Contract Specialist I or II - Construction Division

Texas Department of Transportation's Construction Division is looking for a Contract Specialist based in Austin, TX. This is a fast-paced position that coordinates with a team, but mostly works independently. There is a high flexibility in the employee setting their own pace to meet contractual obligations.

At the Construction Division we value employee work-life-balance. In keeping with our commitment to this value our employees benefit from a wide array of programs and activities that include flexed and compressed work schedules, wellness leave incentive, in-house wellness center, career development programs, tuition assistance, and various other benefits.

Position Title Salary Grade/Range

Contract Specialist I B16: $40,918-$61,130

Contract Specialist II B18: $45,521-$71,055

This position is for Contract Specialist I or II. The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

Retirement Plans

• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees

On-the-Job Training

Tuition Assistance Program

Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives

Career Development and Advancement Opportunities

Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Contract Specialist I

Performs complex contract administration duties to include reviewing, processing, monitoring, and maintaining contracts and related documents to ensure compliance with applicable requirements, policies, and procedures. Work requires regular contact with governmental entities, contractors, and internal stakeholders. Employees at this level perform assignments under established guidelines and exercise judgment within defined parameters. Work priorities are generally established in coordination with management, and complex or unusual issues are referred to the supervisor or higher-level staff for guidance and resolution.

Contract Specialist II

Performs highly complex contract duties to include developing, analyzing, evaluating, reviewing, processing, ensuring applicable compliance, inspecting, implementing and/or monitoring contracts. Work requires extensive contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Essential Duties

Contract Specialist I

• Assists in reviewing contracts, statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures to support compliance with Department and governmental requirements.
• Assists in researching contract administration practices, systems, and procedures and provides input for process improvements.
• Presents information and provides guidance to internal and external stakeholders regarding routine contract-related matters.
• Researches applicable policies, procedures, statutes, regulations, and contract records to support assigned responsibilities.
• Reviews contracts, amendments, procurement documents, supplemental agreements, and qualification materials for completeness and compliance with established requirements.
• Assists in monitoring contractor insurance certificates and related documentation.
• Identifies routine issues with contracts, procurement documents, contractors, or lettings and elevates complex matters for resolution.
• Coordinates with legal staff, management, and other stakeholders on routine contract-related matters.
• Processes and administers agreements and contracts in accordance with established procedures.
• Reviews, coordinates, and processes routine open records requests.
• Maintains contract records, files, and databases.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Contract Specialist II

• Reviews, interprets and clarifies statutes, regulations, standard policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Department and governmental regulations.
• Assists in researching and making recommendations concerning contract administration systems and policy.
• Makes presentations at local, state and federal levels.
• Researches state and federal statutes and opinions, Department policies and previous contracts.
• Reviews contracts, amendments, procurement documents, supplemental agreements, and contractor qualifications.
• Assists in monitoring contractors' insurance certificates.
• Conducts audits, researches and identifies problems with proposals, contracts, contractors or lettings and proposes solutions.
• Confers with legal staff and management on various legal matters.
• Executes agreements and contracts.
• Reviews coordinates and processes routine open records requests.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance or related field. Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience

• Contract Specialist I - 1 year in contract administration, administrative support, bookkeeping or accounting.
• Contract Specialist II - 2 years in contract administration, administrative support, bookkeeping or accounting.
• Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.
• Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Competencies

Contract Specialist I

Working knowledge of

• Applicable computer operating systems and relevant applications
• Contract administration procedures, records management practices, and specifications
• Applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to assigned responsibilities
• Using logic and reasoning to identify issues, gather information, and support decision-making
• Preparing, maintaining, and safeguarding confidential and sensitive records, files, and reports

Proficient skill in

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Prioritizing and organizing work assignments to meet established deadlines
• Using standard office equipment, computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems

Basic skill in

Public speaking and presenting information to small groups

Communicating contract-related information clearly in both written and verbal formats

Contract Specialist II

Considerable knowledge of

• Applicable computer operating systems and relevant applications
• Maintaining contracts and procedures, contract administration/management systems, and specifications
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objective and goals
• Preparing and maintaining confidential and sensitive records, files, and reports

Expert Skill in

Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external

Prioritizing and organizing work assignments

Proficient Skill in

Using standard office equipment, computers applicable programs, applications, and systems

Publicly speaking and providing presentations

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information