Contract Specialist III or IV

TxDOT is looking for Contract Specialist III or IV, based in Houston, Texas, Traffic Systems Construction Office at 6810 Old Katy Rd. We are seeking a highly motivated individuals to be part of our project office construction team. As a Contract Specialist you will be dealing on a daily basis with a wide variety of construction projects related to TxDOT's ITS Traffic Management System, Signal Interconnect, Highway Safety Lighting, Traffic Signals, School Zones,etc., within the District area. This position requires a great spirit of teamwork and a strong willingness to learn. We will train you on all aspects of the job. Duties will be developing and processing Change orders for payment and approval. Record keeping duties will include generating monthly and final estimates, maintaining construction project records and processes related paperwork, determining payments due to the contractor for work completed, coordinating with construction inspectors and contractor's staff to ensure project records accurately reflect changes and agreements. Work requires contact with the public. We have a workforce of over 13,000 employees, with opportunities for growth and development. We value employee work-life balance. In keeping with our commitment to this value, our employees benefit from a wide array of programs and activities, such as an extensive wellness program, career development programs, retirement benefits, tuition assistance, and more. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced team, enjoy learning, and working independently, join us and let us help you reach your goal!

The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

• For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
• To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Contract Specialist III
Performs highly complex contract duties to include developing, analyzing, evaluating, reviewing, processing, ensuring applicable compliance, inspecting, implementing and monitoring contracts. Work requires extensive contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Contract Specialist IV
Performs advanced contract duties to include developing, analyzing, evaluating, reviewing, processing, ensuring applicable compliance, inspecting, implementing, and monitoring contracts. Work requires extensive contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Essential Duties:

Contract Specialist Iii

• Assists in monitoring contractors' insurance certificates.
• Coordinates start-work date ensuring all necessary materials will be available for the contractor.
• Issues release to work orders.
• Maintains, updates and compiles detailed data, reports, summaries, files, records, logs, statistics or specific contracts including procurement documents and revisions; writes routine and unique correspondence.
• Meets with project managers to identify objectives, needs and issues concerning project contracts.
• Provides technical and administrative support to include reviewing, processing, answers questions, provides assistance and handles complaints and resolution of discrepancies and problems regarding contracts, billing, payment and warrant actions.
• Reviews compliance of minority participation goals in consultant contracts.
• Reviews construction field changes and change order notices to determine if funding agreements or supplemental agreements are required.
• Reviews, interprets and clarifies statutes, regulations, standard policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Department and governmental regulations.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Contract Specialist Iv

Includes all essential duties listed for Contract Specialist III, as well as:

• Audits payment invoices for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with terms of contract and governmental contracting rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Ensures contracts are payable and meet all legal requirements.
• Reviews contracts, amendments, subcontracts, procurement documents, change orders, work orders, supplemental agreements, time extensions, acceptance testing, and consultant qualifications.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Contract Specialist Iii

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field.  Relevant work experience may be substituted for a degree on a year-for-year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 3 years in contract administration, administrative support, bookkeeping, or accounting. (Experience can be satisfied by full-time or prorated part-time equivalent) Related graduate-level education may be substituted for experience on a year-by-year basis.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Contract Specialist Iv

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field.  Relevant work experience may be substituted for a degree on a year-for-year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 4 years in contract administration, administrative support, bookkeeping, or accounting. (Experience can be satisfied by full-time or prorated part-time equivalent) Related graduate-level education may be substituted for experience on a year-by-year basis.

Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications:

Contract Specialist III and IV

• Reading and interpreting the applicable plans and specifications at an advanced level would be beneficial.

Competencies:

Contract Specialist Iii

Extensive Knowledge Of

• Auditing and investigative methods, practices and procedures

• Contract Record-Keeping

• Contract Billing Procedures

Considerable Knowledge Of

• Americans with Disabilities Act, modifications, and requirements, including accessibility standards
• Contract negotiation, development, and management methods

• Contract Administration/Management Systems

Expert Skill In

• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Administrative support practices and procedures to include writing, editing, and report writing techniques, recording meeting notes, record keeping, and records management

Proficient Skill In

• Preparing correspondence/documents using correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation; proofreading and reviewing documents for clarity and consistency
• Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems

Contract Specialist Iv

Extensive Knowledge Of

• Contract Administration/Management Systems

• Applicable computer operating systems and relevant applications
• Auditing and investigative methods, practices, and procedures

• Contract Record-Keeping

• Contract Billing Procedures

Considerable Knowledge Of

• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Administrative support practices and procedures to include writing, editing, and report writing techniques, recording meeting notes, record keeping and records management

Proficient Skill In

• Preparing correspondence/documents using correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation; proofreading and reviewing documents for clarity and consistency
• Monitoring contracts and procedures

Other Attributes

• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions:

Contract Specialist III and IV

• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs.
• Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Conditions of Employment:
• Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category. 

To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions
 

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information