Contract Management Specialist II - Austin Water

austintexas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Water is seeking a Contract Management Specialist to oversee contract monitoring, spot buying, and bid preparation. You will manage contractor performance, analyze expenditures, and coordinate contract modifications within a public utility framework.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree with 2 years of related experience, knowledge of contract law, and strong communication skills. This is a City of Austin role with a focus on compliance and procurement excellence.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of contract law, contracting practices regulations, policies and techniques.
• Knowledge of contract language, terms, conditions etc.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develops and manages requirements for contracts or grants for effectiveness by monitoring budgeted amounts to expended amount and/or contract's dollar balance and time remaining.
• Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information regarding contractor performance, supply chain effectiveness, contract expenditures, purchase history, etc.
• Monitors supply chain by reviewing status of selected materials, identifying problems and recommending and/or implementing solutions.
• Provides technical and contractual assistance by developing, advertising, coordinating and conducting workshops, training sessions and orientation sessions.

Skills

Contract law

Contract language

Oral & written comms

Data analysis

Problem solving

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Public Administration

Job description

About This Position

ABOUT AUSTIN WATER: For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up—we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general supervision, performs contract compliance activities for assigned contracts or grants.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Performs spot buying by placing orders off of existing contracts and by soliciting and awarding informal quotes (per Central Purchasing policy limitations).

• Prepares for bid process by gathering contract requirements from designated departmental liaisons, deciding appropriate commodities or scope of work to include on a contract bid, recommending and preparing effective supplemental terms and conditions, specifications and drafting purchase documents for bid.

• Develops and maintains contract database(s) spreadsheets and/or other contract management software tools. Enters data into the system of record and generates approval documents to support purchases. Establishes budgeted base and resolves variances. Submits and/or coordinates submission of requisitions, evaluates bid files and prepares recommendations for award.

• Develops and manages requirements for contracts or grants for effectiveness by monitoring budgeted amounts to expended amount and/or contract's dollar balance and time remaining, recommending whether to extend an existing contract or prepare for a new bid process, processing contract modifications and performing contract releasing activities.

• Manages contractor and subcontractor performance for compliance to contract terms and conditions by monitoring contractor performance which includes but not limited to inspecting product to ensure compliance with specifications, preparing and discussing contractor performance evaluations with the contractor and/or departmental liaison, and resolving contractual issues.

• Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information regarding contractor performance, supply chain effectiveness, contract expenditures, purchase history, etc., for reporting to management, team members and customers.

• Monitors supply chain by reviewing status of selected materials, identifying problems and recommending and/or implementing solutions. Coordinating product demonstrations.

• Provides technical and contractual assistance by developing, advertising, coordinating and conducting workshops, training sessions and orientation sessions.

• Conducts and/or coordinates site visits to educate contractors and subcontractors about contract requirements, to conduct interviews with contract workers, to obtain payroll records for audit purposes and/or to inspect products to ensure compliance with contract requirements.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of contract law, contracting practices regulations, policies and techniques.

• Knowledge of contract language, terms, conditions etc.

• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws.

• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.

• Skill in using computers and related software applications.

• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.

• Skill in planning and organizing.

• Ability to evaluate contractor performance.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.

• Ability to write specific terms or conditions for contracts.

• Ability to resolve non‑complex contractual problems.

• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Business Administration, Public Administration or other relevant field, plus two (2) years of related experience.

• Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a utility, municipality or other similarly regulated entity; and professional experience and knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, and policies

• Experience with purchasing, contract management, contract monitoring, and contract compliance

• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to make appropriate decisions independently

• Effective written and verbal communication skills with internal and external customers and vendors

• Ability to take initiative

• Ability to travel to more than one work location

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview: The Contract Management Specialist is responsible for contract monitoring/management and the overall procurement process. Responsible for preparing solicitation documents, gathering contract requirements, developing a scope of work, and performing spot buying.

Pay Range: $56,070.00 - $67,570.00

Position(s) will be filled at the following location: Waller Creek Center – 625 E. 10th Street, 78701

Days and Hours: 7:00am to 4:00pm or other hours as required or needed for emergencies

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.

• Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.

• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.

• A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.

Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin's Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty‑six (36) months.

Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the City of Austin Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Critical Employee: This position has been designated as critical for the City of Austin. Critical positions are necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. Work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees may be reassigned to another area to provide essential services to support any extraordinary situations or emergency conditions.

• All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.

• Austin Water will review all secondary employment.

• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.

90-day Provision: This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department.

All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer— we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles— Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity— that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.