Contracts Administration Specialist

Salary range is $21.63/hour to $55.28/hour, with a midpoint of $38.46/hour.  New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE: 

Under general supervision, performs technical and professional duties involved in the post-award administration of architect-engineering and construction contracts in area of assignment for the Agency; assists Agency departments and project managers in the administration of contracts. Responsible for architect-engineering review of indirect and direct costs, invoices, close-outs, and other contract administration functions in accordance with policies, procedures, and in compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations and laws; responds to questions and issues and provides technical expertise and assistance related to assigned contract administration and close-out.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Administers assigned A&E contracts in accordance with contractual terms and conditions, Agency’s internal policies and resolutions, Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Circular, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Administers assigned A&E contracts to ensure compliance with contractual requirements including deliverables, schedule, quality, cost, notices, and insurance. 
• Reviews direct and indirect costs, identifies issues of non-compliance and recommends remedial actions; interprets contractual provisions and provides guidance to project team members; investigates and resolves contractual issues relative to assigned contracts. 
• Reviews and processes invoices for payment consistent with contractual requirements and Agency’s policies and procedures; and negotiates, reviews, and processes change orders/contract modifications consistent with contractual requirements, Agency’s policies and procedures, and applicable federal requirements. 
• Participates, coordinates, and supports departments to ensure timely invoice payment. 
• Performs A&E and construction contract administration and contract close out functions in accordance with contractual requirements and state law, as applicable.
• Provide support to Agency staff in contract negotiations.
• Participates in division process improvement efforts and contributes to culture of continuous process improvement.
• Provides support to the division on matters as directed; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate; ensures processes, policies, and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.  
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Associate's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Contract Management, Construction, or closely related field. Three years of experience in contract services work, preferably in the architectural/engineering industry or government related setting; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Public procurement/contracting systems and processes.
• Purchasing and accounting transactions.
• Principles and practices of contract administration as applied to the public sector.
• Basic contract cost and price analysis principles and practices based on federal regulations.
• Basic negotiation principles and practices.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Project management techniques and principles.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Principles of customer service.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
• Performing a range of duties involved in participating in the services and activities of the A&E contract process within the Procurement and Contracts Division.
• Preparing management reports.
• Assisting with contract change orders and identifying solutions that balance the Agency’s interests and those of the negotiating partner(s), within financial capacity and other constraints.
• Interpreting and applying federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Contract management and oversight.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Applying project management techniques and principles.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:  

• Work is performed in a hybrid environment with an expectation of working in office a minimum of 3 days per week.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required. 

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.