Contracts Specialist 1 – Rail, Freight & Ports

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid remote work options

Paid holidays

Paid vacation days (up to 25)

Tuition assistance

State employee benefits and retirement

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Contracts Specialist 1 to provide contracts, agreements, grant management, process expertise, and administrative support for the Rail, Freight and Ports (RFP) Division.

You will support contracts and grants throughout their lifecycle, coordinate federal grant applications and reporting, assist with procurement activities, and work closely with WSDOT staff, government agencies, grantees, industry partners, and other

Qualifications

• Demonstrates working knowledge and experience administering state and/or government contracts and agreements.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical and equitable standards, sound judgment, and handling of confidential information.
• Active growth mindset with a willingness to learn and adapt.
• Willingness to take initiative to meet needs of others and support team goals.
• Knowledge of federal grant application processes, grant administration and oversight, and project delivery and planning.
• Familiarity with laws, rules and regulations governing federal and state procurements, grants, contracts, and agreements.
• Clear communication with diverse audiences; ability to facilitate meetings and present to stakeholders.
• Proficiency in producing and reviewing technical documents; proficient with Excel, Word, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
• Attention to detail and adherence to state and federal requirements; ability to ensure compliance.
• Experience supporting project administration, including scope, schedule, budget, and risk considerations.

Responsibilities

• Support administration of contracts, agreements, and grants throughout their lifecycle.
• Monitor contract performance, review invoices, track milestones, and assist with contract closeout.
• Maintain contracts and grants data in databases and filing systems, including SharePoint.
• Coordinate grant calls, applicant review, scoring, and compliance activities.
• Coordinate with staff, grant recipients, and stakeholders on administrative processes and reporting.
• Coordinate federal grant applications including development, submission, and monitoring.
• Coordinate required reporting with agencies and external stakeholders.
• Support procurement activities, review procurements for compliance, and maintain files.
• Provide backup support to the Contracts and Federal Compliance Lead; prepare meeting summaries.

Skills

Contracts & Agreements

Ethics & Equity

Growth Mindset

Service-Oriented

Grants & Contract Agreements

Laws, Rules & Regulations

Communication & Collaboration

Correspondence & Comprehension

Compliance & Attention to Detail

Project Management

Tools

SharePoint

Microsoft Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award‑winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a Contracts Specialist 1 to provide contracts, agreements, grant management, process expertise, and administrative support for the Rail, Freight and Ports (RFP) Division. You will support contracts and grants throughout their lifecycle, coordinate federal grant applications and reporting, assist with procurement activities, and work closely with WSDOT staff, government agencies, grantees, industry partners, and other stakeholders. Your attention to detail and ability to navigate policies and requirements will help ensure RFP programs are well‑managed, compliant, and moving forward.

This position helps support safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options that strengthen communities and economic vitality across Washington.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Support the administration of architectural and engineering, construction, consultant, interagency, professional services, and other contracts, agreements, and grants throughout their lifecycle.
• Monitor contract performance and deliverables, review invoices and supporting documentation, track milestones and dates, and support contract closeout.

• Maintain contracts, agreements, and grants information in databases, financial systems, filing and archival systems, and SharePoint.
• Coordinate grant calls for projects, including applicant review, documentation, scoring, and compliance activities.
• Coordinate with WSDOT staff, grant recipients, and stakeholders regarding administrative processes, performance monitoring, and required reporting.
• Coordinate federal grant applications, including development and quality review of application materials, submission, and monitoring.
• Coordinate required and ad hoc reporting with WSDOT staff, federal and state agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Support division procurement activities, review assigned procurements for compliance, maintain procurement files, and facilitate related documentation and processing.
• Provide backup support to the Contracts and Federal Compliance Lead, participate in meetings, prepare meeting summaries, collaborate with subject matter experts and staff, and support records retention requirements.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Contracts & Agreements: Demonstrates working knowledge and experience administering state and/or government contracts and agreements.
• Ethics & Equity: Demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical and equitable standards, sound judgment, and appropriate handling of confidential or sensitive information.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Grants & Contract Agreements: Demonstrates knowledge of federal grant application processes, grant administration and oversight, agreement administration, and project delivery and planning agreements.
• Laws, Rules & Regulations: Demonstrates knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations applicable to federal and state procurements, grants, contracts, and agreements.
• Communication & Collaboration: Communicates clearly with diverse audiences, including government agencies, internal and external stakeholders, and partners; facilitates meetings and delivers presentations.
• Correspondence & Comprehension: Produces and reviews clear technical documents, correspondence, reports, and other written materials; demonstrates proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
• Compliance & Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy, follows state and federal requirements, and applies applicable federal processes.
• Project Management: Supports project administration by applying scope, schedule, budget, and risk considerations and identifying opportunities to improve processes and efficiency.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Rail Industry Contracts: Familiarity or direct contract experience involving Amtrak, railroads, or rail vendors.
• Federal Transportation Requirements: Familiarity or direct contract experience involving U.S. Department of Transportation laws and regulations.
• SharePoint & Document Collaboration: Familiarity or direct experience using SharePoint tools, document collaboration, and related systems.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options and may work remote up to 100% per supervisor approval, with the ability to attend infrequent meetings.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union‑represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non‑represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full‑time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05632 in the subject line.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.