Contract Specialist 1 (CS1) - Olympia

Contract Specialist 1 (CS1) - Olympia

Salary

$51,600.00 - $69,348.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-07029

Department

Dept of Children, Youth, and Families

Division

Financial and Business Services Division

Opening Date

09/15/2026

Closing Date

9/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Our vision is to ensure that "Washington states children and youth grow up safe and health-thriving physically, emotionally and academically, nurtured by family and community"

Job Title: Contracts Specialist 1 (Olympia)

Location: Olympia WA, Thurston County (Flexible/Hybrid)

Closes: September 29th, 2026

Salary: $51,600.00- $69,348.00 Annually

This position is responsible for the administration of routine contracts, including but not limited to interagency agreements, leases, and letters of understanding to provide or obtain services or goods on behalf of the agency. The person in this role will also initiative competitive bid projects, develop specifications and terms, initiate advertising for bids; while also providing for the receipt, processing, and award of contracts. Additionally, the Contract Specialist 1 will also support Contract staff with background checks for providers, as well as support the agency in the submission of DES related annual reports.

Click here to learn more about DCYF.

The Opportunity:

As a Contract Specialist 1 with DCYF, you will help ensure the agency has the goods and services it needs to support children, youth, and families across Washington. Working with the Contracts Office, you will manage routine contracts and agreements, support competitive bidding and procurement, develop contract terms, and monitor compliance with state and federal requirements. Your work will help DCYF use public resources responsibly while ensuring programs and services are delivered effectively and on time.

Some of what youll get to do:

• Initiates the competitive contracting process (competitive bid projects), including the development of specifications and terms.
• Administers contracts with other WA State Agencies, Other State Governments, federal agencies, and private vendors for goods, services, and project funding.
• Initiates advertising for bids / procurement efforts.
• Provides receipt, processing and award of contracts.
• Obtains signatures, of authorized parties or their agents, of the parties to agreements /contracts.
• Coordinates with DCYF Administrative Services Division Legal Counsel, the Office of the Attorney General, and representatives of other state agencies with regard to contract requirements and procedures.
• Advises DCYF departments, offices, and staff members on the procedures involved in contracting for goods and / or services.
• Maintain contracts records including internal tracking mechanisms.
• Coordinates reports internally and with representatives of other department divisions.
• Develops contract reports required for the Department of Enterprise Services and the Office of Women and Minority Owned Businesses.
• Uploads documents necessary to support contract creation and renewal.

Required Qualifications:

• Equivalent combination of education and experience totaling five (5) years.

OR

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

AND

• One year of experience in negotiating, administering, or terminating contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analysis, or contract compliance administration

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Preferred/Desired Qualifcations:

• Knowledge of Washington State and federal laws and regulations governing contracts and agreements.
• Knowledge of contract principles, practices, theory, and application.
• Knowledge of contract terminology, development, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate and write effectively.
• Ability to represent the agency in coordination and negotiations with government agencies and private industry.
• Ability to identify desirable contract terms and provisions.
• Ability to identify and address contract non-compliance.

How do I apply?

In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• Cover Letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education.

Supplemental Information:

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.

This position requires a successful completion, within mandated timeframes, of employee orientation and all other mandatory annual in-service and other required training.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact DCYF recruiter. If youre experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or emailsupport@neogov.com. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veterans Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22 or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD form 214, NGB form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veterans Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.

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

01

Which of the following best describes how you qualify for this position:

• Equivalent combination of education and experience totaling five (5) years.
• A Bachelor's degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, economics, mathematics, statistics, or a closely allied field.
• None of these.

02

Select any or all of the following from your documented work history that you have demonstrable experience with:

• Providing advice and guidance to ensure compliance with RCWs, WACs policies and contracted terms
• Drafting statements of work
• Contract management
• Negotiating contracts
• Conducting competitive procurements
• Contract compliance
• Contract monitoring
• None of the above

03

Select any or all of the following types of contracts you have processed in your work history

• Competitive procurements contracts
• Client Service contracts
• Sole Source contracts
• Direct Buy contracts
• Interlocal agreements
• None of the above

04

Which of the following best describes your experience assuring compliance with the terms of contracts, while also resolving problems concerning obligations of a state agency or private concerns?

• Willing (Little or no experience or training regarding this competency, but interested and willing to learn).
• Developing (Developing knowledge and skills regarding this competency through completion of an employer sponsored training or higher education program, OR through at least 6 months of experience applying the competency in the workplace).
• Skilled (Successfully and regularly applied the competency in the workplace. Recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills regarding the competency. Generally, this is achieved through 1 to 3 years of experience).
• Expert (Application of this competency is polished to excellence and is extensive in nature. Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills regarding this competency. Generally, this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience).
• None of the above

05

If you indicated that you have experience assuring compliance with the terms of contracts, while also resolving problems concerning obligations of a state agency or private concerns, please explain your experience. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.

06

How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?

• Washington States career website: www.careers.wa.gov
• Washington State Work Source office or website (Go2WorkSource.com)
• Washington State employee
• DCYF Recruiter
• College/university career fair or website
• Diversity network meeting/event
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• ZipRecruiter
• Handshake
• Other

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