Procurement Specification Writer

Overview

Procurement Specification Writer

Department:
Department of Procurement Services (DPS)

Number of Positions: 1

Starting Salary: $89,112

Location:

121 N LaSalle;
May to O'Hare airport, 1-2 days per week

Days:
Monday – Friday

Hours:

8:30 – 4:30

THIS POSITION IS NOT IN CAREER SERVICE

• Reviews procurement documentation intrinsic to requisitions submitted by City user departments for the purchase of goods and services, especially highly technical and complex items
• Works with subject-matter experts to gather and ascertain technical requirements
• Collaborates with DPS Research and Development staff to ensure all essential information is integrated into the specification
• Conducts research and reviews trade journals, catalogues, and technical publications to identify best practices and industry standards
• Uses online tools to identify industry-leading products and services
• Creates original or revises existing specifications for a variety of City goods and services
• Translates requests into technical purchase specifications or RFPs that are understandable while communicating detailed requirements
• Edits and provides guidance to departments to ensure compliance with City policies, procedures and applicable laws
• Prepares contract specifications to meet the needs of multiple City departments
• Verifies legitimacy of estimated quantities and needs
• Tracks and expedites contract requests from requisition through award
• Acts as liaison with the Department of Law and internal legal staff to finalize scopes of work prior to public advertisement
• Arranges and/or attends meetings and provides revisions as needed

Note: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience

• Eight (8) years of work experience in the development of procurement specifications or technical documents, OR
• Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree, plus six (6) years of work experience in the development of procurement specifications or technical documents, OR
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree, plus four (4) years of work experience in the development of procurement specifications or technical documents, OR
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree or higher, plus three (3) years of work experience in the development of procurement specifications or technical documents

Educational & Employment Verification:

Please be advised that if you are selected to be hired, you must provide adequate information regarding your education and employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position. International transcripts/diplomas must be accompanied by a Foreign Credential Evaluation. If the City cannot verify information, any offer may be withdrawn.

Selection Requirements:

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.

For information on employees  benefits, visit the benefits website: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..html

For information on salary and title structure, visit: https:// Classification/

Application evaluation will be based on information provided in the application and submitted documents. The City will follow applicable laws and collective bargaining agreements. Placement on an eligibility list is not a guarantee of interview or employment.

Commitment to Diversity: The City of Chicago has employment preferences as described in ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders. For more about hiring practices, .

EEO Statement: The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

Job Posting:
Apr 15, 2026, 5:00:00 AM | Closing Date:
May 2, 2026, 4:59:00 AM