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) endorses telecommuting and hybrid workplace plans, in addition to other flexible work alternatives. We offer competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, and flexible work hours so you can have a work/life balance! For more information about our employee 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.

***Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications***

Salary Ranges:

• Contract Specialist I – $4,000.00/monthly – $4,590.00/monthly***
• Contract Specialist II – $4,591.00/monthly – $4,750.00/monthly*** 

Job Description Summary

Performs routine (journey-level) to complex (journey-level) contract management and monitoring work. Work involves developing and evaluating a broad range of contracts and amendments. May provide guidance to others. Works under moderate to general supervision with limited to moderate 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

• Coordinates and/or develops contracts, amendments and bid solicitations by identifying provider resources, describing services to be rendered, evaluating information supplied by bidders, and negotiating contract specifications.
• Serves as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders to ensure participation is consistent with program, legal, and fiscal requirements.
• Provides guidance regarding contract administration, policies, and procedures.
• Assists in management of the Procurement and Contract Services Division’s pending work log and tasks.
• Assists with contract reporting, deliverables acceptance and contract related records management. Tracks the status of related tasks using the agency’s information systems.
• Monitors and/or tracks contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contract and policies.
• Assists in developing bid evaluation scoring instruments.
• Monitors legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting.
• Evaluates expenditure data and makes projections to ensure appropriate use of funds.
• Complies with purchasing policies and regulations and ensures agency and state procurement procedures are followed in all procurements.
• Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning.
• May monitor legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting.
• May processes contract payments by reviewing invoices against contract payment terms and verifies eligibility of expenses.
• Supports the coordination and facilitation of contracting related meetings such as kick-off meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scorings.
• May recommend changes to solicitation and contract boilerplate documents and other contract-related documents.
• Assists with developing contract administration policies and procedures.
• May train others.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent.
• Contract Specialist I: Experience in contract development, negotiations, monitoring, management, invoicing, or payment processing.
• Contract Specialist II: One year of experience in contract development, negotiations, monitoring, management, invoicing, or payment processing.
• Experience with DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and/or Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, or Teams.
• Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM), OR the ability to obtain certification within six-months after hire date.
• Relevant education may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree.
• Contracting experience for the State of Texas or other governmental entity using the Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS).
• Experience in contracting, procurement, accounting, bookkeeping, reconciliations, budgeting, data analysis, and/or preparing financial statements.
• Experience with State and/or Federal grants and grant programs.
• Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM).
• Familiarity with TWDB agency programs, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of state and federal contracting regulations and procurement rules relevant to the Contract Services Department in the Procurement & Contract Services Division.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of negotiating contracts and developing contracts.
• Knowledge of business administration and accounting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures of contract management and procurement.
• Knowledge of contract development reporting, deliverables, and payment processes.
• Knowledge of the State of Texas Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS).
• Skills in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook.
• Skills in use of internet, email, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
• Skills in formatting of contracts or legal documents.
• 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 work 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 eight hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to evaluate contracts and recommend future status.
• Ability to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements.
• Ability to write and edit contract requirements and specifications.
• Ability to negotiate features of a contract.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task projects in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to take initiative to effectively monitor and manage workload.
• Ability to pay attention to details.
• Ability to effectively manage difficult situations and provide excellent customer service.