The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities dependent on viable fish and wildlife populations. Each day, WDFW employees facilitate fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors. WDFW’s employees–field and laboratory biologists, geneticists, research scientists, hatchery professionals, policy experts, fully commissioned law enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, property acquisition specialists, customer service representatives and others work throughout the state. WDFW employees protect and restore critical habitat, strive to facilitate species recovery when necessary, and manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species. WDFW employees maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands. They interpret, apply and enforce state and federal laws and collaborate with stakeholders to protect fish and wildlife resources. Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov.

We are recruiting to fill one full-time permanent Contracts Specialist 1 position in our Technology & Financial Management Program, located at the Washington State Natural Resources Building, Olympia, Thurston County, Washington.

This position reports to and supports the Contracts and Purchasing Manager by serving as a Deputy Contracts Officer; this position manages WDFW’s contracts lifecycle and related contracting activities for an assigned portfolio of contracts.

• Performs the first level of professional contract administration work with responsibility in the administration of routine contracts, interagency agreements and letters of understanding to provide or obtain services or goods for the agency.
• Responds to questions from agency staff, other governmental organizations and private firms regarding contracts and agreements.
• Follows state and agency regulations, policies and procedures for developing, preparing, and routing contractual documents for agency approval.
• Utilizes the agency’s contract management systems to initiate, track approvals and develop contractual documents.
• If necessary, obtains special approval to deviate from regulations, policy or procedures.
• Advises agency staff on procedures for contracting for goods and services.
• Assures compliance with the terms of contracts and resolves problems concerning the obligations of either the agency or other parties’ concerns.
• Advises agency staff on using the agency’s contracts management system to request contracts, monitor status, maintain accountability of assigned contracts, and requests timely amendments or successor contracts.
• Advises the Contracts and Purchasing Manager on program needs for enhancement to the contracts management system.
• Conducts any required procurements and performs analysis of proposals for responsiveness and cost factors.  Utilizes the state’s procurement announcement system (WEBS) to publish bidder opportunities.  Coordinates procurement evaluations with program staff.  Publishes procurement results and coordinates vendor debriefings.  Provides information to the Chief Financial Officer for any procurement protests.
• Files sole source and emergency contracts with the Department of Enterprise Services using the Sole Source Contracts Database; ensures sole source and emergency contracts follow state and agency procedures.
• Prepares assigned contracts for the Records Center according to the state records retention schedule and agency procedures. Responds to public disclosure requests as assigned by the Contracts and Purchasing Manager according to agency procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by the Contracts and Purchasing Manager

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in public administration, business administration, business law, commerce, economics, mathematics, statistics or closely allied field AND two years of experience in negotiating, administering or terminating government contracts, federal grants and contracts management, contract property acquisition and management, contract cost or price analysis, or contract compliance administration. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for the required education.

Working Conditions
Work schedule is 40 hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (flexible time schedules allowable based on office needs). Working environment is an office setting with regular customer interactions occurring by phone, email, and in-person. Infrequent travel.

How to Apply:
To apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)
• A current resume (please make it succinct)
• Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)

Please note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification. Please do not include any attachments other than the ones requested above. E-mailed documents will not be accepted after the closing of the recruitment or in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile.

Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail.  You will then be notified via e-mail of your status during the process.  In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at www.careers.wa.gov.  Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we ask your understanding and encourage you to use the online process and avoid calling for information.

Please note that initial screening will be solely based on the completeness of application materials submitted and the contents and completeness of the “work experience” section of your application in NeoGov. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application may disqualify you from consideration for employment in this position. All information will be verified and documentation may be required.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.