Contracts Specialist 1

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 detail-oriented and motivated Contracts Specialist 1 to join our team in Olympia, WA.

This position is located within Headquarters (HQ) in the Accounting and Financial Services (AFS) Division and reports to a Contracts Specialist 2 within the Procurement and Materials Management Office (PMMO).

In this role, you will play a key part in advancing WSDOT’s mission by supporting the successful delivery of transportation projects across the state.

You will help ensure the accurate execution and administration of construction contracts, contributing to efficient project delivery and strong financial stewardship.

As a valued member of the Contract Administration and Payment System (CAPS) team, you will support contract administration and payment processes while applying your knowledge of the Department’s contract, accounting, and reporting systems.

This position also requires a solid understanding of WSDOT and statewide contracting policies, procedures, and administrative practices.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, values precision, and is eager to contribute to meaningful infrastructure projects that serve communities across Washington.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Contract Specialist 1 will:

Qualifications

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

• Contract Interpretation & Compliance: Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret construction contract provisions to ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and promote clarity in contract execution and administration.
• Retainage & Final Acceptance Application: Proven skill in identifying and applying contract provisions related to retainage and final acceptance, ensuring accurate implementation in accordance with policy and contractual requirements.
• Issue Identification & Resolution: Demonstrated experience identifying discrepancies in contract documentation or processes, clearly documenting findings, and initiating appropriate and timely resolution actions.
• Contract Administration & Financial Accuracy: Proficiency in applying retainage requirements and processing financial adjustments accurately, ensuring alignment with contract terms, policies, and audit standards.
• Contract Execution Oversight: Demonstrated knowledge of contract execution standards and best practices, with the ability to ensure contracts are properly executed, complete, and compliant with established criteria.
• Documentation & Timeline Management: Ability to identify required contract documents, enforce submission requirements, and ensure adherence to critical timelines for contract execution.
• Performance Monitoring & Accountability: Skill in monitoring contractor compliance with execution requirements, including ensuring contracts are executed within required timeframes (e.g., within 20 days of award).
• Invoice Review & Compliance Assurance: Proven ability to review invoices (such as DJC) for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Records Management & Audit Compliance: Knowledge of records retention and auditing best practices, with demonstrated ability to maintain compliant documentation and support audit readiness.
• 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 demonstrate:

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.

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 357-28of the Washington Administrative Code.

• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• 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

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 toState Benefitsfor 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:

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 Contract Specialist 1 #05142 in the subject line.