Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06960

Department: Dept. of Veterans Affairs

Division: Central Office Admin Support Services

Job classification: CONTRACTS SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Purchasing, Grants Administration

*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.

Examples of 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!

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:
1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
2. 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 recruiters@dva.wa.gov