We are currently seeking a Contract Specialist II for a term-limited temporary (TLT) or Special Duty Assignment (SDA).  This assignment is anticipated to last until December 31, 2023, with the possibility of an extension. Additionally, pending budget approval, we may be filling Career Service (FTE) position (s) with this recruitment.  
 
In this role, you will have the opportunity to provide expertise as a specialist in the procurement and management of architectural, engineering and construction contracts for capital projects, using established methods, policies, and procedures and providing technical contracting support for the Finance Section.   As a member of the contracts team, you will provide excellent customer service and collaborate in a team-oriented environment with the mission to help build parks, trails and natural lands for all.
 
Individuals interested in joining our team must be committed to racial, social and economic equality for ALL people in King County. We welcome applications from people who will help us consistently demonstrate the values of equity, respect and partnership.
 
To learn about the King County Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan click here.

Hiring Pool Notice: This recruitment may be used to create an eligibility pool to fill current and future Contract II positions over the next six months.  These positions may be Term-Limited-Temporary (TLT), Special Duty Assignment (SDA), or Career Service (FTE).
 
About the Division: Be a part of King County Parks! King County Parks has evolved from 150 acres in 1938 to more than 32,000 acres. Today, our system consists of more than 205 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, and 250 miles of backcountry trails. Our mission is to steward, enhance and acquire parks to inspire healthy communities. We seek to cultivate strong relationships with community partners to enhance park amenities for all King County residents to enjoy today and for generations to come. Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/parks.

Sample of Key Job Duties:
 

• Participate in the review and inspection of contractual terms and conditions for compliance with Federal, State and County laws and affirmative-action and non-discrimination requirements; analyze and make recommendations regarding compliance issues, violations of contract provisions, and policies and procedures. 
• Determine and develop procurement approach (advertisement and/or roster) for non-routine contract awards, bidding requirements, selection criteria and general terms and conditions for procurement. Assist in developing scope of work, evaluation criteria, contract terms and conditions.
• Develop, implement and manage equitable contracting practices for BIPOC and small business communities. 
• Manage procurement process from creation of the solicitation document up to notice-to-proceed, assuring notification to, and approval by, multiple County agencies at all appropriate stages in process; identify procurement issues that could impede procurement process. 
• Analyze scope of work and related issues including federal and state grant funding; anticipate non-routine procurement issues; ensure compliance with codes, policies and procedures.
• Ensure that all essential contract documentation is in the contract file, accurate and complete for audit purposes. Ensure insurance requirements are met. Manage voluminous project documentation.
• Manage grant and contract agreements that include state and federal funding sources. Follow terms of grant agreements, perform grant billing and reconciliation per state auditing requirements. 
• Develop and review technical specifications to ensure quality and consistency. 
• Ensure that internal database information and publicly accessible information is updated in a timely and accurate manner.
• Provide direction and training for Contract Specialists and other administrative staff in contracting and grant management.
• Assist in responding to public disclosure requests, as needed.

Required Qualifications: 

• Minimum of (3) three years in contract administration.
• Experience managing procurement and administration of construction contracts. 
• Experience in the management of architectural and engineering contracts.  
• Experience in business analysis, budgeting, and scheduling practices.
• Negotiation and project management skills.
• Knowledge of management and legal issues concerning formulation and administration of public contracts, claims and change orders.
• Knowledge of business law principles, procurement theory and accounting procedures.
• Technical writing and proofreading skills, including ability to draft contract language.
• Exceptional organizational skills that include effective communication methods, keenness to detail, ability to multitask, problem-solving abilities and time management skills. 
• Skill in establishing effective working relationships with technical and non-technical people.

• Resourcefulness - Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
• Plans and Aligns - Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Manages ambiguity and complexity - Operating effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear.
• Courage - Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Communicates effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Customer Focused - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Manages Conflict - Handling conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.

• Experience in the procurement and management of construction contracts greater than $5 million. 
• Federal and state grant management experience.
• Experience in the procurement of architectural and engineering contracts. 

Application and Selection Process: Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness including online application, cover letter and resume, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position. 

• King County application
• Resume
• Cover Letter detailing your background and what you can bring to this position
• Responses to supplemental questions

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement

As of October 18, 2021, most* King County employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by October 18th. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

This directive applies to employees in the Executive branch*, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.