Procurement & Contract Specialist II

WORKING CONDITIONS

WHO WE ARE

Our Core Values

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays .
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry. We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA ) : Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program that allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program .
• Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmers markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com .
• Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration, Mathematics or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in procurement or contract administration, grant writing, accounting, or a related field.
• Any combination of experience or education equivalent to seven (7) years of experience in governmental procurement or contract administration, or other professional program coordination or administration involving data development, tracking and analysis will be considered.
• Proficiency utilizing automated data systems and high level of competency in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and Access.
• Other training and certifications may be required depending on specific job duties.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Knowledge of and skills in applying relevant policies, regulations, standard methods, and procedures related to public purchasing, procurement, and contract development and administration in Washington State.
• Ability to write and understand technical and legal language related to procurement and contracting processes.
• Knowledge of Washington State BARS System.
• Ability to work independently with general direction, as well as train and direct the work of other employees or contractors as needed.
• Ability to think logically and develop solutions to complex procurement and contracting problems.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work cooperatively with staff, other departments, vendors, governmental agencies, and the general public.
• Skill and training in negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Ability to maintain reports and data in a highly organized manner using established administrative protocols.
• Knowledge of process analysis and improvement methods.
• Certified Purchasing Professional, Certified Public Procurement Officer, or similar certification.
• Ability to analyze and organize information to prepare clear, comprehensive, and concise guidelines, procedures and reports.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER