Contract Specialist (HRCM) (VA)

Austin Community College; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Certifications

Rotational assignments

Job summary

Austin Community College is seeking a Contract Specialist for the Army Fellows Program, which offers an accelerated career path in government contracting. Responsibilities include developing procurement plans, monitoring compliance, and administering contracts. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by June 2026. This position entails significant training opportunities, and selectees must meet various employment conditions, including obtaining necessary security clearances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree must be completed by June 2026.
• One year of specialized experience in contract management.
• Knowledge of procurement principles.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing procurement plans.
• Determine appropriate methods of procurement.
• Administer contracts and monitor compliance.

Skills

Procurement planning

Contract administration

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 judgement, utilizing judgement 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.

Conditions of Employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Must sign a mobility agreement if selected.
• Must sign an Army Fellows Participant Agreement if selected.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre‑Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• This position requires you to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) or a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) upon entry, and annually thereafter.
• This is an Army Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Workforce position. Selectee must meet position requirements for Contracting certification within 36 months as of entrance on duty.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• If selected, official college or university transcripts must be submitted. However, unofficial transcripts must be submitted at the time of application.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Requirement for Contract Specialist:

Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) 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 (or equivalent)‑1102 on or before September 30, 2000.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below.

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 which 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. Superior Academic Achievement is based on: (1) Class Standing – Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class; (2) Grade‑Point Average (G.P.A.) – Applicants must have a grade‑point average of either 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 or 3.5 or higher based on major fields; (3) Honor Society Membership – Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic 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. NOTE: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate coursework was taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your S.A.A. claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society and you must provide evidence of your class standing or honor society membership with your application.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/