DOT Procurement Officer III

Maryland Department of Transportation; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A state transportation agency in Maryland is seeking a Procurement Officer III to oversee complex procurement processes. The role requires a bachelor’s degree and three years of procurement experience, focusing on strategic commodities and compliance with state procurement laws. Candidates with strong negotiation and analytical skills are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Three years of professional public sector procurement experience.
• Experience in conducting complete Competitive Sealed Proposals from solicitation through award.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee complex procurement processes including IFBs and RFPs.
• Prepare and manage high-risk procurements.
• Provide expert guidance throughout the procurement lifecycle.

Skills

Knowledge of COMAR Title 21

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

FMIS/EPICS

eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA)

Job description

Overview

OPEN RECRUITMENT — Open Until Filled. The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is recruiting for a Procurement Officer III to support Procurement Managers, the Deputy Director of Procurement, and the Director of Procurement in executing procurement functions for the TSO Office of Procurement. The DOT Procurement Officer III plays a key role in advancing MDOT’s business objectives and initiatives, acquiring a wide range of transportation-related resources including equipment, construction materials, general supplies, and information technology equipment and services to support MDOT’s mission.

MDOT has various careers for people of all experiences, backgrounds, and abilities who come together to contribute to one mission—connecting our customers to life’s opportunities. Join us in serving our Maryland residents, visitors, and businesses!

Responsibilities

• Overseeing all aspects of complex and multi-phase procurement processes, including Invitations for Bid (IFB) and complex Requests for Proposal (RFP).
• Preparing and managing procurements for high-risk, strategic, and complex commodities, including IT systems, specialized equipment, materials, and services.
• Conducting expert-level reviews and analysis of specialized procurement issues.
• Reviewing and approving procurement documentation to ensure clarity, completeness, and compliance.
• Providing expert guidance and oversight throughout the procurement lifecycle, including participation in pre-bid/pre-proposal meetings and consultation with procurement staff.
• Adhere to state procurement laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

This position will provide assistance and support to the Chief Procurement Officer, Director of Procurement, Deputy Director of Procurement, and the Procurement Managers.

The current vacancy exists at MDOT TSO in the Office of Procurement which is located in Hanover, Maryland (Anne Arundel County). This position may allow a hybrid work schedule, including telework and on-site work hours.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three (3) years of professional public sector procurement, or private sector contracting experience, including activities such as soliciting, evaluating, negotiating and awarding contracts, advertising procurement opportunities, distributing specifications to vendors, coordinating bidder evaluation committees, conducting vendor debriefings, monitoring contract performance, eProcurement management, professional certification or procurement business operations.

Selective Qualification: Three (3) years of professional experience conducting complete Competitive Sealed Proposals from solicitation through award. This selective qualification is more focused in scope than the minimum qualifications and no substitutions are allowed for this qualification.

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Knowledge of COMAR Title 21, as well as applicable Maryland State procurement laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of or experience with the State of Maryland Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s DBE Program, the VSBE Program, and/or the Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program.
• Experience utilizing FMIS/EPICS and the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) system.
• Experience in the procurement of materials and goods, including negotiation, purchase order administration, and assistance in contractor/vendor performance management.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and management skills applicable to the procurement operations of a State agency.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute one year of experience in ensuring appropriate and consistent enterprise-wide interpretation of and compliance with enterprise-level procurement laws, regulations, policies, and procedures for the required education.
2. Candidates may substitute certification as a Certified Purchasing Manager, Certified Professional Contracts Manager, Certified Public Procurement Officer, or Certified Professional Public Buyer for the required education.
3. Candidates may substitute professional contract management experience or professional procurement experience, on a year-for-year basis, for the required education.
4. Candidates may substitute a JD or MBA for two years of the required experience.
5. Candidates may substitute US Armed Forces contracting or logistics experience on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties requiring the operation of a motor vehicle and must possess a Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license.

To Apply

You must complete an MDOT employment application (DTS-1) online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for the MDOT employment application. No paper applications will be accepted.

Selected candidates may be subject to background and reference checks. You may apply online at a government jobs site (no direct link provided in this refined description).

Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for qualified individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request. MD Relay Service Number (711). Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. The Maryland Department of Transportation is not sponsoring new H-1B visa holders at this time due to budgetary constraints. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. will be required to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service (e.g., NACES or WES).

The incumbent in this position may be a member of a covered bargaining unit.

Equal Opportunity Employer. MDOT does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Issue Date: 10/1/2025