Contracts & Procurement Specialist – Wildland Fire Aviation / Wildland Fire Operations

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has two exciting opportunities within the Office of Legal Affairs and Business Practices (OLABP). OLABP is dedicated to upholding integrity, sound legal practices, and ethical business conduct. We support the agency through risk mitigation, liability protection, responsible procurement, and effective resource management. Our program areas include Legal Affairs, Risk Management, Internal Controls, External Audit Coordination, Privacy, Internal Policy, Procurement of Goods and Services, agency Rulemaking, and environmental reviews and analyses conducted under the State Environmental Policy Act. Within OLABP, the Procurement of Goods and Services (PGS) team is recruiting for two Contract Specialist 2 positions to support the Wildland Fire Management Division (WFMD). We are seeking collaborative, detail-oriented professionals with an interest in public procurement, contracting, and business operations. One position will administer and manage complex procurements and contracts supporting the WFMD Aviation Program, while the second position will administer and manage complex procurements and contracts supporting WFMD Operations. In these roles, you will oversee the procurement and contract administration process from planning through closeout, ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state laws, the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Department of Enterprise Services (DES) policies, DNR policies, and other applicable procurement requirements.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in public administration, business administration, business law, commerce, economics, mathematics, statistics, or a closely allied field; AND two (2) years of experience in negotiating, writing, administering, or terminating contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analysis, or contract compliance administration; OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
A law degree from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the experience and education.
Experience with contract regulations, policies and procedures, business and professional service practices, supply chain and cost factors, and contract terminology.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to: Coordinate, collaborate, and negotiate with businesses, agencies, and other interested parties to develop and administer contracts and agreements;
Interpret and apply procurement laws, regulations, policies, and contract terms accurately and consistently;
Develop, administer, and monitor contracts and procurements to ensure compliance and reduce agency risk;
Manage multiple assignments and competing priorities in a fast-paced operational environment;
Exercise independent judgement and problem-solving skills in support of agency operations;
Communicate effectively with internal and external customers and maintain professional working relationships; and
Obtain goods and services in a timely and cost-effective manner while supporting agency operational needs.
Exercise attention to detail, critical thinking, and sound professional judgement;
Analyze and resolve complex contracting and procurement issues independently;
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with internal and external parties;
Adapt to rapidly changing operational priorities; and
Maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, contractors, vendors, and partner agencies.
Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and follow requests.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of: Washington State procurement and contracting laws, regulations, policies, and procedures;
Competitive procurement processes, including IFB’s, RFQQ’s, sole source, and emergency procurements;
Contract negotiation, contract administration, compliance monitoring, and risk mitigation;
Public sector procurement systems and processes, including WEBS, DES, OFM, and Statewide contracting requirements;
Public records, records retention, and fiscal accountability requirements;
Supporting time-sensitive operations in a governmental or operational environment; and
Managing multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
Proficient with: Microsoft SharePoint
Adobe Acrobat

Responsibilities

Serving as the subject matter expert for WFMD contracting and procurement activities;
Developing, negotiating, administering, amending, and terminating contracts, interagency agreements, grants, solicitations, and procurements for goods and services;
Managing competitive procurement processes, including Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications and Quotes (RFQQs), and other solicitation methods;
Reviewing contracts, procurements, amendments, grants, invoices, and expenditures for compliance with procurement requirements, budgetary controls, delegation authority, and approval processes;
Providing technical guidance, policy interpretation, and contract administration support to program personnel and leadership;
Maintaining contract records and procurement documentation in accordance with agency retention and reporting requirements;
Using a continuous improvement model, simplifies and streamlines processes, resources, and communications wherever possible, recommending changes to procurement policies, procedures, and best practices, as needed.
Maintaining contract, procurement, grant, and program records in accordance with agency retention schedules, public records requirements, and applicable laws and regulations;
Coordinating Public Disclosure Requests (PDRs) and compiling responsive records in accordance with public records requirements, agency policies, and applicable laws and regulations;
Assisting program and support staff with fact-finding and research related to current and prior contracting and procurement activities;
Preparing and submitting One Card transaction logs and supporting documentation in accordance with agency reconciliation requirements; and
Assisting vendors with statewide vendor (SWV) registration requirements through the Office of Financial Management (OFM).

Benefits

Commitment to organizational health and wellness
Work/life balance
DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups
Leadership that empowers and supports employees
Professional development opportunities
Educational and career development aid
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.