Contract Specialist III/ IV/ V (TP&D)

About the role

Performs highly complex contract duties including developing, analyzing, evaluating, reviewing, processing, ensuring applicable compliance, inspecting, implementing, and/or monitoring contracts. Work requires extensive contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Responsibilities

• Assists in researching and making recommendations concerning contract administration systems.
• Assists with contract negotiations and recommending policy and/or procedure changes and solutions.
• Makes presentations at local, state, and federal levels.
• Researches state and federal statutes and opinions, Department policies, and previous contracts.
• Reviews contracts, amendments, subcontracts, procurement documents, change orders, work orders, supplemental agreements, time extensions, acceptance testing, and consultant qualifications.
• Assists in receiving payments, preparing deposit vouchers, and entering data in an automated information management system.
• Audits payment invoices for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with terms of contract and governmental contracting rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Confers with legal staff and management on various legal matters.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Contract Specialist IV (in addition to above)

• Acts as a liaison with Regional Mobility Authorities, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, districts, divisions, and other state Department of Transportation agencies concerning contract administration systems.
• Analyzes and interprets legislation, statutes, federal regulations, and coordinates the development of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Department and governmental regulations.
• Inspects and reviews contracts for compliance with certification requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Develops, writes, revises, and/or prepares complex contracts, amendments, procedures, forms, related documents and provisions, financial/statistical graphs, and reports.

Contract Specialist V (in addition to above)

• Develops, writes, revises, and/or prepares highly complex contracts, amendments, procedures, forms, related documents and provisions, financial/statistical graphs, and reports.
• Monitors contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contract and policies; recommends cancellation of contracts when deviations occur.
• May serve as a lead worker by serving as a resource for complex questions; presenting workflow and operational updates to the supervisor/manager; providing input on team members’ career conversations; and approving leave requests to ensure operations coverage.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
• Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year-per-year basis.

Experience

• Contract Specialist III: 3 years in contract administration, administrative support, bookkeeping, or accounting. Related graduate-level education may be substituted for experience on a year-per-year basis.
• Contract Specialist IV: 4 years in contract administration, administrative support, bookkeeping, or accounting. Related graduate-level education may be substituted for experience on a year-per-year basis.
• Contract Specialist V: 5 years in contract administration, administrative support, bookkeeping, or accounting. Related graduate-level education may be substituted for experience on a year-per-year basis.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver’s license.
• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certifications.

Skills

Contract Specialist III

• Applicable computer operating systems and relevant applications.
• Auditing and investigative methods, practices, and procedures.
• Generally accepted accounting principles, procedures, and terminology.
• Contract record-keeping and billing procedures.
• Contract development and oversight.
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting policies and state and federal laws and regulations specific to functional area.
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external.
• Prioritizing and organizing work assignments.
• Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems.

Contract Specialist IV (in addition to above)

• Contract negotiation, development, and management methods.
• Contract writing and specification.
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Legal terminology.
• Developing, interpreting, and implementing policies, procedures, and technical information.
• Analyzing, organizing, and communicating business and technical data.

Contract Specialist V (in addition to above)

• Analyzing business, technical, and managerial problems and developing, recommending, and implementing effective solutions.
• Persuasion and negotiation of critical issues.
• Monitoring contracts and procedures.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools.
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs.
• Standing for prolonged periods of time.
• Repetitive motion involving substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Close visual acuity for work including data/figures, viewing a computer screen, and extensive reading.

Location

TxDOT's Odessa District in Odessa, TX.

Benefits

• Retirement Plans.
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules.
• Paid Leave and Holidays.
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees.
• On-the-Job Training.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives.
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities.
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs.

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of its offices statewide are designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites.