Procurement & Contract Specialist II

Thurston County Government; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Flexible Work Schedules

Retirement Plan

Job summary

Thurston County Public Works in Olympia, WA is seeking a Procurement & Contract Specialist II to lead procurement activities for goods and services across public works, engineering, and infrastructure projects. The role emphasizes crafting solicitations, evaluating proposals, and negotiating contracts to achieve best value.

You will collaborate with departments to ensure compliance with Washington State purchasing rules, manage contract documents, and provide guidance on procurement standards.

Qualifications

• Experience with local government purchasing and contract administration.
• Familiarity with public works procurements and relevant regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for goods and services including planning, issuing solicitations, and evaluating proposals.
• Negotiate contract scope, terms, and costs; issue awards and maintain records.
• Advise departments on procurement processes, vendor selection, and risk management.
• Support contract administration, licensing, insurance, and compliance with requirements.

Skills

Procurement

Contract Administration

RFPs/RFIs/ITBs

Negotiation

Vendor Management

Regulatory Compliance

Job description

Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for a Procurement & Contract Specialist II to join our dynamic, energetic, and innovative Business Services team. The successful candidate will perform procurement activities and related contract development and administration for goods and services involving public works, technical and professional consulting, architectural and engineering consulting, construction, and infrastructure maintenance and repair.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintains expert knowledge of current regulatory requirements for local government purchasing, procurement, and contract administration in Washington State related to goods and services, including but not limited to those for public works, technical and professional consulting, architectural and engineering consulting, construction, and infrastructure maintenance and repair. May act as liaison with other departments, vendors, and regulatory agencies, as required.
• Works closely and collaboratively with various staff to develop and implement internal procedures for best practices in purchasing, procurement, and contract administration to ensure compliance with state and local policies and regulations.
• Responsible for procurement activities in support of departmental programs, such as planning, developing, issuing, advertising, and coordinating solicitations (e.g., RFPs, RFIs, ITBs); writing or assisting others with writing and editing scopes of work; and advising on structure of solicitations and determination of appropriate selection criteria and weighting. Leads the proposal evaluation and vendor selection process; negotiates or participates in negotiations of contract scope of work and associated costs; issues notices of award; and maintains all related documents and records.
• Negotiates, prepares, and maintains various contract mechanisms, such as service contracts; on-call contracts; contracts for materials, equipment, and supplies; change orders; contract amendments and memorandums of agreement. Ensures contract mechanisms are in compliance with departmental standards, local policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Provides direction, assistance, and training to department managers and staff on purchasing, procurement, and contract administration requirements and processes.
• Responsible for purchasing goods and services, including small purchases and larger purchases that involve complex procurement activities. Research state and local master contracts and other means to purchase goods and services in the most efficient manner to achieve the best value.
• Assists various users with contract administration. Provides oversight and recommendations to ensure contract specifications pertaining to licensing, permitting, insurance, bonds, and other requirements are met. Advises users of risks, upcoming expiration dates, and other contract-related issues. Works with department staff to address contract issues and corresponds with vendors to resolve disputes.

To view the full job classification, click here: Procurement and Contract Specialist II

Essential Personnel:

This position is considered to be an essential worker and may be required to work during non-business hours or closures in order to meet operational requirements and needs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Office setting in Thurston County, Washington.
• Schedule - Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via phone, in-person, and video with Thurston County staff and the public.

WHO WE ARE:

The Thurston County Public Works Department, located in Olympia, Washington, is a national award-winning agency in delivering quality projects to our community. Our mission is to provide excellent public services in all areas of our business. We actively help our staff develop and grow professionally, we bring together resources across divisions to achieve organizational goals, we are always ready to respond to community needs, and we are an American Public Works Association accredited agency, consistently meeting industry best practices benchmarks.

Our Core Values:

• Accountability - We take responsibility for our actions and the resulting outcomes.
• Customer Service - We provide our customers with the highest level of service and quality.
• Innovation - We strive to continuously improve processes, performance, and results.
• Safety - We demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to safety.
• Teamwork - We work together toward achieving a common recognized end.

Mission

To provide excellent public services in all areas of our business.

Vision

The premier public works organization, accountable and transparent in all services we provide to our community.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• 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.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program that allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Why you’ll love it here:

Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also