WDVA Contracts Specialist 3, Full-Time - Permanent, Olympia Central Office

Description

Contracts Specialist 3

Full-Time - Permanent

Olympia Central Office

Ready to bring your extensive knowledge of contracts management to a dynamic and mission-driven team dedicated to "Serving Those Who Served?" We're looking for your expertise! WDVA is hiring a Contracts Specialist 3 to provide critical contracts administration for our agency. Using your professional experience, you will facilitate the processing and execution of critical requests for contracts, establish time-sensitive statements of work with measurable deliverables, and more! Apply today and join our team!

Please note: Standard business hours for this position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This position may occasionally require local travel for meetings and to WDVA locations throughout the state. A hybrid remote work schedule may be approved at the supervisor's discretion, with the understanding that components of the Contracts Specialist 3 role require in-person, face-to-face communication.

• This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules.

At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for nearly 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.

Duties

Some Of What You'll Do

• Administer agency contracts, leases, and agreements.
• Assist contracts manager in clearly defining and describing the programmatic work to be performed or goods and services to be provided through a specific contract, grant, or agreement.
• Review and analyze proposals to support agency-wide contract administration.
• Facilitate and manage the receiving and evaluation of proposals and bids for compliance.
• Independently organize and maintain the contracts database and documentation of all agency contracts and agreements.
• Manage renewals, extensions, amendments, and terminations of contracts.
• Prepare, review, and negotiate contracts for better terms and conditions.
• Resolve protests and appeals received from contractors, other vendors, potential bidders, and other agencies concerning the incumbent's personal decisions/actions.
• Review, analyze, and directly facilitate critical contracts administration under RCW 30.29, 39.34, 43.19, and 43.105, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and other state and federal regulations.
• Provide consultation with agency staff on appropriate contractual terms, conditions, and deliverables that reduce agency risk and ensure optimal vendor performance.
• Procure services, supplies, materials, parts, and equipment for the agency in accordance with state laws and requirements.
• And more!
• Complete Position Description available upon request*

Qualifications

Required:.

• Bachelor's degree involving major study in public administration, business law, accounting, or closely related 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.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis. Experience must be relevant to the position
• Experience independently coordinating at least five (5) competitive procurements resulting in a contract valued at $100,000 or more.
• Working knowledge of and experience in researching and applying procurement regulations, rules, procedures, and policies pertaining to job functions.
• Ability to:
• Handle multiple and changing assignments, independently and proactively manage workload, and complete tasks by scheduled deadlines while accommodating unexpected work on short notice.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to articulate complex information in easily understandable terms.
• Knowledge of:
• Basic Microsoft Word skills, to include: inserting graphic objects and visual effects to a document; adding tables to a document or convert tables to text; add watermarks, borders, headers, and footers; using the word lookup (thesaurus, dictionary); customizing tables and charts; modifying and formatting a worksheet; printing workbooks.
• Basic Microsoft Outlook skills, to include: composing email messages; sending and responding to messages; organizing email to folders; creating contact information; scheduling appointments and meetings.
• Agency Required Competencies for all positions:
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred/Desired:

• Advanced knowledge of, and experience in, researching and applying Washington state procurement and contract management regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Experience in submitting and receiving approval for at least two (2) sole source exemptions or two (2) contract exceptions from competitive procurement under RCW 39.26.125, or one of each of these items.
• One (1) year of experience explaining rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures to staff, managers, and customers.
• Knowledge of and experience in:
• Development of procurement and contract policies.
• State systems such as AFRS, WEBS, and Enterprise Reporting.
• Basic Adobe Acrobat skills, to include: merging documents and editing and redacting existing documents.

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. 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.
• Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.
• Must become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
• Must maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Must successfully complete, within mandated time frame, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in-service, and other required training.
• In an emergency, may be asked to stay for an extended period and perform duties appropriate to the situation.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and must be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

Supplemental Information

Check out this awesome video here to see what it is like to work for the WDVA!

Application Process

Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.

Please Include The Following Documents With Your Application

• A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
• A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Other Information

• This position is non-represented.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at [email protected].

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Do you have a bachelor's degree involving a major study in public administration, business law, accounting, or a closely related field?

• Yes, I attest I have a bachelor's degree involving a major study in public administration, business law, accounting, or a closely related field.
• Yes, I attest I have a combination of education and experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis and my experience is relevant to the position.
• No

02

Do you have three (3) years of experience in negotiating, administering or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost, price analyses, or contract compliance administration?

• Yes, I attest I have three (3) years of experience in negotiating, administering or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost, price analyses, or contract compliance administration.
• No

03

Please describe your experience in independently coordinating at least (5) competitive procurements resulting in a contract valued at $100,000 or more. If your response does not demonstrate the required qualifications for this and subsequent narrative questions, your application may not be moved forward for consideration. Incomplete responses, to include "see resume" will not be considered. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."

04

Do you have a working knowledge of and experience in researching and applying procurement regulations, rules, procedures, and policies pertaining to job functions?

• Yes, I attest I have a working knowledge of and experience in researching and applying procurement regulations, rules, procedures, and policies pertaining to job functions.
• No

05

Please describe your experience handling multiple and changing assignments, proactively and independently managing workload, and completing tasks by scheduled deadlines. If you do not have this experience, please type "N/A."

06

Do you possess the basic Microsoft Excel and Outlook skills as described in the Required Qualifications of this job announcement?

• Yes, I attest I possess the basic Microsoft Excel and Outlook skills as described in the Required Qualifications of this job announcement.
• No
• Required Question