Senior Contract Specialist (Procurement & Contract Specialist 3)

About the role

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks a Senior Contract Specialist (Procurement & Contract Specialist 3) to support the Materials Management Program in Portland, Oregon. This is a limited-duration position for 24 months with potential extension or conversion to permanent status contingent upon budget and legislative approval.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and contract support for the statewide Materials Management Program, including complex procurement processes, contract negotiations, and grant agreements.
• Serve as the Procurement section liaison to the Materials Management Program and act as an expert in various types of contracts, agreements, and grants.
• Evaluate contract risks and assist in the development of terms to minimize risk.
• Ensure appropriate solicitation and contracting methods are used.
• Develop new guidelines, policies, procedures, and training for staff, coordinating with other government entities as needed.

Requirements

• 5 years procurement and contract experience, including development and administration of standard contracts, agreements, and solicitations.
• Bachelor’s degree may substitute for 3 years of experience, Master’s degree for 4 years, Doctorate degree for 5 years.
• Demonstrated experience and personal commitment to building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive culture.
• Extensive experience with a wide variety of contract processes, including complex funding sources, high-risk contracts, grants, and contracts requiring modified terms.
• Experience evaluating contract risks and developing terms to minimize those risks.
• Experience ensuring appropriate solicitation and contracting methods are used.
• Extensive experience researching and applying appropriate state and federal procurement laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Extensive experience preparing grants and awards from federal sources.
• Procurement and contract experience with the State of Oregon.
• Oregon Procurement Basic Certification (OPBC) and/or UPPCC Certified Professional Public Buyer certification preferred.
• Excellent collaboration skills and ability to coordinate effectively with program subject matter experts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse colleagues and contractors, sometimes in stressful situations.
• Ability to use critical thinking and analytical skills to form independent judgment, initiative, and decision-making; ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

Qualifications

• Passionate about Oregon's environment.
• Strong background in procurement and contract support.
• Experience with complex funding sources and high-risk contracts.
• Knowledge of federal procurement laws and procedures.
• Ability to develop and implement new guidelines and policies.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Skills

• Procurement and contract management.
• Grant writing and award preparation.
• Contract negotiation and risk assessment.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays per year. Additionally, employees have the opportunity to join the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Pay

The non-PERS qualifying salary range for this position is [insert salary range here]. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95% (6% goes to PERS and .95% covers payroll taxes).

Schedule

This position is full-time and is based out of DEQ’s Portland office. The successful candidate may be eligible for hybrid work, with the logistics of hybrid work determined by the Hiring Manager prior to hire and may be changed at any time given specific job duties and business needs.