Senior Contracts Specialist

Salary Range

Salary range is $78k to $155k, with a midpoint of $108k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

• Health Benefits: Two medical plan choices, dental and vision at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% employee contribution with 12% match; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only).
• Paid Time Off: 25 days annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service; additional days for director level and up; 12 paid holidays; up to 2 paid floating holidays; up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full‑time employees receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: Competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity; work‑life balance and professional development opportunities.

Under general direction, the Senior Contracts Specialist performs the full range of senior professional and technical duties involved in the preparation, finalization, analysis and administration of technology, systems, materials, services, small construction and other agreements and contracts for the Agency. Leads or assists Agency departments and project managers in selecting procurement methods and strategies; prepares, issues and awards contracts in compliance with all state, federal and local regulations and laws.

Serves as subject matter expert for assigned programs, providing cradle‑to‑grave procurement and contract work.

• Reviews requests for procurement and contracting for equipment, goods and services; analyzes requirements, determines procurement method, recommends improvements to statements of work or specifications; evaluates justifications for sole source and prepares documentation.
• Collaborates with project managers to define procurement requirements, coordinates solicitation documents, assists with developing statements of work and ensures proper contractual guidelines and policy procedures are followed.
• Researches, prepares and issues solicitation and contract documents in accordance with Agency policies and procedures, federal and state laws and FTA contracting regulations.
• Organizes bid opening process and proposal evaluation process; assists project managers in evaluating bids and selecting finalists.
• Analyzes bids for responsiveness/responsibility and performs cost or price analysis, including review of cost breakdowns to determine reasonableness.
• Assists project managers in developing negotiation strategies; negotiates with selected firms and supports formal Committee and Board approval process.
• Administers assigned contracts, ensures compliance with contractual requirements, performs objective market research, identifies issues of non-compliance and recommends remedial actions, interprets contractual provisions, reviews invoices and processes change orders.
• Negotiates contract prices, terms and conditions, modifications, and change orders.
• Participates in invoice payment to vendors, monitors prevailing wages, performs contract close‑out functions, assists project team members in acceptance of work performed and delivery of all final products and materials.
• Develops, reviews, and edits boilerplate documents such as solicitations, contracts, software license terms and conditions, letters, forms and manuals for inaccuracies and inconsistencies.
• Trains, mentors and supports junior level contracts staff, provides procurement training to Agency project managers and managers, and provides FTA requirements training.
• Provides support to the division on matters as directed, attends committees, prepares staff reports and maintains awareness of new trends and developments.
• Develops and implements procedures for new or existing contracting programs or project areas, analyzes contracting policies and procedures to…