Project Specialist I - RTI Division

Position Information

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented; experienced with state agency and interagency contracts, experienced with project or contract procurement, billing and cost control activities; knowledgeable of Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations Part 200; and enjoys working with others as a team or independently; a good communicator (oral and written) and able to build relationships; experienced in MS Office (Word, Excel and Access); able to think logically, flexible, open and able to adjust to change and challenges when necessary, proactive and able to think outside the box; and able to work in a fast-paced environment with time constraints. Familiarity with PeopleSoft Financials is not required, but is a plus.

We have a diverse workforce of over 13,000 employees statewide. If you want to build an exciting career, let's talk!

Benefits and Perks

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

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

Performs project management support work related to agency Research projects within the Research and Technology Implementation Division (RTI). Work includes coordinating, researching, monitoring, and overseeing budgetary, scheduling, and cost control aspects of RTI research and implementation projects. Work requires extensive contact with multiple agency division staff, universities, governmental agencies, and contractors or private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Essential Duties:

• Responsible for ongoing communications and monitoring of contractual and procurement related issues including allocable and allowability of research project costs per federal regulations and state rules.
• Coordinates with the Finance Division staff to review and reconcile discrepancies associated with project accounting.
• Reviews project billing documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with departmental, state and FHWA rules and agreements.
• Submits project billing to obtain reimbursements from FHWA associated on Research Grants and/or federal aid projects.
• Communicates with department or division Project Managers and vendors to clarify and/or resolve discrepancies in required documentation.
• Performs project budget monitoring and distributes information, status reports, and project expenditure updates.
• Reviews and coordinates documentation for work performed for related TxDOT Transportation Research Projects.
• Researches various invoicing related issues.
• May serve as a liaison and contact to university financial personnel.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in business administration, finance, or a related discipline. Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis OR related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis . Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 2 YEARS administrative support, project management support, project coordinator, contract management, bookkeeping or accounting.(Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).

Competencies:

Considerable knowledge of:

• Generally accepted accounting principles, procedures and terminology
• Budgetary methods and procedures
• Applicable research and analysis methodologies
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations

Proficient skill in:

• Prioritizing and organizing work assignments
• Using computers and applicable programs, applications, and systems
• Project scheduling/estimating/billing coordinating
• Problem solving; auditing records for discrepancies

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

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

Other Conditions:

• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals

Conditions of Employment:

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