Procurement & Contract Specialist I - Fiscal

$62,964 - $83,748/Yr

County Of Thurston - Olympia, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Olympia, WA

About the position

The Procurement & Contract Specialist I position within Thurston County's Fiscal Division is responsible for managing purchasing and contracting activities to support the Public Health and Social Services (PHSS). This role involves reviewing, writing, implementing, and monitoring grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing guidance and training to staff. The specialist will also assist in budget development and program evaluation, while maintaining expert knowledge of procurement processes in Washington State.

Responsibilities

• Maintain expert knowledge of current regulatory requirements for local government purchasing, procurement, and contract administration in Washington State related to goods and services.
• Lead the proposal evaluation and vendor selection process, participate in negotiations of contract scope of work and associated costs, issue notices of award, and maintain all related documents and records.
• Work in conjunction with departmental subject matter experts and program staff to negotiate, prepare, and maintain various contract mechanisms, such as service contracts, contract amendments, and memorandums of agreement for the department.
• Ensure contract mechanisms follow departmental standards, local policies, and state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Assist the executive management team with budget and policy development, formulation of short-term and long-range goals, and program evaluation.
• Develop a coherent long-term approach to program expansion through grant funding and related contracts.
• Assist with grant writing and proposal development, fiscal and award management, and sub-recipient and sub-contract management.
• Create new procurement and contracting methods as needed, in response to department needs and changing conditions.
• Develop and maintain mechanisms for tracking grant and contract renewal and expiration dates, and assist program staff with contract-related deliverable management.
• Perform other work as required or assigned, including, but not limited to, a 24/7 response during public health emergency situations and disease outbreak investigations.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED and two years college level coursework in Business or Public Administration, Accounting, Pre-Law or closely related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in procurement or contract administration, grant writing, accounting, or a related field.
• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge 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 the Washington State BARS System.
• Ability to think logically and develop solutions to complex procurement and contracting problems.
• Certified Purchasing Professional, Certified Public Procurement Officer, or similar certification.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for employees and their families.
• Paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust training program for career development and skill enhancement.
• Flexible work schedules including alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working options.
• Deferred compensation plans for additional retirement savings.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for qualifying employees.