Procurement and Contracts Specialist 1

Why it's a great opportunity: In this role with the Procurement and Contracts Division, you will support County wide procurement efforts by reviewing errors in spelling, formatting, verification, and matching documents. You will use technology such as Workday to upload vendor systems, Docusign for reviewing contracts for errors, and work with IT and vendors for data uploads and maintenance. Your knowledge of contract administration, customer support, and administrative processes will ensure accurate and consistent procurement for the County.

Why it's a great department: The Finance & Enterprise Services Department delivers enterprise-wide services that support every County department and many external partners, ensuring Pierce County operates effectively, efficiently, and with strong public stewardship. Finance & Enterprise Services staff provide a broad portfolio of high-impact, countywide services, including budgeting and performance management, fiscal services, procurement and contracting, information technology, general services, fleet services, and risk management. 

Employees have the opportunity to work on strategic, enterprise-level initiatives, collaborate across departments, provide the operational and technical backbone which ensures the smooth delivery of services across the organization, and deliver critical analysis and decision support that informs leadership and shapes County priorities. The Finance & Enterprise Services Department is focused on creating a culture where employees can help improve service delivery to make a meaningful impact on County operations and the community. The Department leads with safety, empowerment, and collaboration to create an environment where every person can contribute, challenge ideas, and continuously improve.

Learn more about the Finance & Enterprise Services Department here.

How to be successful in the role: Your success will come from timely contract support while doing vendor reach out, outstanding customer service, problem solving with state and private vendors, and database maintenance. 

Your future in this role: You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core daily responsibilities:

• Prepare ITBs, RFPs, and RFQs for the procurement of goods and services and for publicly advertised technical, professional, engineering and construction service contracts. 
• Research, recommend and develop procurement methods, to include traditional and standard procurement methods. 
• Write and edit scopes of work; and review and modify contractual specifications for compliance with all laws, policies and procedures. 
• Manage the procurement process from creation of solicitation documents up to Notice to Proceed ensuring correct bidding requirements, and appropriate selection criteria, phasing and weighting. 
• Conduct and participate in the RFP/Bid evaluation process, assuring proposer/bidder responsibility and issue award letters. 
• Participate in and oversee negotiations, review rates and advise County end-users on contractual issues.
• Assist in drafting, reviewing and finalizing contract documents, and ensuring contract execution. 
• Assist consultant/contractor with invoicing; drafting, reviewing and processing amendments, change orders, and close out documents. 
• Ensure compliance requirements are met and documented. Conduct site visits and inspections. 
• Assist with increasing contracting opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Pierce County businesses, small businesses and Veteran-owned businesses.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• Additional education and/or work experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute on a year for year basis for the recruiting requirements.
• Two years of progressively responsible work experience in the area of public sector procurement and contracting, accounting, or related field, AND
• Two years of college-level coursework in accounting, data processing, business administration or related field.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position. 

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.org/jobs. 
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title. 
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.  

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.  

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home. 

Salary : $37 - $47