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Design & Construction Contracts Specialist

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Sound Transit

1mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid Level
  • Seattle

AI generated summary

  • You need a Bachelor's in a related field, 4 years of contract experience, strong communication skills, knowledge of procurement laws, and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.
  • You will manage procurement processes, analyze contracts, guide project teams, negotiate terms, resolve disputes, ensure compliance, and support contract closeout while promoting diversity and sustainability.

Requirements

  • Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Contract Management, Construction, or closely related field; and four years of experience in purchasing/contract services work, preferably in construction related contracting; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Required Knowledge and Skills:
  • Excellent customer service.
  • Ability to work within multiple teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively within internal departments and also outside agencies, consultants, contractors, and the public through presentations, outreach events, conferences, and other events.
  • Ability to use independent judgment and creativity to resolve most contractual issues while performing all functions independently.
  • Able to resolve complex issues involving external departments, or the public with support from Supervisor.
  • Working knowledge of procurement and contracting methods.
  • Understanding of the federal and state laws, rules and regulations for the procurement and administration of public works and Architectural & Engineering services for capital improvement projects.
  • Physical Demands / Work Environment:
  • Work is performed in a hybrid office environment.
  • The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze procurements to determine appropriate procurement approach while also serving as subject matter expert to department staff on procurement policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
  • Develop and manage the procurement process for architectural & engineering and public works projects including schedule, advertisement, pre-submittal/bid meeting, project site visit, evaluation, selection, negotiation, award, and execution while ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and internal policies and procedures.
  • Guide and assist project teams in the development of project scope, selection criteria, and scoring. Review and recommend changes to technical specifications to ensure compliance with federal, state laws, rules, regulations, and internal policies and procedures.
  • Analyze contract requirements, special provisions, terms and conditions to ensure compliance with appropriate laws, regulations, and policies and procedures.
  • Conduct responsive/responsibility reviews and use professional judgement in determining responsiveness.
  • Manage the negotiation process for architectural & engineering services including developing negotiation strategies, performing cost/price analyses, and negotiating contract terms and conditions.
  • Ensure contracts include agreed upon terms, conditions, costs, and other required items and execute between all parties. Ensure contract files include all essential documentation and the file is accurate and complete for audit purposes.
  • Execute contracts and change orders within the established delegated authority for the Contracts Specialist position.
  • Debrief unsuccessful submitters and respond to all protests and public disclosure requests.
  • Provide guidance to project team members and the contractor or consultant on contractual terms and conditions, applicable federal, state, and local requirements, and internal policies and procedures.
  • Resolve minor contractual disputes between Sound Transit and the consultant or contractor.
  • Manage change order process and ensure change orders comply with all federal and state regulations as well as internal policies and procedures. Regularly attend change management meetings.
  • Ensure invoices are compliant with contract terms and conditions prior to payment.
  • Manage contract close out functions in accordance with contractual requirements and state law.
  • Assist advanced professional level positions on alternative public works for capital improvement projects.
  • Ensure internal database information is current, accurate, and updated in a timely manner.
  • Create, prepare, review, and present reports as requested.
  • Provide support to the division on matters as directed.
  • Serve on internal and external committees, attend and participate in professional group meetings, and maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to the Procurement and Contracts Division.
  • Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
  • Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
  • It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
  • It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
  • Other duties as assigned.

FAQs

What is the salary range for the Design & Construction Contracts Specialist position?

The salary range is $55K to $130K, with a midpoint of $85K. New hires typically receive between the minimum and midpoint, though we may offer slightly higher based on experience, internal equity, and market conditions.

What benefits are offered to employees?

Sound Transit offers a competitive benefits package, including health benefits, long-term disability and life insurance, an employee assistance program, retirement plans, paid time off, parental leave, pet insurance, ORCA card provision, and tuition reimbursement.

What are the paid time off policies?

Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually, with increases at four, eight, and twelve years of service. Additionally, employees enjoy 12 paid holidays, up to 2 paid floating holidays, and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.

What are the educational requirements for this position?

A bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Contract Management, Construction, or a closely related field is required, along with four years of experience in purchasing/contract services work, preferably in construction-related contracting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Is experience in construction-related contracting required?

While not strictly required, experience in construction-related contracting is preferred and can be valuable for the role.

What key skills are necessary for this role?

Essential skills include excellent customer service, effective communication, independent judgment, creativity in resolving contractual issues, knowledge of procurement and contracting methods, and understanding federal and state laws relevant to procurement and public works.

How is the work environment structured?

The work is performed in a hybrid office environment, promoting flexibility and a comfortable workplace.

Are there opportunities for professional development?

Yes, Sound Transit provides opportunities for professional development, as well as recognizing accomplishments from colleagues.

What is the process for managing contract negotiations?

The position involves managing the negotiation process for architectural & engineering services, developing negotiation strategies, performing cost/price analyses, and negotiating contract terms and conditions.

How does Sound Transit ensure compliance with contracting regulations?

The specialist will analyze contract requirements, special provisions, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies throughout the procurement and contract administration process.

Are there any diversity and inclusion initiatives in place?

Yes, Sound Transit is committed to championing and modeling core values, contributing to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.

What happens if there are contractual disputes?

The specialist is responsible for resolving minor contractual disputes between Sound Transit and the consultants or contractors, ensuring effective communication and problem-solving.

Sound Transit

Connecting more people to more places.

Transportation
Industry
501-1000
Employees
1996
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Sound Transit is transforming how the Central Puget Sound region moves by planning, building and operating regional transit systems that give millions of riders an alternative to sitting in traffic. As the agency prepares for nearly a million new Central Puget Sound residents by 2040, transit services are expanding to meet today’s growing needs. Thanks to voter approval of the largest mass transit expansion in the region’s history, Sound Transit’s light rail system will grow to four times the size it is today. When complete, the 116-mile light rail system will stretch from Everett to Tacoma and connect major job and population centers in Seattle including South Lake Union, Seattle Center, Ballard and West Seattle. It will also extend east to Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah and Mercer Island. As Sound Transit grows, we seek innovative, technical and creative professionals who are ready to come on board and make a difference. Career opportunities include information technology, finance, construction management and engineering positions. Apply today at www.soundtransit.org/jobs.