What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contract Specialist position at Harris County?
Position Overview:
The Contracts Specialist is a key player in the Department, responsible for the advanced coordination and management of contracts and subcontracts related to Harris County's diverse construction projects. From the initial contract draft to the completion of the project execution phase, this role is crucial for ensuring smooth contractual processes and compliance. The position reports directly to the Division Leadership of the relevant service line.
Job Duties:
- Process and manage drafts of contracts and subcontracts, ensuring thorough legal and commercial reviews are completed.
- Track, organize, and maintain documents in designated file systems efficiently.
- Populate contract templates with accurate project and third-party information, distributing them for review and feedback to internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Evaluate and ensure compliance with all contractual terms; assist project operations and legal teams with contract interpretations, notices, and change orders as necessary.
- Review and verify the terms of certificates of insurance received from subcontractors and other third parties.
- Review, evaluate, and approve specifications for issuing and awarding bids related to construction projects.
- Handle purchase order claims and contracts to ensure they conform to county policies.
- Resolve any grievances and claims against suppliers effectively and professionally.
- Administer and optimize online purchasing systems as required.
- Analyze market trends and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability critical for ongoing and upcoming projects.
- Contribute to the development of specifications for equipment, products, or substitute materials.
- Prepare and present reports on market conditions and merchandise costs to aid strategic planning.
- Perform special projects and complete other duties as assigned, aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the county's construction initiatives.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in contracts management within the government, construction, Procurement, Engineering, or services industry.
Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs):
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
- Advanced interpersonal skills with a proven track record in conflict resolution, capable of professionally managing interactions with a diverse array of individuals within a multifaceted organization.
- Proficient in interpreting construction documents and engineering analyses.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities, tasks, and timelines effectively.
- Licensure:
- Possession of a valid Texas driver's license with the capability to operate a county vehicle for site visits as required.
- Proficient in handling both contracts and subcontracts management.
Licensure:
- Possession of a valid Texas driver's license with the capability to operate a county vehicle for site visits as required.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Education:
- Master’s degree in business, public policy, or public administration or another related field preferred.
Experience:
- Experience with Contract Management software, Project Controls, e-Builder, or other Project Management Software. •Working knowledge of Harris County Regulations, Standards, and Details.
- Working knowledge of Harris County Regulations, Standards, and Details.
- Experience coordinating with external agencies.
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Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:- Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week
- Hybrid schedule: Three days in the office and two days working from home.
- Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.
- Commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods
- Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting, or operations command center environment, but some field work may be required. May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event).
- This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 lbs., frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance
- Wellness
- Professional development opportunity
- Flexible spending account
- 457 deferred compensation plan
- Retirement pension (TCDRS)
- Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program)
- Disability and life insurance
- Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
