Contracts Specialist 1 – Rail, Freight & Ports
About The Position
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Contracts Specialist 1 to provide contracts, agreements, grant management, process expertise, and administrative support for the Rail, Freight and Ports (RFP) Division. The position supports contracts and grants throughout their lifecycle, coordinates federal grant applications and reporting, assists with procurement activities, and works with WSDOT staff, government agencies, grantees, industry partners, and other stakeholders. The role helps ensure RFP programs are well-managed and compliant, supporting safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options across Washington. The position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options and may work remotely up to 100% with supervisor approval, with the ability to attend infrequent meetings. Recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions according to business needs. Applications are accepted electronically and must include a detailed work history, a resume, a cover letter, and contact information for at least three references.
Requirements
- Working knowledge and experience administering state and/or government contracts and agreements.
- Commitment to ethical and equitable standards, sound judgment, and appropriate handling of confidential or sensitive information.
- Commitment to learning and growth.
- Willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
- Knowledge of federal grant application processes, grant administration and oversight, agreement administration, and project delivery and planning agreements.
- Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations applicable to federal and state procurements, grants, contracts, and agreements.
- Ability to communicate clearly with diverse audiences, including government agencies, internal and external stakeholders, and partners; facilitate meetings; and deliver presentations.
- Ability to produce and review clear technical documents, correspondence, reports, and other written materials.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to ensure accuracy, follow state and federal requirements, and apply applicable federal processes.
- Ability to support project administration by applying scope, schedule, budget, and risk considerations and identifying opportunities to improve processes and efficiency.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity or direct contract experience involving Amtrak, railroads, or rail vendors.
- Familiarity or direct contract experience involving U.S. Department of Transportation laws and regulations.
- Familiarity or direct experience using SharePoint tools, document collaboration, and related systems.
Responsibilities
- Administer architectural and engineering, construction, consultant, interagency, professional services, and other contracts, agreements, and grants throughout their lifecycle.
- Monitor contract performance and deliverables; review invoices and supporting documentation; track milestones and dates; and support contract closeout.
- Maintain contracts, agreements, and grant information in databases, financial systems, filing and archival systems, and SharePoint.
- Coordinate grant calls for projects, including applicant review, documentation, scoring, and compliance activities.
- Coordinate with WSDOT staff, grant recipients, and stakeholders regarding administrative processes, performance monitoring, and required reporting.
- Coordinate federal grant applications, including development and quality review of application materials, submission, and monitoring.
- Coordinate required and ad hoc reporting with WSDOT staff, federal and state agencies, and external stakeholders.
- Support division procurement activities, review assigned procurements for compliance, maintain procurement files, and facilitate related documentation and processing.
- Provide backup support to the Contracts and Federal Compliance Lead.
- Participate in meetings, prepare meeting summaries, collaborate with subject matter experts and staff, and support records retention requirements.
Benefits
- 12 paid holidays.
- Full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year.
- Tuition assistance options for permanent employees, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Comprehensive benefits package with healthcare options.
- Choice of state retirement programs.
- Flexible schedule options, including telework options for eligible positions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
