Senior Contract Specialist (Procurement & Contract Specialist 3)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a full-time Senior Contract Specialist (Procurement & Contract Specialist 3) for its Materials Management Program in Portland, Oregon. This is a limited duration position for 24 months, with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent. DEQ is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment that values diversity, fairness, and respect. The Central Services Division supports all agency programs with services including accounting, HR, IT, purchasing, and facilities management. This role will provide critical support to the Materials Management Program, which focuses on reducing the environmental and social impacts of materials throughout their lifecycle.

Requirements

• 5 years of procurement and contract experience, including development and administration of standard contracts, agreements, and/or solicitations.
• Bachelor’s degree may substitute for 3 years of experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for 4 years of experience.
• Doctorate degree may substitute for 5 years of experience.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience and personal commitment to building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive culture.
• Extensive experience with a wide variety of contract processes, including complex funding sources, high-risk contracts and agreements, grants, and contracts requiring modified terms and/or unique conditions.
• Experience evaluating contract risks and developing terms to minimize those risks.
• Experience ensuring appropriate solicitation and contracting methods are used.
• Extensive experience researching and applying appropriate state and federal procurement laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Extensive experience preparing grants and awards from federal sources.
• Procurement and contract experience with the State of Oregon.
• Oregon Procurement Basic Certification (OPBC) and/or UPPCC Certified Professional Public Buyer certification.
• Excellent collaboration skills and ability to coordinate effectively with program subject matter experts.
• Ability to apply the Materials Management Program’s strategic vision for reducing environmental and social impacts of materials into procurements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to use tact, diplomacy, and good judgment.
• Ability to use critical thinking and analytical skills to form independent judgment, initiative, and decision-making.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment, in both virtual and in-person formats.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and contract support for the statewide Materials Management Program.
• Manage complex procurement processes, contract negotiations, and establishment of grantmaking procedures and agreements.
• Serve as the Procurement section liaison to the Materials Management Program.
• Act as an expert in various types of contracts, agreements, and grants.
• Assist program staff with the full range of contract processes, including complex funding structures, high-risk contracts, grants, and contracts with modified or unique terms.
• Ensure appropriate solicitation and contracting methods are used.
• Evaluate contract risks and assist in developing terms to minimize risk.
• Work with the Procurement Manager and Designated Procurement Officer (DPO) to develop new guidelines, policies, procedures, and training for staff.
• Coordinate with other government entities as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employee and qualified family members.
• Paid sick leave.
• Vacation leave.
• Personal leave.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
• Opportunity for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• DEQ will provide necessary hardware (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone) for remote work.

What This Job Offers

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