Contract Specialist

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION•Jefferson City, MO

11d•$59,508 - $74,268•Onsite

About The Position

The Contract Specialist oversees the execution of construction contracts for the Missouri Department of Conservation. The position coordinates construction schedules and bidding activities, reviews bids and executed documents, supports contract awards, and helps ensure contractor compliance. It also provides technical support for developing construction plans and specifications, manages contract-document distribution and related tracking systems, and supervises staff. Work is typically performed in a standard office environment, with occasional work outdoors. The position may require varied hours, including Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. It is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act; employees must accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department's policy. Employees may be expected to use a mobile device for Department business as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED/HiSET.
Five years of experience in construction contract administration.
Maintain a valid, current driver's license.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings.
Oral and written communication skills to negotiate among engineers, contractors, and contract superintendents.
Proficiency with contemporary office software and web applications.
Ability to understand, anticipate, and respond to customer needs.
Ability to define problems, analyze relevant information, develop solutions, and solve problems.
Ability to maintain focus, intensity, optimism, and persistence under adversity.
Ability to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships.
Ability to make independent decisions and act quickly and decisively.
Ability to stay organized while handling multiple assignments with compressed schedules.
Ability to work varied hours, including Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.
Ability to remain stationary for 70% or more of the time; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery; frequently communicate and exchange accurate information; and have clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.
Ability to regularly lift up to 5 pounds and correctly lift up to 10 pounds.
Concentrated attention and regular attendance are required.
Must complete employment eligibility verification and provide requested documentation; candidates must submit to a drug screen following an offer of employment.
Must be authorized to work in the United States; the Department hires U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States.
State of Missouri employees must file state income tax forms and pay state income taxes owed.

Responsibilities

Prepare, maintain, and coordinate construction schedules for advertising, pre-bid meetings, bid openings, and commission agenda deadlines for construction contracts.
Review bid proposals, assist with award recommendations and approvals, and maintain bid documents and standardized forms.
Review executed documents and work with contractors to ensure compliance.
Answer contractor and public questions about projects and bidding procedures.
Conduct quality assurance reviews of contracts, plans, and specifications, including checking for errors, omissions, constructability, and consistency to encourage competitive bids and minimize change orders.
Provide technical support to Project Engineers, the Architect, and Construction & Maintenance Superintendents in developing plans and specifications.
Monitor the construction contract portal for current and awarded projects.
Manage the contract documents distribution vendor, ensuring correct information and adequate plan sets are available, the official plan holders list is accurate, plan sets are electronically archived, and documents are distributed to relevant staff.
Maintain a database of potential contractors for different project types and an insurance tracking system.
Supervise staff, including conducting performance reviews and approving timesheets.
Perform other duties as assigned.