Contracting Officer, Commuter Rail (O&M

At Regional Transportation District (RTD), We make lives better through connections!

When you join RTD, you will be among dedicated employees exhibiting RTD's values of passion, respect, diversity, trustworthiness, collaboration, and ownership. RTD is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. As part of our diversity value statement, we encourage our employees to honor diversity in thought, people, and experience. Come join RTD on this great journey to be the trusted leader in mobility, delivering excellence and value to our customers and community.

(RTD Represented

Employee Benefits:

Please refer to the Labor Agreement included in the above link for details.)

This position supports supports the administration, oversight, and lifecycle management of RTD's contracted commuter rail operations and maintenance services. This position is responsible for ensuring that private vendors comply with contractual performance standards, safety regulations, and budgetary requirements. The role monitors contractor performance, resolves disputes, processes invoices, enforces contract terms, and maintains comprehensive records for assigned departments.

This position assists in the development and administration of contracts, including scopes of work, independent cost estimates, schedules, and budgets. Responsibilities include coordinating with internal stakeholders, vendors, and external partners on procurements, contract audits, change orders, amendments, and payments. The Contracting Officer monitors contractor performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and identifies corrective actions for non-compliance, supporting continuous improvement and operational reliability.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL:

Program Oversight and Administration

• Support the planning, administration, and lifecycle management of contracted commuter rail operations and maintenance services.
• Assist in developing and maintaining departmental policies, procedures, and contract documentation.
• Ensure accurate and organized records of contract deliverables, amendments, and compliance documentation.
• Participate in committees, task forces, and working groups related to contracted services and operational activities.

Contracting and Procurement

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to prepare scopes of work, independent cost estimates, schedules, and budgets.
• Support procurement activities, including solicitations, contract modifications, and change orders.
• Maintain procurement and contract documentation in accordance with established procedures.

Performance Monitoring and Compliance

• Monitor contractor performance for adherence to contract terms, service levels, and regulatory requirements.
• Track and document performance metrics, compliance records, and service outcomes.
• Identify deficiencies, support corrective actions, and assist with continuous improvement efforts.

Financial Management

• Review and process invoices, purchase orders, and work directives for accuracy and compliance.
• Track contract expenditures and monitor spending against established budgets.
• Maintain financial records to support accountability and reporting requirements.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, and internal teams to address issues and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Maintain effective working relationships with vendors and cross-functional teams to support timely service delivery.
• Support communication, scheduling, and follow-up on deliverables and action items.

OTHER:

• All job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Contract Management, or Transportation Management required, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Two (2) years of experience in contract administration, procurement, or vendor management within rail operations, transit services, or a related technical or operational environment. Experience should include direct interaction with internal stakeholders, contractors, and regulatory or compliance entities.
• Experience assisting in the administration, oversight, or management of contracts, including monitoring contractor performance, processing invoices, managing budgets, and enforcing compliance with contract terms and service level agreements.
• Experience supporting regulatory, safety, and operational compliance in transit or rail services, including coordination with internal teams and external stakeholders to meet contractual and statutory requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of contract administration, procurement processes, and vendor management principles, including contract lifecycle management, compliance monitoring, and performance evaluation. Knowledge of commuter rail operations, maintenance services, and associated technical or operational requirements relevant to contracted services.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal…