Assistant Contracts Administrator

Assistant Contracts Administrator

Salary

$69,348.00 - $93,288.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-05868

Department

Dept. of Agriculture

Division

Administrative Services - Contracts and Purchasing

Opening Date

07/22/2026

Closing Date

8/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

AGRICULTURE - A Cornerstone of Washingtons Economy

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has been serving the state for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we keep agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. We work extensively with farmers and ranchers, but our responsibilities - from ensuring food safety to environmental protection - touch the lives of millions of people locally, nationally, and abroad.

The agency includes 780 employees approximately and grows close to 1,000 employees at the peak of seasonal work. To learn more and view additional openings, please visit our Employment Page.

The Administrative Services Division provides support services for the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

The Contracts and Procurement group are housed within the Administrative Services Division of WSDA.

The Opportunity

This position serves as the Assistant Contracts Administrator and supports WSDA with procurement and contract development. preparation, review and management, of new and existing contracts or agreements for the agency, modifying contracts when conflicts arise. This position resolves issues that arise during contracting processes including disputes, protests, appeals, etc. This position oversees the negotiations, administration and termination of all contracts, agreements, leases and letters of understanding the agency enters into.

The Assistant Contracts Administrator plans, coordinates, and performs procurement of services, supplies, materials, parts and equipment for the agency in accordance with state laws and requirements. Additionally this position maintains inventory and accountability functions of purchased items or services. This position analyzes bids for products and services, resolving vendor performance problems.

Important Notes:

WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Contracts Specialist 3 position within the Administrative Services Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington. This is a non-represented position.

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidates job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary for this position is: Range 59 $69,348 - $91,104 annually.

Duties

What to Expect

Some of the various responsibilities within this role:

Contract Administration

• Communicate to agency personnel policies, procedures, and regulations for developing and processing bids, contracts, and statements of work (SOW).
• Perform contracts administration to include bid preparation, bid awards, contract negotiation and drafting, securing signatures, post signature administration through contract close out, enter data into contracts management system, technical contract support, price analysis, and assist programs in managing contract compliance with state or federal funding.
• Determine that specifications are adequate for commodities used and determines which vendors available best meet agency needs.
• Maintain electronic files for contracted services.
• Plan, coordinate and perform annual renewals for contracts.
• Coordinate and prepare solicitations when appropriate.
• Facilitate and/or evaluate bids and proposals, and award bids.
• Review contract terms and recommended processes and MOU language.
• Oversee or prepare the review, negotiation and approval of new and existing contracts or agreements for agency programs, and modify contracts when conflicts arise for assigned contracts.
• Oversee the negotiation, administration, and termination of contracts, agreements, leases and letters of understanding for assigned contracts into which agency programs the agency.
• Share responsibility with Contracts and Procurements Program Manager for development of and interpretation of law, regulation, policy, procedure, and task for the preparation and management of leases, acquisitions, contracts, and orders.
• Assist Programs to assure compliance with contract terms and conditions.
• Assist staff with interpreting and ensuring compliance with federal requirements when contracting with federal finds.
• Ensure new staff who need contract training take appropriate course levels.
• Run quarterly contracts training report to verify training compliance.
• Maintain data for agency WEBS and ECMS users.
• Participate in agency electronic signature projects.
• Ensure documents get routed and fully signed via electronic signature platform.

Purchasing Administration

• Communicate to agency personnel policies, procedures, and regulations for developing and processing Purchase Requests, Supply and Equipment Orders (POs) for equipment, furniture, supplies, goods and services.
• Oversee and process agency staffs purchase requests within WSDAs automated Supply & Equipment System (S&E) into Purchase Orders (POs).
• Interact with agency Division Coordinators and other agency staff to clarify procurement needs.
• Apply and enforce WSDAs procurement policies and procedures for all purchasing actions and provide input when policies and procedures need to be updated.
• Maintain agency signature (Expenditure Authority) list of authorized purchases across the agency.
• Utilize knowledge of agency signature (Expenditure Authority) policy, authorized order approvers, and proxies when processing purchase requests.
• Review purchase request and supporting documents for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to State purchasing policies and procedures.
• Confirm the appropriate use of Department of Enterprise Services state mater contracts for procurements.
• Recommend alternative purchasing options when appropriate.
• Coordinate with Department of Enterprise Services, Department of Corrections, and State Printer while procuring goods and services to ensure correct purchasing policies and procedures are followed.
• Make sourcing decisions based on knowledge of procurement and supply practices.
• Verify state contract pricing, bid pricing, or competitive pricing is accurate for POs.
• Issue POs for goods and services using S&E system, purchasing charge cards, and vendors online ordering system.
• Contact vendors regarding order status, damaged shipments, and any other irregularities, resolve issues and negotiate acceptable settlements including revisions to invoices, as needed.
• Conduct research for new sources of supply and contact potential vendors for product information.
• Identify whether purchased goods are inventoried per WSDAs inventory policy and procedure, and assign asset tag numbers to fixed assets, as needed.
• Work with programs to complete equipment inventory forms.
• Coordinate and complete physical inventory count of agency assets at least every two years to maintain compliance with OFM requirements.
• Ensure all division asset counts balance with agency accounting records.
• Update CAMS records to reflect new, disposed, and changed assets.
• Monthly reconciliation report on agency inventory totals based on depreciation.
• Reconcile purchasing charge cards to bank statements and vendor invoices on a weekly basis and alert finance if any fraudulent activity is suspected.
• Remain current on procurement laws, rules, regulations, best practices, and trends.
• Interact across all levels of the agency and escalate issues to manager level as needed.
• Write and maintain procedures manual for work duties.
• Provide input and comment on drafts of purchasing policies and procedures.
• Prepare and conduct internal purchasing training on purchasing process, inventory, and other related procurement topics.
• Maintain staff training database on required procurement training through WA State Learning Center.

Services and Goods Coordination/Policy Coordination

• Develop and implement strategies needed to assure that goods and services are available.
• Attend or facilitate pre-bid session and document key elements of the negotiation and agreement in the contract file.
• Coordinate the procedures and tasks for the preparation of efficient solicitations and acquisitions.
• Review and update Contracting and Procurement Policies.
• Coordinator with DES, OMWBE and other agencies to improve supplier diversity. Ensure bidding opportunities are available to diverse vendor communities.

Program Compliance Support

• Serve as a backup to the Contracts and Procurement Manager when out of the office.
• Provide limited administrative and budget support to Financial Services and Facilities staff in relation to janitorial contracts.
• Share responsibility for yearly contract reporting.
• Consult and communicate with AAGs as necessary.
• Participate in developing contract management strategies in collaboration with AAGs.

Qualifications

Who should apply?

Professionals with:

• A Bachelor of Arts degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or closely allied field.

OR

• A Masters degree in one of the above academic disciplines may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. A law degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Washington State Bar Association may be substituted for two (2) years of experience and education.

OR

• Additional qualifying experience may be substituted year for year, for education.

AND

• Three (3) years of experience in negotiating, administering or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses or contract compliance administration.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Basic proficiency using Microsoft Office software applications and products including Word, Excel, and Outlook; able to creat, edit, modify, save, and delete documents and spreadsheets.

• One of the following professional certifications:

• Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)

• Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO)

• Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M)

• Certified professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or other related certifications.

Supplemental Information

Employee Benefits

• A healthy work/life balance, which may include flexible work schedules, and teleworking.
• WSDA provides an excellent benefits package beyond traditional benefits. State employment offers Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave; click here for more information.
• 12 paid Holidays & Vacation and Leave Accruals.
• All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required will be provided by the agency.

How to apply

You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

• A resume detailing experience and education
• A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
• Three professional references

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.

If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. Applications received via e-mail will not be accepted in lieu of applying through the states on-line recruitment system.

WSDA uses a I-9 form(Download PDF reader) to determine Employment Eligibility and Verification, once hired. This document is the authorization of an individual's ability to be hired for employment within the United States. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Equity at WSDA

The Department of Agriculture recognizes, appreciates, supports, embraces, and respects all cultural identities and backgrounds while we collaborate in authentic ways. We hire amazing people that share in the commitment to our Pro-Equity Anti-Racist (PEAR) strategic plan, our Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act implementation plan, and our unique needs and desires for belonging, respect, and inclusion. We value the growth and development of our team members by providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for continuous learning, improvement, and advancement.

We strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a productive and dedicated workforce that reflects the communities we serve while we are committed to a workplace that celebrates our differences and supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding this position or the online application, contact the Human Resource Office at Recruitment@agr.wa.gov.

Prior to a new appointment into the Department of Agriculture, 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 applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.

The Human Resources Division may use referrals from this recruitment to help fill future similar vacancies for up to six months.

Veterans Preference: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For additional information on Veterans Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

Persons with a disability, who need assistance with their application or need this announcement in an alternative format, may call 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

For more information about the Washington State Department of Agriculture, visit us at www.agr.wa.gov.

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. Thats 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026

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Please select which statement below that best describes your level of education and professional experience:

• Bachelor of Arts degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or closely allied field
• A Masters degree in one of the above academic disciplines may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. A law degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Washington State Bar Association may be substituted for two (2) years of experience and education.
• Additional qualifying experience may be substituted year for year, for education.
• I do not have any of the above experience.

10

How many years of experience in negotiating, administering or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses or contract compliance administration do you have?

• 1 year of experience
• 2 years of experience
• 3 years of experience
• 4 or more years of experience
• I do not have this experience.

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov