Contract Management Specialist or Trainee; NY HELPS

Position:Contract Management Specialist 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS)

Location: Albany, NY

Job :660

# of Openings:1

Contract Management Specialist 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS)

Posting Dates:
September 11, 2026
- September 21, 2026

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking four Contract Management Specialist 1s (or Trainees) to join the Division of Fiscal Management in Albany. Working primarily within the Purchasing Team, these individuals will play a key role in developing, evaluating, and reviewing contracts, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitation for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Applications (RFAs), and other related financial documents.

They will perform routine administrative processes associated with contract lifecycle management; review contractor performance and ensure adherence to contract terms and conditions. These positions will conduct contract monitoring tasks, including managing necessary contract modifications and amendments; process contract claims and vouchers and approve/review contract payments to ensure compliance with contractual obligations; provide technical assistance and guidance to internal stakeholders and contractors regarding contract matters;

may supervise and guide subordinate staff involved in contract administration.

The Contract Management Specialist 1s (or Trainees) are permanent or contingent-permanent, office-based positions conveniently located in our headquarters at 10B Airline Drive in Albany, NY. We are located near the Albany International Airport and Wolf Road and provide ample free parking. These are full-time positions working 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday. Opportunities for telecommuting may be available in accordance with the agency’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

The starting salary for the Contract Management Specialist Trainee 1 is $53,764/ year, and the hiring salary for the PEF salary grade (SG) 14. This position requires the completion of a two-year traineeship. After successful completion of the first year of the traineeship, the appointee will advance without further examination to the Trainee 2 level SG-16 (starting salary of $ 59,994).

Completion of the second year of the traineeship will result in permanent advancement to the Contract Management Specialist, SG-18 (starting salary of $66,951) without further examination. Candidates may be eligible for appointment directly to the Trainee 2 or full performance level. For more information, see Advanced Placement below.

The full title Contract Management Specialist 1 position is in the PEF Salary Grade (SG) 18. The starting salary of the PEF SG-18 is $66,951/year. Candidates appointed at the Contract Management Specialist 1, SG-18 level, will be eligible to participate in the New York State Performance Evaluation Program. Through this program, employees receive yearly performance evaluations. Performance advances are payable to PEF employees whose base annual salary is below the job rate for their current position and who were rated "Satisfactory" or its equivalent on their yearly performance evaluation.

Performance advance payments are added to an employee's annual salary. Over time, yearly performance advances may lead to the SG-18 job rate salary of $85,138/ year!

These are PEF-represented positions offering a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. You'll benefit from cost-effective health insurance options, fully covered dental and vision care, participation in the secure New York State Pension Plan, and ample paid time off. Your first year includes 5 personal days, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays – providing excellent work-life balance. Explore additional advantages…