Assistant Contracts Administrator
AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washington's Economy
The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities – from ensuring food safety to environmental protection – touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.
The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.
For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov
The Assistant Contracts Administrator position directly supports WSDA with procurement, contract development, preparation, review, and management. This position identifies the need for goods or services and facilitates the purchase following state laws, policies, and procedures while in compliant with WA State contracting practices.
In addition, this position supports the agency's mission by ensuring that all WSDA employees have the contracts, supplies and equipment required to provide services to the public. The Assistant Contracts Administrator reports directly to the Contracts and Procurement Manager within the Administrative Services Division.
Why join WSDA?
The Department of Agriculture offers:
- 12 Paid Holidays, Leave & Vacation
- A great total compensation and benefits package
- Provide meaningful work for the State of Washington
- Supported growth and development opportunities
- A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, teleworking, and an Infants in the Workplace Program
Duties
Includes, but not limited to:
- Communicates procurement policies, procedures, and regulations to agency staff.
- Develops bids, contracts, statements of work (SOW), and purchase order for goods and services.
- Performs contracts administration to include bid preparation and awards, contract negotiation and drafting, secures signatures, post signature administration through contract close out, and ECMS data entry. Assist programs in managing contract compliance with state or federal funding.
- Reviews contract terms to maximize clarity and contractor compliance with all applicable rules, laws, and emergency proclamations.
- Supervises or prepares the review, negotiation and approval of new and existing contracts or agreements for agency programs. Modifies contracts when conflicts arise for assigned contracts.
- Assists programs to assure compliance with contract terms and conditions by interpreting guidelines and rules and providing recommendations to programs to ensure compliance.
- Serves as a system administrator for agency WEBS and ECMS users.
- Coordinates with DES, OMWBE and other agencies to improve supplier diversity. Ensures bidding opportunities are available to diverse vendor communities.
- Participates in developing contract management strategies in collaboration with AAG's.
- Serves as a backup to the Contracts and Procurement Manager when away from the office.
- Reviews and updates Contracting and Procurement Policies as needed.
Qualifications
Who Should Apply?
Professionals with:
- Bachelor of Arts degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or closely allied field.
AND
- Three (3) years of experience in negotiating, administering, or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses or contract compliance administration.
Note:
- A Master's degree in one of the above academic disciplines may be substituted for one (I) year of experience.
- A law degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Washington State Bar Association may be substituted for two (2) years of experience and education.
Preferred/Desired:
- Basic proficiency using Microsoft Office software applications and products.
- Ability to acquire and maintain a valid driver's license to operate state pool vehicles to travel on behalf of the agency.
- One of the following professional certifications: Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or other related certifications.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply:
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:
- A letter of interest to describe why you are the best candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
- Please include 3 professional references in the application or as an attachment
By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.
Applications with comments "see attachments" will be considered incomplete.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524- 5627 or email support@neogov.com.
Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at (360) 902- 2020 or Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.
Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the state's on-line recruitment system.
The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.
COVID-19 VACCINATION:
Pursuant to Washington State Governor Inslee’s Proclamation on August 9, 2021, all employees who work for the Washington State Department of Agriculture must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, 2021. Proof of fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 must be shown to WSDA’s human resource office prior to employment.
Veteran's Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.
Military Spouse Preference: To take advantage of military spouse preference, you will have an opportunity to identify your status in the questionnaire. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
The Department of Agriculture celebrates our differences, and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.