Contract Specialist

Southern Arkansas University; Alabama; On-site; USD 50,460 - 73,731; Full time

Job summary

Southern Arkansas University is seeking a Contract Specialist for the Army Fellows Program, emphasizing career development in procurement. The role involves developing procurement plans, responding to inquiries, and ensuring compliance with contracts. Candidates must be U.S. citizens with a bachelor's degree completed by June 2026, or relevant specialized experience. Attractive salary range and opportunities for training are offered, creating a robust pathway to a civilian career with the Army.

Qualifications

• US Citizens may apply.
• Degree must be completed by June 2026.
• One year of specialized experience in procurement or contracts.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing procurement plans and coordinating procurement actions.
• Respond to queries from organizations and prospective offerors.
• Monitor compliance and administer contracts.

Skills

Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Interpersonal Skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Job description

About the Position

The Army Fellows Program provides an exciting opportunity to embark on a developmental, accelerated career path as an Army Civilian including continued training and educational opportunities, with no military obligation. Fellows may also receive paid training, certifications, and rotational assignments. Don't wait! Apply now to start your Civilian Army career today!

1st Year Salary $50,460-$73,731

2nd Year Salary $61,722-$90,190

3rd Year Salary $74,678-$109,122

Duties

• Assist in developing procurement plans and coordinating procurement actions with customers and support offices.
• Assist in determining the appropriate method of procurement.
• Assist in recommending courses of action with adequate analysis and sound judgment, utilizing judgment to recognize situations not covered by instruction.
• Respond to queries from organizations and prospective offerors.
• Monitor compliance and technical information.
• Assist in administering contracts with a focus on various key areas, such as protests, claims, disputes, terminations, contract financing, and bankruptcy priorities.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

Basic Requirement for Contract Specialist

Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees. Degree must be completed by June 2026.

OR

Exemption

• You are exempt from the education requirements above if (A) you are a current civilian employee in DoD who occupied GS-1102 positions or contracting positions with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold in an Executive Department on or before September 30 , 2000; or (B) you are a current military member who occupied a similar occupational specialty to the GS‑1102 on or before September 30 , 2000.

Additional Qualification Requirements

Specialized Experience:

• One year of specialized experience which includes assisting in preparing bid proposals; or, assisting in awarding contracts and/or subcontracts; or, assisting in administering conditions of contracts; or, assisting in evaluating contract terminations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS‑05).

OR

Education: One full year of graduate level education (or will have completed one full year by June 2026) in a field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as Business, Communications, Computers and Math, Engineering and Technology, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Languages and Humanities, Education, or Healthcare Administration.

OR

Superior Academic Achievement: Successful completion (or will complete by June 2026) of all the requirements for a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement. In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, such as that identified in Education above. Superior Academic Achievement is based on:

• Class Standing – Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
• Grade‑Point Average (G.P.A.) – Applicants must have a grade‑point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (“B” or better) as recorded on the official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 (“B+” or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
• Honor Society Membership – Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies.

NOTE: Grade point averages will be rounded to one decimal point. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0, and 2.94 will round to 2.9.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be assessed on the following competencies:

• Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Flexibility
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Self‑Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

Required Documents

1. Your resume:

• Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
• For each relevant work experience, include the employer’s name, job title, start and end dates (month and year), number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that shows you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
• Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood.
• If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.

Note: If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered further.