Contract Specialist I - District Maintenance Office

Performs contract duties to include developing, analyzing, evaluating, reviewing, processing, ensuring applicable compliance, inspecting, implementing and/or monitoring contracts. Work requires extensive contact with division and district personnel. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Position Overview

Step into a dynamic and impactful role as a Contract Specialist I within the Abilene District, where your expertise will shape the success of critical agreements from start to finish. In this position, you won't just process contracts, you'll bring them to life by developing, analyzing, and evaluating each one with precision and purpose. From ensuring compliance with applicable policies to monitoring implementation and performance, your work will directly support organizational integrity and efficiency.

Essential Duties

• Audits payment invoices for completeness, accuracy and compliance with terms of contract and governmental contracting rules, regulations and procedures.
• Composes and transmits conditional award notices.
• Conducts audits, researches and identifies problems with proposals, contracts, contractors or lettings and proposes solutions.
• Coordinates start work date ensuring all necessary materials will be available for the contractor.
• Coordinates, reviews, processes and monitors third party advanced funding agreements and supplemental agreements.
• Ensures contracts are payable and meet all legal requirements.
• Executes agreements and contracts.
• Issues release to work orders.
• Maintains, updates and compiles detailed data, reports, summaries, files, records, logs, statistics or specific contracts including procurement documents and revisions; writes routine and unique correspondence.
• Meets with project managers to identify objectives, needs and issues concerning project contracts.
• Prepares cost analysis studies for contracts.

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.

Experience: 1 year 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.

Substitutions

• Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis.
• Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Supervisory Experience

No supervisory experience required.

Other Conditions

• May require certification as Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and/or Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) per Texas Administrative Code or may be exempt from certification requirement per Texas Gov Code Sec 2262.002 b, as determined by hiring manager.
• Preferences related to Education and/or Certifications may be included on job postings.

Competencies

• Applicable computer operating systems and relevant applications
• Auditing and investigative methods, practices and procedures
• Contract development and oversight
• Contract negotiation, development and management methods
• Contract writing and specifications
• Contract administration/management systems
• Contract record keeping
• Maintaining effective working relationships with others
• Writing, reviewing and revising documents to include engineering notes, specifications, standards and procedures
• Collecting, sorting and compiling data
• Analyzing and organizing business and technical data
• Administrative support practices and procedures to include writing, editing and report writing techniques, recording meeting notes, record keeping and records management

Physical Requirements

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: includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading.

Benefits and Perks

• 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

Legal Notice

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 Act of 1990.