Construction Contracts Specialist

Position Summary

The Construction Contracts Specialist supports Citrus Connection’s capital improvement and facilities projects by managing construction-related contracts and procurement activities. This role is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and administering all construction, architectural/engineering, maintenance, and professional service agreements to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including FTA requirements, Florida Statutes, and agency policies. The specialist works closely with project managers, Finance, Risk, and external contractors to ensure transparency, accountability, and successful project delivery across Citrus Connection’s facilities, fleet, and infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Development & Administration

• Draft, review, and negotiate construction contracts, scopes of work, change orders, and amendments using agency-approved templates (including FTA and Florida Statutes requirements).
• Ensure contract terms comply with Citrus Connection policies, procurement thresholds, and Risk Management standards.
• Administer contract lifecycle activities, including tracking milestones, deliverables, renewals, insurance compliance, and performance measures.
• Maintain detailed contract files to support audits, FTA reporting, and public records compliance.

Procurement Support

• Assist in the development and issuance of ITBs, RFPs, RFQs, and public notices for construction and capital projects.
• Participate in and coordinate pre-bid meetings, site walkthroughs, bid openings, evaluations, and award recommendations in accordance with Florida public procurement rules.
• Verify vendor compliance with bonding requirements, insurance certificates, licensing, and FDOT/FTA documentation.
• Support the Manager of Procurement & Contracts with procurement planning and vendor outreach.

Financial & Risk Oversight

• Review contractor cost proposals, pay applications, and schedule of values for accuracy and contractual compliance.
• Collaborate with Finance to track project encumbrances, expenditures, and budget impacts.
• Work with Risk Management to ensure safety standards, indemnification clauses, and insurance coverage meet agency needs.
• Identify contractual risks and recommend mitigation strategies to protect Citrus Connection’s financial and legal interests.

Project Support & Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between contractors, internal departments, engineering partners, and legal counsel on contract-related matters.
• Provide project managers with timely guidance on contract interpretation, compliance, and issue resolution.
• Participate in project meetings, construction progress reviews, and site visits as needed.
• Ensure all FTA third-party contracting requirements are incorporated into applicable agreements.

Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain a working knowledge of FTA Circular 4220.1F (and successor rules), FDOT guidelines, Florida Statutes Chapter 287 and 255, and public procurement best practices.
• Prepare contract status reports, vendor performance updates, and contract compliance summaries for leadership and the Citrus Connection Board when required.
• Ensure adherence to public records laws, retention schedules, audit standards, and procurement policies established by the Board.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Construction Management, Procurement, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in contract administration, procurement, or construction project coordination.
• Experience within public transit, municipal government, or public sector procurement is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with FTA-funded construction projects and federal procurement requirements is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of construction industry practices, contract law principles, and Florida public procurement requirements.
• Ability to draft, negotiate, and interpret construction and professional service contracts.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to resolve contractual issues and support complex capital projects.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills suitable for public meetings, contractors, and leadership.
• Ability to manage concurrent projects in a deadline-driven, compliance-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in contract management systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and project management tools.

Preferred Certifications

• Florida Certified Contract Manager (FCCM) or Florida Certified Contract Negotiator (FCCN).
• CPPB/CPPO or NCMA certifications.
• Construction management or procurement credentials (CCM, PMP) are desirable.

Working Conditions

• Office environment with periodic visits to Citrus Connection facilities, bus stops, shelters, and construction locations.
• May require attending public meetings or Board sessions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and walk moderate distances.
• Ability to navigate active construction sites with appropriate PPE.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid jury duty
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000