Contracts Specialist 3 (CS3/DLS) - Project
State of Washington
FreshPosted Feb 2
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Posted: February 5, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Contracts & Federal Compliance Lead (TTE)
State of Washington
Dept. of Transportation
Location
Washington, 98504
Salary
$96,144 - $129,288
per year
Type
Full Time
More Inspection & Compliance jobs →Closes
February 19, 2026More State jobs →
SES Pay Grade
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
Job Description
Summary
This job involves leading the creation, negotiation, and management of various contracts and agreements for transportation projects, with a focus on ensuring compliance with federal rules and handling risks that could affect budgets and timelines.
It suits someone with strong legal and financial skills who enjoys working with complex deals involving railroads, government agencies, and vendors.
Ideal candidates are detail-oriented leaders who can communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders to keep transportation programs running smoothly.
Key Requirements
- Ability to interpret and apply state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and policies to contracts and procurements
- Skill in assessing and communicating legal, financial, schedule, and performance risks, with strategies to mitigate them
- Experience drafting, editing, negotiating, and administering complex agreements that define scope, responsibilities, and risks
- Proficiency in leading negotiations and making decisions on contract execution, termination, and compliance issues
- Knowledge of managing solicitations through Washington’s Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS) system
- Ability to oversee staff in contract administration and coordinate with stakeholders like railroads and federal agencies
Full Job Description
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence!
Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state.
In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking a skilled Transportation Technical Engineer to serve as the Contracts and Federal Compliance Lead in Olympia, WA.
This position provides division-wide leadership for developing, negotiating, executing, and administering a broad range of contracts, agreements, leases, and letters of understanding that support critical transportation programs.
The role oversees complex federal program contracts with specialized technical and administrative requirements that can significantly impact program scope, schedule, and budget.
The incumbent also serves as the division’s lead for audits and compliance responses and manages agreements including engineering and construction services, train operations, equipment purchase and maintenance, property leases and disposals, and other non-standard contracts.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, Contracts and Federal Compliance Lead will:
- Serve as the Lead negotiator
- Develop multiple, complex rail, freight, and other contracts, such as operating and maintenance contracts, as required by the division to achieve its programmatic goals.
- Lead, coordinate, or oversee staff that administer contracts ensuring the division meets contract obligations.
- Make decisions related to agreement tactics for execution or termination, provision language, and determinations of non-compliance.
- Elevate/inform program managers when operational or capital funding may be impacted.
- Work with stakeholders such as BNSF Railway, Sound Transit, Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, state agencies, local agencies, etc.
- Plan, execute, control and evaluate all related contract activities and functions.
- Develop and negotiate performance improvement measures or develop contract plans.
- Ensure project and program managers are kept up to date on any contract negotiation or compliance issues.
- Responsible for reviewing, finalizing, submitting and managing all solicitations under Washington’s Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS) system.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Contract Law, Compliance & Risk Management: Ability to independently interpret and apply state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and policies to develop, negotiate, administer, and evaluate complex contracts and procurements; assess and communicate legal, financial, schedule, and performance risks; and implement mitigation strategies to protect agency interests.
- Contract Development, Negotiation & Administration: Ability to draft, edit, negotiate, and administer complex agreements and contract language that clearly define scope, responsibilities, performance expectations, and risk allocation while ensuring transparency, competition, and compliance.
- Financial & Analytical Judgment: Ability to apply accounting and budgeting principles; analyze costs, expenditures, and performance data; conduct risk and cost-benefit analyses; and support fiscally sound, defensible decision-making.
- Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to translate complex technical and contractual information into clear written, verbal, and presentation formats for technical and non-technical audiences; produce professional contract documents and reports; and explain implications, risks, and recommendations to decision-makers.
- Leadership, Supervision & Workforce Development: Ability to plan, assign, supervise, and evaluate the work of professional and technical staff; provide coaching, mentoring, and constructive feedback; and support employee development and program effectiveness.
- Collaboration & Relationship Management: Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams; build productive relationships with customers, consultants, suppliers, and internal partners; and resolve issues to achieve shared project objectives.
- Digital Proficiency, Documentation & Quality Control: Ability to use digital tools and document management systems to create, manage, review, and safeguard accurate contract and project documentation; perform quality reviews; and maintain attention to detail and confidentiality.
- Organization, Prioritization & Adaptability: Ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple competing assignments, adjust to shifting deadlines, and maintain quality, compliance, and accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
- Professional Ethics & Confidentiality: Ability to exercise sound professional judgment, protect sensitive and confidential information, and develop legally and strategically appropriate solutions to complex business and stakeholder challenges.
- Mobility Requirement: Ability to travel to project sites, meetings, and workshops, including occasional overnight travel. Valid driver’s license and the ability to operate a state-owned vehicle.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
- Rail Agreement Expertise & Contract Administration: Demonstrated ability to apply specialized knowledge of Amtrak, Class I railroad, and rail vendor agreements to develop, administer, interpret, and resolve complex contractual issues unique to passenger and freight rail environments.
- Federal Railroad Regulatory Compliance: Demonstrated ability to interpret and integrate Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) laws and regulations into contract requirements, project decisions, and compliance strategies to ensure regulatory adherence and risk-informed outcomes.
Important Notes
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
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.
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 a 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 of 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 recruiter listed.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Contracts and Federal Compliance Lead #03398 in the subject line.
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