TxDOT's Odessa District is looking for a Contract Specialist based in Odessa, TX. We have a diverse workforce of over 12,000 employees statewide. If you want to build an exciting career, let’s talk!

At TxDOT 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 that include flexed and compressed work schedules, wellness leave incentive, career development programs, tuition assistance, and various other benefits. For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/hrd/careers/hidden_benefits.pdf

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)

Performs highly complex contract duties to include developing, analyzing, evaluating, reviewing, processing, ensuring applicable compliance, inspecting, implementing and/or 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 researching and making recommendations concerning contract administration systems.
• Assists with contract negotiations.
• Assists with recommending policy and/or procedure changes and solutions.
• Makes presentations at local, state and federal levels.
• Researches state and federal statutes and opinions, Department policies and previous contracts.
• Reviews contracts, amendments, subcontracts, procurement documents, change orders, work orders, supplemental agreements, time extensions, acceptance testing and consultant qualifications.
• Assists in receiving payments, preparing deposit vouchers and entering data in an automated information management system.
• Audits payment invoices for completeness, accuracy and compliance with terms of contract and governmental contracting rules, regulations and procedures.
• Confers with legal staff and management on various legal matters.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned

Contract Specialist IV in addition to above:
• Acts as a liaison with Regional Mobility Authorities, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, districts, divisions and other state Department of Transportation agencies concerning contract administration systems.
• Analyzes, interprets legislation, statutes, federal regulations and coordinates the development of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Department and governmental regulations.
• Confers with legal staff and management on various legal matters; inspects and reviews contracts for compliance with certification requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Develops, writes, revises and/or prepares complex contracts, amendments, procedures, forms, related documents and provisions, financial/statistical graphs and reports.

Contract Specialist V in addition to above
• Develops, writes, revises and/or prepares highly complex contracts, amendments, procedures, forms, related documents and provisions, financial/statistical graphs and reports.
• Monitors contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contract and policies; recommends cancellation of contracts when deviations occur.
• May serve as a lead worker by serving as a resource for complex questions; presenting workflow and operational updates to the supervisor/manager; providing input on team members’ career conversations; and approving leave requests to ensure operations coverage.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Experience

• Contract Specialist III: 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 per year basis.

• Contract Specialist IV: 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 per year basis.

• Contract Specialist V: 5 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 per year basis.

Licenses and Certifications Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle, Cert TX Contract Mgr (CTCM), Cert TX Contract Dev (CTCD)

Competencies: Contract Specialist III,

• Applicable computer operating systems and relevant applications
• Auditing and investigative methods, practices and procedures
• Generally accepted accounting principles, procedures, and terminology
• Contract record-keeping
• Contract billing procedures
• Contract development and oversight
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting policies and state and federal laws and regulations specific to functional area
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Prioritizing and organizing work assignment
• Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems

Contract Specialist IV in addition to above:

• Contract development and oversight
• Contract negotiation, development and management methods
• Contract writing and specification
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Legal terminology
• Developing, interpreting, and implementing policies, procedures, and technical information
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting policies and state and federal laws and regulations specific to functional area
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Analyzing, organizing, and communicating business and technical data
• Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems

Contract Specialist V in addition to above:

• Analyzing business, technical, and managerial problems and developing, recommending, and implementing effective solutions
• Persuasion and negotiation of critical issues
• Analyzing and organizing business and technical data
• Monitoring contracts and procedures

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Contract Specialist III, IV, V

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

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