Contracts Specialist

South Dakota Science and Technology Authority•Lead, SD

4d•$60,299 - $80,412•Onsite

About The Position

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Contracts Specialist prepares, monitors, and administers complex contracts, grants, financial assistance agreements and purchase orders in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE), DOE National Laboratories, universities, contractors, vendors and SDSTA staff.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to contracts administration and management, staff planning, administration or management is required. Significant directly related experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
Advanced contracts experience is required including preparing, issuing, tracking and monitoring complex contracts, grants and/or financial assistance agreements.
Two or more years of directly related experience required.
Experience with day-to-day office functions including finance, budgets, insurance, asset tracking, and accounting required.
Excellent proofreading skills and strong analytical, problem-solving, and computer skills are essential.
Advanced Adobe PDF and Microsoft Word and Excel experience is required.
Regular interaction with team members, supervisors, and other departments and collaborators.
Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure or emergency situations.
Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and work in a fast-paced environment.
Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines
Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures.
Sitting for extended periods of time while using a computer
Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)
Dexterity to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, and telephones.
Perform occasional physical labor and light lifting up to 20 pounds
Occasional standing, walking, climbing up and down flights of stairs, and otherwise moving around the office to perform tasks
Ability to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience preparing and administering A/E and construction contracts preferred.
Knowledge of federal and small business contracting requirements preferred.
Experience with federal financial assistance agreements is desired.

Responsibilities

Leads development and administration of complex procurements for services and construction activities in support of the SDSTA mission.
Prepares and manages Request for Proposal and Request for Bid documents.
Leads the selection process to ensure fair and open competition.
Communicates with potential bidders in a way that ensures the integrity of the procurement process and encourages full and open competition.
Records and answers pre-proposal and pre-bid meeting questions.
Prepares, records and tracks contracts and related documents (change orders, amendments, invoices, waivers, insurance certificates, etc.).
Organizes and maintains contract documentation document management system.
Monitors impending expiration dates for contract documents and provides follow-up.
Compiles and analyzes financial information to inform budget/project managers.
Reviews contract requirements and insurance certificates for compliance with the Property Donation Agreement between the Homestake Mining Company and SDSTA.
Prepares procurement requests for assets requiring DOE approval in advance of purchase.
Collaborates with DOE and National Laboratory staff to ensure accurate and timely procurements to enhance contracting relationships.
Assists with tagging of federal assets upon receipt and supports property report management.
Supports disposal of property that has not reached end of life.
Recommends procurement process improvement opportunities.
Documents departmental processes.
Provides procurement training to SDSTA staff.
Maintains consistent and reliable attendance.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.