Contract Specialist III, IV or V - STR Division - Austin, TX

Position Information

The Strategic Initiatives and Innovation Division (STR) is looking for a team player to to join our new Contracts Management team! Come help us shape and deliver the exciting opportunities that will prepare Texas for the future of transportation! The ideal candidate is proactive, dependable, adaptable, and creative.

What does the Strategic Initiatives and Innovation Division do? We advance enterprise initiatives, work with experts and industry to plan and prepare for the future of transportation in Texas, and promote a culture of innovation and collaboration within the department. Moreover, we handle enterprise programs and governance for performance measures, enterprise policy, continuity of operations, and risk prevention. Join us!

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Contract Specialist III - B20 Salary Range $48,158.00 - $77,477.00

Contract Specialist IV - B22 Salary Range $54,614.00 - $88,703.00

Contract Specialist V - B24 Salary Range $62,004.00 - $101,556.00

The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

"Effective 9/1/24 the salary range for this position will be updated to reflect new salary limits. Texas State Auditor's Office - Salary Schedules "

Benefits and Perks

At TxDOT, we value employee work-life balance. In keeping with our commitment to this value, our employees benefit from a wide array of programs and activities that include:

• Low Turnover
• Retirement Pension
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Paid Leave/Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for full-time employees
• On the Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Comprehensive Wellness Program/Wellness Leave Incentives
• Career Development Programs/Opportunities for advancement

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Position Description

Contract Specialist III:

As a Contract Specialist, you will work closely with STR project managers and other Divisions such as Procurement, Contract Services, Information Technology, and Professional Engineering Procurement Services from project initiation to contract execution and monitoring. Performs highly complex contract duties to include developing, analyzing, evaluating, reviewing, processing, ensuring applicable compliance, inspecting, implementing and/or monitoring contracts. Work requires extensive contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Contract Specialist IV:

As a Contract Specialist, you will work closely with STR project managers and other Divisions such as Procurement, Contract Services, Information Technology, and Professional Engineering Procurement Services from project initiation to contract execution and monitoring. Performs advanced contract duties to include developing, analyzing, evaluating, reviewing, processing, ensuring applicable compliance, inspecting, implementing and/or monitoring contracts. Work requires extensive contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Contract Specialist V:

As a Contract Specialist, you will work closely with STR project managers and other Divisions such as Procurement, Contract Services, Information Technology, and Professional Engineering Procurement Services from project initiation to contract execution and monitoring. Performs highly advanced contract duties in direct support of agency transportation-related programs to include developing, analyzing, evaluating, reviewing, processing, ensuring applicable compliance, inspecting, implementing and/or monitoring contracts. Work requires extensive contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Essential Duties:

Contract Specialist III

• Develops, writes, revises, and prepares contracts, amendments, and related documents as well as internal procedures, forms, or other job aids.
• Meets with project managers to identify contract objectives, needs, and issues concerning contracts and proposes solutions.
• Provides technical and administrative support by reviewing and processing supporting documents and invoices; answering questions, assisting with issues, and resolving complaints and discrepancies related to contracts, billing, and payments.
• Audits invoices for completeness, accuracy, and compliance, proposes solutions to issues.
• Monitors, updates, and reconciles financial information in various information management systems and performs basic budget monitoring
• Compiles and maintains contract records according to records retention schedule.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Contract Specialist IV:



All the Above and:

• Acts as liaison between Strategic Initiatives and Innovation Division, other procuring Divisions, and support Divisions such as IT concerning contracting and procurement.
• Makes presentations at local, state, and federal levels.
• Reviews, interprets and clarifies statutes, regulations, and the standard policies and procedures of other procuring Divisions to ensure compliance with Department policy and governmental regulations.
• Serves as a resource for lesser experienced team members and participates on special teams, work groups, or committees.

Contract Specialist V:



All the Above and:

• May serve as a lead worker by serving as a resource for complex questions; presenting workflow and operational updates to the supervisor/manager; providing input on team members' career conversations; and approving leave requests to ensure operations coverage.

Minimum Qualifications:

Contract Specialist III:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance or related field.
• Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis . Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

• 3 years in contract administration, administrative support, bookkeeping or accounting.
• Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent
• Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Contract Specialist IV:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance or related field.
• Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis . Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

• 4 years in contract administration, administrative support, bookkeeping or accounting.
• Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent
• Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Contract Specialist V:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance or related field.
• Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis . Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

• 5 years in contract administration, administrative support, bookkeeping or accounting.
• Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent
• Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Cert TX Contract Mgr (CTCM)
• Cert TX Contract Dev (CTCD)

Competencies:

Contract Specialist III:

Extensive knowledge of:

• Applicable computer operating systems and relevant applications
• Contract record-keeping
• Contract billing procedures
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations

Considerable knowledge of:

• Contract development and oversight
• Contract writing and specifications
• Contract administration

Expert skill in:

• Administrative support practices and procedures to include writing, editing, and report writing techniques, recording meeting notes, record keeping and records management
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting policies and state and federal laws and regulations specific to functional area

Proficient skill in:

• Prioritizing and organizing work assignments
• The use of computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems
• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals
• Preparing correspondence/documents using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation; proofreading and reviewing documents for clarity and consistency

Contract Specialist IV and V

All the Above and:

• Legal terminology
• Persuasion and negotiation of critical issues
• Analyzing business, technical and managerial problems and developing, recommending and implementing effective solutions
• Developing and giving presentations
• Training in a classroom, office, or field environment

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading Competencies

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)