Contract and Agreement Specialist (TTE)



Contract and Agreement Specialist (TTE)

Salary

$88,416.00 - $118,932.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

23DOT-HQ-03398

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

07/12/2023

Closing Date

8/9/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Description


About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project. 

 

The Opportunity

WSDOT Rail, Freight, and Ports Division (RFPD) is recognized as a trusted partner and leader in the Rail, Freight, and Port domain.   We strive to be a catalyst for economic growth, for transporting passengers by rail, and for the efficient movement of goods by all freight modes. Primary areas of RFPD responsibility include funding, contracting, and capital improvement for the Amtrak Cascades, operations, capital delivery on the Palouse River & Coulee City freight rail system, administering grant and loan programs, freight and rail planning, port zero-emission project delivery and grants, truck parking, and coordination with all freight modes. 

 

RFPD is currently seeking a Contracts and Agreements Specialist (Transportation Technical Engineer) in Olympia, WA. 

This position develops, negotiates, oversees, and administers all contracts, agreements, leases, and letters of understanding into which the division may enter. This position is also responsible for ensuring there are quality processes and procedures administered to ensure agreement compliance. In this role, you will serve as the lead for audits and responses. Agreements include but are not limited to engineering, construction, communications, marketing, planning, environmental, train service, equipment purchase, equipment maintenance, consultant services, leases, property disposals, and other non-standard contracts.

 

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

  • Lead negotiations and be responsible for the development of multiple, complex rail, freight, and other contracts, such as operating and maintenance contracts, as required by the division to achieve its programmatic goals.
  • Determine agreement tactics for execution or termination, provision language, and determinations of non-compliance. 
  • Manage, coordinate, or oversee staff to manage/administer contracts ensuring the division meets contract obligations.
  • Plan, execute, control, and evaluate all related contract activities and functions. 
  • Communicate and inform program managers when operational or capital funding may be impacted. 
  • Work with stakeholders such as BNSF, Sound Transit, Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, state agencies, local agencies, etc.
  • Develop and negotiate performance improvement measures to meet the division's mission. 
  • Develop contracts or agreements using expertise in engineering, railroad, and consultant contracts that account for federal, state, and agency requirements.
  • Ensure project delivery and operation managers are kept up to date on any contract negotiation or compliance issues.
  • Ensure contracts are processed in accordance with department policies, rail division goals, and all applicable laws.
  • Represent the division for agreement administration, development, and negotiations with private companies, federal, state, and local governments.
  • Responsible for correspondence related to agreement negotiations, compliance, or administration.
  • Responsible for developing strategies, briefings, presentations, and plans to manage and implement contractual documents that are in the best interest of the division and align with department goals for contracting.

 

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

  • Five (5) years of professional experience in the development, review, and execution of contracts and agreements demonstrating a strong understanding of contract management principles, legal concepts, and procurement processes OR one (1) year of experience as a Transportation Engineer 4, Transportation Planning Specialist 4 OR three (3) years of experience as a Transportation Engineer 3, Transportation Planning Specialist 3.
  • Ability to create, edit, and negotiate complex agreement structure and language.
  • Strategize legal contract solutions to complex business tasks and stakeholder relationships.
  • Ability to analyze and evaluate contracts, using various tools and methods, such as risk assessment, cost-benefit analysis, or performance.
  • Ability to articulate complex agreement provision language to non-legal and non-contract personnel.
  • Ability to prepare and deliver presentations for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Analyze compliance with the terms and conditions of contracts, as well as any applicable laws and regulations.
  • Prioritize and multitask work assignments with shifting deadlines.
  • Use personal computers, telephone, email, and the internet to communicate about technical topics.
  • Review and interpret studies and reports.
  • Work in a collaborative manner with project teams, consultants, and subject matter experts.
  • Supervise professional and technical staff.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. 
  • Work as part of a multidimensional team with the ability to work both autonomously and in a collaborative group.
  • Conduct quality reviews of others’ work and provide constructive feedback.
  • Travel to project sites, meetings, and workshops both off and on-site by car or air with occasional overnight stays.
  • Complete the Department of Enterprise contract training within the first 30 days of employment.

 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have: 

  • Familiarity or direct contract work activities related to Amtrak, Class I railroads, and rail vendor contracts.
  • Familiarity or direct contract work activities related to USDOT and/or Federal Railroad laws and regulations.

 

Important Notes 

  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options, with telework options.
  • In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. 
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov 

 

Why WSDOT 

  • Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
  • Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
  • Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 

 

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT? 

 

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: 

  • An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
  • An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
  • Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

 

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in, or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

 

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

 

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov 

 

Contact us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Rachel Giese at GieseR@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-HQ-03398 in the subject line. 


More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
How many years of experience do you have developing, managing, or administrating contracts and/or agreements?
  • I have over eight (8) years of this experience.
  • I have 7 – 8 years of this experience.
  • I have 6 – 7 years of this experience.
  • I have 5 – 6 years of this experience.
  • I have 4 – 5 years of this experience.
  • I have 3 – 4 years of this experience.
  • I have less than three (3) years of this experience.
02
Please describe your experience in the question above. Please provide specific examples (including the nature of the contracting entities such as private corporations, state or local entities, and/or federal agencies) developing, managing, or administrating contracts and/or agreements. Otherwise, type N/A.
03
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
  • Indeed
  • LinkedIn
  • Direct Email Notification
  • WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
  • Career Fair
  • Monster
  • WorkSource
  • Handshake
  • AASHTO
  • NACTO
  • COMTO
  • APWA
  • "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
  • Radio advertisement
  • WSDOT Employment Site
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • governmentjobs.com
  • Other (specify below)
04
If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact