PROCUREMENT & CONTRACTS SPECIALIST

$62,964 - $83,748/Yr

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Olympia, WA

Social Assistance

About the position

The Procurement & Contract Specialist I position at Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) involves managing purchasing and contracting assignments to support procurement activities. The role includes reviewing, writing, implementing, and monitoring grants and contracts, providing expert guidance, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The specialist will work closely with departmental staff to negotiate contracts and assist in budget and policy development, while also contributing to program expansion through grant funding.

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 working with contract administration, accounting, purchasing or related field; which includes one (1) year of public-sector procurement and/or contract administration.
• Proficiency utilizing automated data systems and high level of competency in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and Access.

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.
• County paid training to help employees further their career.
• 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.