Contracting & Procurement Officer

This position is located in the Administrative Services Division - Procurement - Finance Section in Oklahoma City. All applicants must be able to pass a background check and must be able to legally work within the United States. DEQ does not allow sponsorship for those on an H1B visa. This position requires in-office work Monday - Friday. There is no remote work allowed.

Application Requirements: All applicants must upload a resume, a transcript (if applicable), and CPO Certification to be considered for this position.

About the Role

This position is required to meet the procurement and contract management needs of the agency. Without this position, such functions will not be met in the most effective or efficient manner possible.

Responsibilities

• Performs the assigned duties of a procurement specialist, including the lifecycle of the procurement process: planning, managing, and purchasing goods and services from external suppliers and sources, evaluating and negotiating contracts, and purchase orders.
• Performs the assigned duties of a purchasing specialist, which may include placing orders for goods and services, selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, monitoring supplier performance, and maintaining good relationships with suppliers.
• Drafts and reviews specifications and requisitions developed by other divisions of the agency; determines method of acquisition.
• Maintains bidder lists, product and services information, supplier information, and acquisition records.
• Conducts bidder conferences and bid openings; tabulates and evaluates bids; recommends awards; mediates disputes.
• Makes recommendations to management concerning products and services and available sources of supply.
• Performs the duties of a contract specialist, including negotiating, writing, monitoring contractor compliance with all state and federal regulations and agency policies, evaluating contracts, monitoring contractor expenditures, reviewing, validating, and/or approving invoices/claims, and ensuring timely submission of reports.
• Advises agency personnel on departmental rules, Central Purchasing regulations, and laws; provides technical guidance and training to agency staff and vendors.
• Represents the agency at public and private sector meetings to explain the functions, procedures, and legal guidelines concerning state purchases and contracts.
• Acts as liaison to Central Purchasing.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Requirements

• Level I: Three years of technical clerical work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Level II: Three years of technical clerical work and one year of technical experience in contracting and/or procurement; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting 30 semester hours for each year of the technical clerical work only.
• CPO Level I Certification (must be obtained within the first six months of employment for Level I).
• CPO Level II Certification (must be obtained within the first six months of employment for Level II).
• Possession of a valid Oklahoma driver’s license at the time of appointment.
• Capable of effectively and diplomatically communicating (both verbal and written) with DEQ and other agency personnel, and with the public.
• Capable of using DEQ standard software (Office 365, OnBase, PeopleSoft, etc.), the Internet, and other software as necessary or be willing to train in areas where not proficient.
• Willing to participate in training to continually enhance work skills, especially as upgrades to various software applications are required.
• Exhibit positive responsiveness with assigned tasks and newly identified projects.
• Willing to learn how to perform the tasks of other employees to serve in that capacity during their absences.
• Willing to change work schedule to work weekends, off hours, holidays, and extended hours if needed.

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally lifting/carrying 75 pounds, 25 pounds frequently.
• Able to push and pull a maximum force of 40 pounds and lift and hold overhead up to 40 pounds.
• Other work will be in an office environment with computer and telephone use.

Pay

Hiring Rates:

• Level I: $57,428.80
• Level II: $63,294.40

Benefits

• Generous leave including 15 days of vacation, 15 days of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.
• A comprehensive benefit package with a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.