Procurement & Contract Specialist II

County of Thurston • Olympia, WA

21h • Hybrid

About The Position

Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for a Procurement & Contract Specialist II to join their dynamic, energetic, and innovative Business Services team. The successful candidate will perform procurement activities and related contract development and administration for goods and services involving public works, technical and professional consulting, architectural and engineering consulting, construction, and infrastructure maintenance and repair. This position is considered an essential worker and may be required to work during non-business hours or closures to meet operational requirements. The role involves daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with Thurston County staff and the public.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration, Mathematics or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in procurement or contract administration, grant writing, accounting, or a related field.
• Any combination of experience or education equivalent to seven (7) years of experience in governmental procurement or contract administration, or other professional program coordination or administration involving data development, tracking and analysis will be considered.
• Proficiency utilizing automated data systems and high level of competency in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and Access.
• Other training and certifications may be required depending on specific job duties.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of and skills in applying relevant policies, regulations, standard methods, and procedures related to public purchasing, procurement, and contract development and administration in Washington State.
• Ability to write and understand technical and legal language related to procurement and contracting processes.
• Knowledge of Washington State BARS System.
• Ability to work independently with general direction, as well as train and direct the work of other employees or contractors as needed.
• Ability to think logically and develop solutions to complex procurement and contracting problems.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work cooperatively with staff, other departments, vendors, governmental agencies, and the general public.
• Skill and training in negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Ability to maintain reports and data in a highly organized manner using established administrative protocols.
• Knowledge of process analysis and improvement methods.
• Certified Purchasing Professional, Certified Public Procurement Officer, or similar certification.
• Ability to analyze and organize information to prepare clear, comprehensive, and concise guidelines, procedures and reports.

Responsibilities

• Maintains expert knowledge of current regulatory requirements for local government purchasing, procurement, and contract administration in Washington State related to goods and services, including but not limited to those for public works, technical and professional consulting, architectural and engineering consulting, construction, and infrastructure maintenance and repair.
• May act as liaison with other departments, vendors, and regulatory agencies, as required.
• Works closely and collaboratively with various staff to develop and implement internal procedures for best practices in purchasing, procurement, and contract administration to ensure compliance with state and local policies and regulations.
• Responsible for procurement activities in support of departmental programs, such as planning, developing, issuing, advertising, and coordinating solicitations (e.g., RFPs, RFIs, ITBs); writing or assisting others with writing and editing scopes of work; and advising on structure of solicitations and determination of appropriate selection criteria and weighting.
• Leads the proposal evaluation and vendor selection process; negotiates or participates in negotiations of contract scope of work and associated costs; issues notices of award; and maintains all related documents and records.
• Negotiates, prepares, and maintains various contract mechanisms, such as service contracts; on-call contracts; contracts for materials, equipment, and supplies; change orders; contract amendments and memorandums of agreement.
• Ensures contract mechanisms are in compliance with departmental standards, local policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Provides direction, assistance, and training to department managers and staff on purchasing, procurement, and contract administration requirements and processes.
• Responsible for purchasing goods and services, including small purchases and larger purchases that involve complex procurement activities.
• Research state and local master contracts and other means to purchase goods and services in the most efficient manner to achieve the best value.
• Assists various users with contract administration.
• Provides oversight and recommendations to ensure contract specifications pertaining to licensing, permitting, insurance, bonds, and other requirements are met.
• Advises users of risks, upcoming expiration dates, and other contract-related issues.
• Works with department staff to address contract issues and corresponds with vendors to resolve disputes.

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Pre-tax savings accounts
• Comprehensive health care
• Dental care
• Vision care
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• County paid training
• Flexible Work Schedules (alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working)
• Voluntary deferred compensation plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (federal program)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level