Contract Specialist I, II, III or IV (Operations)

TxDOT’s Odessa District office is seeking a Contract Specialist I/II/III or IV to join our Operations team. In this role, you will play a crucial part in developing, analyzing, and reviewing contracts to ensure compliance and optimal execution. You will work independently on a variety of assignments while engaging extensively with division and district personnel to facilitate smooth operations.

If you have a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of contract regulations, we want to hear from you!

At TxDOT we value employee work-life-balance. In keeping with our commitment to this value our employees benefit from a wide array of programs and activities that include flexed and compressed work schedules, wellness leave incentive, career development programs, tuition assistance, and various other benefits.

The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant’s work experience, education, skill level and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• 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 our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Contract Specialist I:

Performs contract duties to include developing, analyzing, evaluating, reviewing, processing, ensuring applicable compliance, inspecting, implementing and/or monitoring contracts. Work requires extensive contact with division and district personnel. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Contract Specialist II:

Performs complex contract duties to include developing, analyzing, evaluating, reviewing, processing, ensuring applicable compliance, inspecting, implementing and/or monitoring contracts. Work requires extensive contact with governmental officials, division and district personnel. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Contract Specialist III:

Performs highly complex contract duties to include 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.

Contract Specialist IV:

Performs advanced contract duties to include 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.

Essential Duties:

Contract Specialist I:

• Assists in developing plans for implementing new contract evaluation requirements.
• Assists in developing, writing or revising contracts, amendments, procedures, forms, related documents and provisions.
• Assists in monitoring contractors' insurance certificates.
• Assists in printing, collating, preparing documents and/or binding contracts/manuals for distribution.

• Assists in researching state and federal statutes and opinions, Department policies and previous contracts.

   

• Conducts audits, researches and identifies problems with proposals, contracts, contractors or lettings and proposes solutions.
• Executes agreements and contracts.
• Prepares bid proposals including researching previous contracts, writing specifications, advertising notice to bid; contacting bid list contractors; scheduling and conducting pre-construction/pre-bidding conferences and public bid openings.
• Reviews contracts, amendments, subcontracts, procurement documents, change orders, work orders, supplemental agreements, time extensions, acceptance testing and consultant qualifications.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned. 

Contract Specialist II:

Same as above plus:

• Reviews, interprets and clarifies statutes, regulations, standard policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Department and governmental regulations.

Contract Specialist III:

Same as above plus:

• Assists in researching and making recommendations concerning contract administration systems.
• Assists with recommending policy and/or procedure changes and solutions.
• May serve as a lead worker and the related tasks.

• Researches state and federal statutes and opinions, Department policies and previous contracts.

   

Contract Specialist IV:

Same as above plus:

• May serve as a lead worker and the related tasks.
• Provides technical and administrative support to include reviewing, processing, answers questions, provides assistance and handles complaints and resolution of discrepancies and problems regarding contracts, billing, payment and warrant actions.
• Reviews, interprets and clarifies statutes, regulations, standard policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Department and governmental regulations.
• Serves on project, partnering or continuous improvement teams. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Contract Specialist I - IV:

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. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Contract Specialist I:

Experience: 1 year 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 II:

Experience: 2 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 III:

Experience: 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:

Experience: 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.

Licenses and Certifications: 

Contract Specialist I - IV:

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

• Cert TX Contract Mrg (CTMC)

• Cert Tx Contract Dev (CTCD)

Competencies:

Contract Specialist I:

Considerable knowledge of:

• Applicable computer operating systems and relevant applications

• Auditing and investigative methods, practices and procedures

• Contract development and oversight

Some knowledge of:

• Methods and procedures used in building maintenance and repair

Proficient skill in:

• Writing, reviewing and revising documents to include engineering notes, specifications, standards and procedures

• Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others

• Administrative support practices and procedures to include writing, editing and report writing techniques, recording meeting notes, record keeping and record management

• Preparing correspondence/documents using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation, proofreading and reviewing documents for clarity and consistency

• Preparing and maintaining confidential and sensitive records, files, and reports

• Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems

Contract Specialist II:

Same as above plus:

Some skill in:

• Developing and giving presentations

Contract Specialist III:

Same as above plus:

Extensive knowledge of:

• Auditing and investigative methods, practices and procedures

• Contract record-keeping

Considerable knowledge of:

• Contract development and oversight

• Contract writing and specifications

• Contract administration/management systems

• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations

Expert skill in: 

• Administrative support practices and procedures to include writing, editing and report writing techniques, recording meeting notes, record keeping and record management

Proficient skill in:

• Developing and giving presentations

• Writing, reviewing and revising documents to include engineering notes, specifications, standards and procedures

• Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others

• Monitoring contracts and procedures

Contract Specialist IV:

Extensive knowledge of:

• Contract development and oversight

• Contract writing and specifications

• Contract administration/management systems

• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations

• Auditing and investigative methods, practices and procedures

Expert skill in: 

• Administrative support practices and procedures to include writing, editing and report writing techniques, recording meeting notes, record keeping and record management

Proficient skill in:

• Analyzing business, technical, and managerial problems and developing, recommending, and implementing effective solutions

• Writing, reviewing and revising documents to include engineering notes, specifications, standards and procedures

• Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others

• Developing and giving presentations

• Monitoring contracts and procedures

Other Attributes: 

• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions, make decisions that support business objectives and goals

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Contract Specialist I - IV:

• 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-prolonged periods of time
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• Required to work weekends and holidays.
• Required to work hours other than 8 to 5.
• Required to work under exposure to inclement weather conditions.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment provided by employer and comply with all safety requirements.
• Must attend work regularly and observe approved work hours.

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category. 

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information