used by the agency. Serves as an Assistant Contracts Administrator, resolving issues that arise during the contracting process, i.e., disputes, complaints, protests, appeals, defaults, liquidated damages, excessive cost, etc. Reviews agency agreements, contracts, grants, and loans documents for accuracy, uniformity, completeness, and legality, and compliance with state and agency policies. Works with Ecology program staff to contract for or purchase goods and services to ensure programs have what they need to do their jobs and when they need it. Focuses on the full array of agency procurement and contract needs from simple low dollar value contracts to complex high value contracts. Focuses on bids and contracts for goods, services, architecture and engineering services, interagency agreements, public works, and state and federal grants, and loans. Provides guidance and assistance to all agency programs in regards to procurement processes, drafts suggested bidding and contract language, and reviews and provides recommendations to bidding and contract language. Leads, assists, and advises programs in the bidding processes for goods and services. Instructs and educates agency staff on state and federal regulations and requirements, and procurement practices and policies. To broaden the candidate pool, we will consider candidates that qualify at the Contracts Specialist 2 and 3 levels. Please read the qualifications section below to learn more about this exciting career growth and in-training opportunity. This recruitment will remain open until filled. The initial screening will be May 8, 2015. In order to be considered for the initial screening, please submit an application on or before May 7, 2015. The agency reserves the right to make an appointment anytime after the initial screening date.

Required Qualifications: To qualify at the Contracts Specialist 2 level: (Pay range 52 - $3549 - $4653) Bachelor’s degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or closely allied field, AND Two years of experience in procurements and contracts, including a full range of bidding and contract administration for goods and services, preparing and conducting procurements, cost or price analyses, negotiating and awarding bids, contract performance management, contract problem resolution and termination, and managing bids and contracts for compliance with laws and policies. At least one of the two years of experience must include managing procurements and contracts in a public setting (city, county and/or state). OR A two year Associate of Arts degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, economics, mathematics, statistics, or closely allied field, AND Four years of experience in procurements and contracts, including a full range of bidding and contract administration for goods and services, preparing and conducting procurements, cost or price analyses, negotiating and awarding bids, contract performance management, contract problem resolution and termination, and managing bids and contracts for compliance with laws and policies. At least one of the two years of experience must include managing procurements and contracts in a public setting (city, county and/or state). Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for the education. To qualify at the Contracts Specialist 3 level: (Pay range 58 - $4114 - $5395) Bachelor’s degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or closely allied field, AND Three years of experience in procurements and contracts, including a full range of bidding and contract administration for goods and services, preparing and conducting procurements, cost or price analyses, negotiating and awarding bids, contract performance management, contract problem resolution and termination, and managing bids and contracts for compliance with laws and policies. At least two of the three years of experience must include managing procurements and contracts in a public setting (city, county and/or state). OR A two year Associate of Arts degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, economics, mathematics, statistics, or closely allied field, AND Five years of experience in procurements and contracts, including a full range of bidding and contract administration for goods and services, preparing and conducting procurements, cost or price analyses, negotiating and awarding bids, contract performance management, contract problem resolution and termination, and managing bids and contracts for compliance with laws and policies. At least two of the five years of experience must include managing procurements and contracts in a public setting (city, county and/or state). A Master’s degree in one of the above academic disciplines may be substituted for one year of experience. A law degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Washington State Bar Association may be substituted for two years required experience and education. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for the education. Skills: Working knowledge of state contract and procurement laws (RCW 39.26) and policies. Knowledge of principles, methods, procedures, and practices of public procurement, competitive bidding procedures, contract management, procurement and supply acquisition practices, negotiations, general business practices, and customer service principles. Intermediate proficiency using Microsoft Office software applications and products including Word, Excel, and Outlook; able to create, edit, modify, save, and delete documents and spreadsheets. Proven skills in business writing and proofreading, including the ability to draft contract language. Proven skills in problem solving and analytical skills related to procurement and contracts. Proven skills in preparing complex contracts, agreements, and bid documents. Demonstrated ability to accomplish multiple assignments with competing timelines. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other program staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public. Ability to interpret and administer policies and procedures sufficient to educate, enforce, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other interested parties. Ability to advise vendors, program management, and program staff on contract terms and conditions for mutual agreement and contract compliance. Ability to comprehend complex contracting documents in order to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and agency policies. Desired Qualifications: Five years of experience in Washington State public procurements and contracts at a state agency, including initialing, negotiating, awarding, administering, terminating, and managing contracts for compliance. One year of experience with bidding and contracting for Information Technology goods and services. One year of experience with bidding and contracting for Public Works. One year of experience working with grant and loan agreements. Advanced proficiency using Microsoft Office software applications and products including Word, Excel, and Outlook. One of the following professional certifications: Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or other related procurement certifications. Special Requirements / Conditions of Employment: Employee must read, sign, and abide by the Financial Services/Fiscal Office Agreement on Confidential Information (Part A) and Internal Control Responsibility (Part B). For immediate consideration, please apply online at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/washington/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=1129252.