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 provide technical and contract support for the statewide Materials Management Program. This is a full-time, AFSCME represented position with a potential for extension.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and contract support for the statewide Materials Management Program, including complex procurement processes, contract negotiations, establishment of grantmaking procedures, 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.
• Assist program staff in the full range of contract processes, including issues related to complex funding sources, high risk contracts and agreements, grants, and contracts requiring modified terms and/or unique conditions.
• Evaluate contract risks and assist in the development of terms to minimize risk.
• Work closely with the Procurement Manager and any Designated Procurement Officer (DPO) to develop new guidelines, policies, procedures, and training to staff, coordinating with other government entities as needed.

Requirements

• 5 years procurement and contract experience, including development and administration of standard contracts, agreements, and/or solicitations.
• Bachelor’s degree may substitute for 3 of the required years of experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for 4 of the required years of experience.
• Doctorate degree may substitute for 5 of the required years of experience.

Desired Attributes

• Demonstrated experience and personal commitment to building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive culture where all team members feel empowered to contribute.
• Extensive experience with a wide variety of contract processes, including issues related to complex funding sources, high risk contracts and agreements, grants, and contracts requiring modified terms and/or unique conditions.
• 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 to achieve shared procurement goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to use tact, diplomacy, and good judgment to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse colleagues and contractors, sometimes in stressful situations, and often to ensure compliance with laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to apply the Materials Management Program’s strategic vision for reducing the environmental and social impacts of materials, and incorporate it into procurements.
• 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, in both virtual and in-person formats.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee and their qualified family members.
• Paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
• Opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Working Conditions

• Based out of DEQ’s Portland office; eligible for hybrid work.
• Occasional travel on official State business for meetings, conferences, trainings, vendor visits, and public hearings.
• Requires occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.