TWDB - 26-03: Contract Developer (Contract Specialist III)

Company Description

The mission of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is to lead the state's efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas and its citizens. Our mission is a vital part of Texas' overall vision and the state's mission and goals that relate to maintaining the viability of the state's natural resources, health, and economic development.

To accomplish our goals of planning for the state's water resources and providing affordable water and wastewater services, the TWDB provides water planning, data collection and dissemination, financial assistance, and technical assistance services to the citizens of Texas. The tremendous population growth that the state continues to experience and the recurrent threat of severe drought only intensify the need for the TWDB to accomplish its goals in an effective and efficient manner.

Job Description

Only applicants who apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system will be considered for this position. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system at https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page at https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system.

Texas Water Development Board’s Mission - Leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas. 

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) offers competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work alternatives so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about these benefits and more visit http://www.twdb.texas.gov/jobs/benefits.asp.

The Texas Water Development Board does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities. 

• Must meet agency in-office requirements**
• *Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

General Description

Performs highly complex (senior-level) contract management work. Work involves developing and evaluating a broad range of contracts and amendments. May train others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Manager of the Contracts Department in the Procurement and Contract Services Division.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides professional and constructive support to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) staff outside of Procurement and Contract Services Division, offering clear guidance on contract administration, policies, and procedures.
• Supports TWDB staff in initiating or amending contracts with external parties, providing a consistent outcome for both those new to contracting and those with extensive experience.
• Drafts and reviews contracts, amendments, and solicitation documents to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Adheres to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave/out of office and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
• Completes assigned work reliably, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors, seeking input and approvals where appropriate but working with minimal supervision while still delivering consistent, high quality work.
• Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure contract compliance.
• Tracks contract status and deliverables using agency systems.
• Supports contract-related meetings and maintain documentation.
• Ensures adherence to state procurement policies and procedures.
• Maintains organized contract records and support reporting needs.
• Manages the Procurement and Contract Services Division’s pending work log and tasks.
• Assists in the development of bid evaluation scoring instruments.
• Monitors legal and regulatory requirements related to contracting.
• Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning.
• Coordinates and facilitates procurement-related meetings such as kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scorings.
• Conducts needs assessments to determine requirements for the purchase of goods or services.
• Provides input regarding the cancellation of contracts when deviations occur.
• Prepares specifications for requests for bids.
• Resolves audit exceptions by defining causes of errors and recommending appropriate dispositions.
• Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensures individual and team files (electronic and hard versions) are appropriately maintained and timely disposed of in accordance with the agency’s records retention procedures and schedule.
• Maintains required certifications and licenses and meets the continuing education needs and requirements of the position to include, attending mandatory training courses.
• May be required to operate a state or personal vehicle for business purposes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.     

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. 
• Three years of relevant work experience in contract development, contract negotiations, contract monitoring, contract management, contract invoicing, or payment processing.
• Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) OR ability to obtain certification within six months after hire date.
• Relevant experience can be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD).
• Experience in contracting, procurement, accounting, bookkeeping, budgeting, and/or preparing financial statements. 
• Experience with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), Python or other scripting languages for Document Automation.
• Contracting experience for the State of Texas or other governmental entity using the Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS).
• Experience with State and/or Federal grants and grant programs.
• Familiarity with TWDB agency programs, policies, and procedures. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Contracts Department.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of Contract negotiations, development, reporting, deliverables, and payment processing.
• Knowledge business administration and accounting principles.
• Knowledge of Texas systems such as the Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS).
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Access.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skills in drafting and formatting contracts and legal documents.
• Skills in communicating clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Skills in managing multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Skills in providing excellent customer service and resolving issues professionally.
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure within Texas.
• Ability to meet agency in-office requirements.
• Ability to adhere to work schedules, follow procedures with respect to leave and submit accurate timesheets by prescribed deadlines.
• Ability to make mature, objective decisions and identify areas of potential problems.
• Ability to perform effectively and willingly when changes occur in scope and nature of the work and work environment.
• Ability to perform routine and non-routine work assignments accurately and on-time with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform assigned duties and improve work habits and/or output.
• Ability to complete assigned work, on time, neatly and with infrequent errors.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to provide prompt, courteous and accurate assistance and clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Ability to evaluate contracts and fiscal data for compliance and reasonableness.
• Ability to organize and manage workload and attention to detail and timeliness.
• Ability to work individually and cooperate with others in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to stand/sit/move to perform activities such as retrieve/replace files in a large file system for boxes up to 30 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to travel 5% of the time, primarily within the State of Texas.
• Ability to operate a vehicle (state or personal) for state business and maintain a driver’s license and driving record that complies with state and agency requirements.
• Ability to work shifts that may exceed 8 hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others

Additional Information

All interested candidates should apply with a State of Texas application via the CAPPS online application system. First time applicants will need to create an account https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Login in the CAPPS online application system https://tinyurl.com/CAPPS-Jobs. Please visit our job opportunities page https://tinyurl.com/How-to-Apply-in-CAPPS for more information about the Texas Water Development Board and answers to frequently asked questions. To view this position in greater detail, visit the CAPPS online application system.

• Texas Water Development Board, Stephen F. Austin Building
• 1700 North Congress Ave., Room 670, Austin, Texas 78701
• Please contact Human Resources for accommodation requests.
• Phone: (512) 475-2142
• Email: HR(AT)twdb.texas.gov