Design & Construction Contracts Specialist

Salary range is $55K to $130K with a midpoint of $85K. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.
  

GENERAL PURPOSE:

This specialist position manages both procurement and contract administration related functions for Architectural & Engineering and construction services for Sound Transit's capital improvement and expansion program. The position will analyze complex issues, provide guidance to internal and external stakeholders, and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations to design and construct Sound Transit's capital projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Analyze procurements to determine appropriate procurement approach while also serving as subject matter expert to department staff on procurement policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Develop and manage the procurement process for architectural & engineering and public works projects including schedule, advertisement, pre-submittal/bid meeting, project site visit, evaluation, selection, negotiation, award, and execution while ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and internal policies and procedures.
• Guide and assist project teams in the development of project scope, selection criteria, and scoring. Review and recommend changes to technical specifications to ensure compliance with federal, state laws, rules, regulations, and internal policies and procedures.
• Analyze contract requirements, special provisions, terms and conditions to ensure compliance with appropriate laws, regulations, and policies and procedures.
• Conduct responsive/responsibility reviews and use professional judgement in determining responsiveness.
• Manage the negotiation process for architectural & engineering services including developing negotiation strategies, performing cost/price analyses, and negotiating contract terms and conditions.
• Ensure contracts include agreed upon terms, conditions, costs, and other required items and execute between all parties. Ensure contract files include all essential documentation and the file is accurate and complete for audit purposes.
• Execute contracts and change orders within the established delegated authority for the Contracts Specialist position.
• Debrief unsuccessful submitters and respond to all protests and public disclosure requests.
• Provide guidance to project team members and the contractor or consultant on contractual terms and conditions, applicable federal, state, and local requirements, and internal policies and procedures.
• Resolve minor contractual disputes between Sound Transit and the consultant or contractor.
• Manage change order process and ensure change orders comply with all federal and state regulations as well as internal policies and procedures. Regularly attend change management meetings.
• Ensure invoices are compliant with contract terms and conditions prior to payment.
• Manage contract close out functions in accordance with contractual requirements and state law.
• Assist advanced professional level positions on alternative public works for capital improvement projects.
• Ensure internal database information is current, accurate, and updated in a timely manner.
• Create, prepare, review, and present reports as requested.
• Provide support to the division on matters as directed.
• Serve on internal and external committees, attend and participate in professional group meetings, and maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to the Procurement and Contracts Division.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Contract Management, Construction, or closely related field; and four years of experience in purchasing/contract services work, preferably in construction related contracting; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent customer service.
• Ability to work within multiple teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively within internal departments and also outside agencies, consultants, contractors, and the public through presentations, outreach events, conferences, and other events.
• Ability to use independent judgment and creativity to resolve most contractual issues while performing all functions independently.
• Able to resolve complex issues involving external departments, or the public with support from Supervisor.
• Working knowledge of procurement and contracting methods.
• Understanding of the federal and state laws, rules and regulations for the procurement and administration of public works and Architectural & Engineering services for capital improvement projects.
  

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid office environment.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.
  

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action 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.