The Department of Commerce is recruiting for a Program and Contract Management position within the State Energy Office.

Do you enjoy managing contracts from inception to close?  Would you like to be a part of the state’s response to and recovery from emergencies and disasters?  Would you like to team up with policy experts to make programs and projects that foster clean and efficient energy more successful?  We want more than just a contract manager; we want a dynamo.  We need someone who can help monitor a contract in the morning, give great advice about energy emergencies in the afternoon, and also be that spark of ingenuity throughout the entire day.

We realize we are asking for the moon but we only want the best.  We know stars shine.  We are committed to hiring great people, letting them flourish, and supporting their professional growth.  If you’re a proven professional who’s able to make good decisions under stressful situations, capable of dealing with change and ready to help move the needle towards driving the state towards more affordable energy; we invite you to apply today!

This position is responsible for providing advanced professional level program and contract management in implementing the assigned State Energy Program (SEP) and energy efficiency and solar programs.  This position works with energy clients, accounting, engineering, and, as well as federal and state program staff.

• Program management of energy program including planning and development of program goals and objectives.
• Develops applications and/or request for proposals. Evaluates applications, convenes and facilitates application review teams as needed, and makes funding recommendations to the section manager regarding assigned applications.
• Develops and negotiates scopes of work, statements of work, and/or work plans. Prepares final contract documents.
• Maintains cooperative relationships and communication with Commerce staff, DOE, and other partners.
• Monitors contractor compliance with technical aspects of complex contracts. Prepares site visit and desk monitoring reports.
• Ensures implementation of all contractor deliverables are obtained and state & federal requirements are met in a timely manner.
• Project and contract monitoring as well as enforcing time lines for project deliverables by alerting clients to key project milestones and guiding them through the time extension, project closure, and contract close out processes.
• Provides technical assistance to clients and stakeholders on energy programs.
• Coordinates and/or conducts training and provides technical assistance to public policy makers, staff and service providers.
• Develop and present programmatic, contract management, and other training onsite, at conferences, and workshops.
• Research programmatic requirements to create and conduct energy program training, seminar and conference presentations.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of operational requirements of working in the state Emergency Operations Center through internal and external training.

• Bachelor’s degree in public/business administration, accounting or related field
• Three years of professional level experience with federal/state infrastructure financing; grant and loan administration; or accounting.
  • Professional level experience in governmental contracting, program/project management or accounting may substitute year for year for the degree).

Required Competencies:

• Demonstrated technical/legal knowledge and aptitude of multiple state and federal requirements in energy contracting and financing.
• Thorough knowledge of grant and loan administration and accounting.
• Technical knowledge of program requirements related to financing, contract management, and compliance.
• Customer Service – Communicates with customers, handles customer questions and complaints.
• Integrity – Deals with others in a straightforward and honest manner, is accountable for actions, maintains confidentiality, supports company values, conveys both good news and bad.
• Results Focus – Targets and achieves results, sets challenging goals, prioritizes tasks, and overcomes obstacles.
• Communication – Communicates well both verbally and in writing, creates accurate and punctual reports, delivers presentations.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Experience managing energy programs, including demonstrated contracting, program management, and technical assistance.

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position;
• A current resume detailing experience and education; and
• A list of at least three professional references.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. This recruitment will be used to fill two open positions.  Application assessment will be ongoing and the hiring manager reserves the right and may exercise the option to hire at any time. It will be to the applicant’s advantage to submit materials as soon as possible.

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Jill Nordstrom at 360-252-0638 or jill.nordstrom@commerce.wa.gov.

Who we are:

At Commerce, we’re a little different. Our Olympia offices are open Monday through Friday. Our parking is free.  Many of our employees bike year round. We also have an active bicycle loaner program.

Washington State offers commuting programs, including free, subsidized and reduced public transportation incentives.  There are approximately 300 employees in our agency. We are committed to our work and value balance in our personal lives. We hire people for a position and encourage them to train for growth opportunities.

If this sounds like a good fit for you and you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply today!

What we do:

We are the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. We administer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on achieving one clear and simple mission: to grow and improve jobs in Washington.

Our key customers include businesses, local governments and community-based organizations. We also play the crucial role of convening numerous local, state, regional and federal partners and stakeholders, public and private. Together we work to support the Governor’s priorities and achieve shared goals and objectives for the citizens of Washington.

Not from Olympia?

As the state’s capitol, Olympia is located off Interstate 5 at the south end of the Puget Sound roughly half-way between Seattle and Portland, and less than a two hour drive to the coast, temperate rainforest, mountains, urban city, or farmlands.  With year-round art festivals, parades, theater shows, concerts, and community events, Olympia and its surrounding cities have something for everyone. For parents, it boasts some of the best schools in the nation and the renowned HandsOn Children’s Museum.  Home to two universities (The Evergreen State College and Saint Martin’s University), Olympia residents also have the opportunity to pursue a degree while working!

Special Notes:

This position is covered by a union security provision. Therefore, as a condition of employment, candidates who are appointed are required to become members of the Washington Federation of State Employees, or pay other representational fees within the first 30 days of employment.

Additional Information:

The Washington State Department of Commerce complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.

The Washington State Department of Commerce 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, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (360) 725-2650. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.