Contracts Specialist 1 - Rail, Freight & Ports

Contracts Specialist 1 - Rail, Freight & Ports

Salary

$51,600.00 - $69,348.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Lacey, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-HQ-05632

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

10/28/2026

Closing Date

11/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a Contracts Specialist 1 to provide contracts, agreements, grant management, process expertise, and administrative support for the Rail, Freight and Ports (RFP) Division. You will support contracts and grants throughout their lifecycle, coordinate federal grant applications and reporting, assist with procurement activities, and work closely with WSDOT staff, government agencies, grantees, industry partners, and other stakeholders. Your attention to detail and ability to navigate policies and requirements will help ensure RFP programs are well-managed, compliant, and moving forward. This position helps support safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options that strengthen communities and economic vitality across Washington.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Support the administration of architectural and engineering, construction, consultant, interagency, professional services, and other contracts, agreements, and grants throughout their lifecycle.
• Monitor contract performance and deliverables, review invoices and supporting documentation, track milestones and dates, and support contract closeout.
• Maintain contracts, agreements, and grants information in databases, financial systems, filing and archival systems, and SharePoint.
• Coordinate grant calls for projects, including applicant review, documentation, scoring, and compliance activities.
• Coordinate with WSDOT staff, grant recipients, and stakeholders regarding administrative processes, performance monitoring, and required reporting.
• Coordinate federal grant applications, including development and quality review of application materials, submission, and monitoring.
• Coordinate required and ad hoc reporting with WSDOT staff, federal and state agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Support division procurement activities, review assigned procurements for compliance, maintain procurement files, and facilitate related documentation and processing.
• Provide backup support to the Contracts and Federal Compliance Lead, participate in meetings, prepare meeting summaries, collaborate with subject matter experts and staff, and support records retention requirements.

Qualifications

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

• Contracts & Agreements: Demonstrates working knowledge and experience administering state and/or government contracts and agreements.
• Ethics & Equity: Demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical and equitable standards, sound judgment, and appropriate handling of confidential or sensitive information.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Grants & Contract Agreements: Demonstrates knowledge of federal grant application processes, grant administration and oversight, agreement administration, and project delivery and planning agreements.
• Laws, Rules & Regulations: Demonstrates knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations applicable to federal and state procurements, grants, contracts, and agreements.
• Communication & Collaboration: Communicates clearly with diverse audiences, including government agencies, internal and external stakeholders, and partners; facilitates meetings and delivers presentations.
• Correspondence & Comprehension: Produces and reviews clear technical documents, correspondence, reports, and other written materials; demonstrates proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
• Compliance & Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy, follows state and federal requirements, and applies applicable federal processes.
• Project Management: Supports project administration by applying scope, schedule, budget, and risk considerations and identifying opportunities to improve processes and efficiency.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Rail Industry Contracts: Familiarity or direct contract experience involving Amtrak, railroads, or rail vendors.
• Federal Transportation Requirements: Familiarity or direct contract experience involving U.S. Department of Transportation laws and regulations.
• SharePoint & Document Collaboration: Familiarity or direct experience using SharePoint tools, document collaboration, and related systems.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options and may work remote up to 100% per supervisor approval, with the ability to attend infrequent meetings.
• 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 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• 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 are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• 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 to State Benefits for more information.

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:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

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 listed Recruiter.

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

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05632 in the subject line.

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

Contracts & Agreements: Which best describes your experience supporting the administration of government contracts and agreements?

• Extensive experience independently administering contracts and agreements through multiple stages of their lifecycle, including monitoring performance, reviewing documentation, tracking requirements and milestones, and supporting closeout.
• Considerable experience administering contracts or agreements, including monitoring requirements, reviewing documentation, or tracking milestones, with limited guidance.
• Some experience supporting the administration of contracts or agreements with guidance.
• Limited experience assisting with contract or agreement administration.
• No experience.

02

Please describe your experience supporting the administration of contracts or agreements. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

03

Grants Agreements: Which best describes your knowledge and experience with federal grant application processes, grant administration and oversight, agreement administration, or project delivery and planning agreements?

• Extensive knowledge and experience independently supporting federal grant applications, grant administration and oversight, and agreement administration.
• Considerable knowledge and experience supporting grants or agreements with limited guidance.
• Some knowledge or experience supporting grant or agreement activities with guidance.
• Limited familiarity with grants or agreements.
• No knowledge or experience.

04

Please describe your experience with federal grants and agreements. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

05

Laws, Rules & Regulations: Which best describes your experience applying laws, rules, regulations, policies, or procedures related to government contracts, grants, agreements, or procurement?

• Extensive experience independently interpreting and applying multiple requirements to contracts, grants, agreements, or procurement activities.
• Considerable experience applying applicable requirements with limited guidance.
• Some experience applying established requirements with guidance.
• Limited experience working with government requirements.
• No experience.

06

Compliance & Attention to Detail: Which best describes your experience reviewing documents, invoices, reports, or other materials for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements?

• Extensive experience independently reviewing complex documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance and identifying and resolving deficiencies.
• Considerable experience reviewing documentation for accuracy and compliance with limited guidance.
• Some experience reviewing documentation for completeness or accuracy with guidance.
• Limited experience assisting with document review.
• No experience.

07

Project Management: Which best describes your experience supporting project administration involving scope, schedule, budget, risk, or process improvement?

• Extensive experience independently coordinating project activities while monitoring scope, schedule, budget, risk, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Considerable experience supporting project administration and monitoring project requirements with limited guidance.
• Some experience supporting project activities or tracking project requirements with guidance.
• Limited experience assisting with project administration.
• No experience.

08

Communication & Collaboration: Which best describes your experience communicating with diverse audiences, including government agencies, internal or external stakeholders, vendors, or other partners?

• Extensive experience independently communicating complex or technical information with diverse stakeholders, facilitating meetings, and coordinating activities across organizations.
• Considerable experience communicating and collaborating with diverse stakeholders with limited guidance.
• Some experience communicating with internal or external stakeholders as part of assigned work.
• Limited experience interacting with stakeholders in a professional setting.
• No experience.

09

Technical Writing: Which best describes your experience preparing and reviewing technical documents, correspondence, reports, and other written materials?

• Extensive experience independently preparing and reviewing technical documents and reports.
• Considerable experience preparing written materials with limited guidance.
• Some experience preparing documents with guidance.
• Limited experience preparing written materials.
• No experience.

10

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft PowerPoint skills? (NOTE: To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level. To qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels. To qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the basic level below
• BASIC: Create, save, preview and print
• INTERMEDIATE: Create slides; format text; add and modify graphics; create tables in presentation; imports charts
• ADVANCED: Customize environment; set up a slide master; create custom layouts; add headers and footers; insert and modify SmartArt graphics; add special effect; customize slide animations; customize a design template; covert to video; secure and distribute
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all PowerPoint functions listed above

11

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft SharePoint skills? (NOTE: To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level. To qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels. To qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the basic level below
• BASIC: Navigate to SharePoint sites, pages, and apps (e.g. lists, libraries, calendars, discussions, etc.); Use Search Center to locate documents, items, people, and pages; Open and print basic documents and items; Navigate between different app views; Set up and cancel personal alerts
• INTERMEDIATE: Create, edit, and delete basic documents and items; Check documents in and out; Create, edit, and delete personal app views; Connect calendars to MS Outlook; Export apps to MS Excel; Open apps in MS Access; Approve, reject, reassign, and request changes to workflow tasks; Restore deleted documents and items from personal end user recycle bin
• ADVANCED: Understand sites, permissions, user roles, content types, and best practices; Create, modify, and delete SharePoint sites; Create, edit, and delete security groups; Add and remove user and group permissions; Break and inherit permissions at the site, app, and item level; Add, edit, close, restore, and delete web parts; Create, edit, and delete apps; Create, edit, and delete public app views; Set up and cancel alerts for users
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all SharePoint functions listed above

12

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Word? (NOTE: To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level. To qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels. To qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the basic level below
• BASIC: Create, save, preview and print a basic document; edit selected text; change font appearance; highlight text; format paragraphs with tabs, borders, shading and styles; page setup, use auto correct
• INTERMEDIATE: Insert graphic objects and visual effects to a document; add tables to a document or convert tables to text; add watermarks, borders, headers and footers; use the word look up (thesaurus, dictionary); customize tables and charts; modify pictures in document; create customized graphic elements; use templates
• ADVANCED: Insert content using quick parts; control text flow; perform mail merge function; uses macros for tasks; insert cover pages and table of contents; track changes and comments; insert bookmarks, footnotes and endnotes; add hyperlinks; cross-references and citations; link documents to excel worksheets; send document to PowerPoint; merge documents; redaction function; hide text; add digital signature, restrict access and use passwords; create, protect and automate forms
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Word functions listed above

13

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Excel skills? (NOTE: To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level. To qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels. To qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)

• I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the basic level below
• BASIC: Create basic worksheets; create basic formulas; use basic functions; modify and format a worksheet; print workbooks
• INTERMEDIATE: Use advanced formulas; organize tables and worksheets; create and modify charts; analyze data using Pivot tables and Pivot Charts; insert and modify graphic objects in a worksheet
• ADVANCED: Create and edit macros; conditional formatting; apply data validation criteria; able to protect, share and merge files; trace cells and troubleshoot formula errors; uses data list outline; consolidate data and link workbooks; export and import text files and XML data; import data from the Web and create Web queries; analyze data using trend lines, Sparklines and scenarios
• EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Excel functions listed above and uses advanced formulas, functions and arrays; uses information, date and time functions; uses advanced editing and formatting; advanced chart formatting; runs solver models and reports; embed and link information; set up customization including automation

14

Rail Industry Contracts: Which best describes your experience with contracts or contract-related activities involving Amtrak, railroads, or rail vendors?

• Extensive direct experience administering or supporting contracts involving Amtrak, railroads, or rail vendors.
• Considerable direct experience supporting contracts or contract-related activities involving the rail industry.
• Some experience working with rail industry contracts or vendors.
• Familiarity with rail industry contracts or vendors but no direct experience.
• No experience or familiarity.

15

Please describe your experience with contracts or contract-related activities involving the rail industry. If no experience, enter N/A.

16

U.S. Department of Transportation Requirements: Which best describes your knowledge or experience with U.S. Department of Transportation laws and regulations related to contracts, grants, or transportation programs?

• Extensive knowledge and direct experience applying U.S. Department of Transportation laws and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge and experience applying U.S. Department of Transportation requirements with limited guidance.
• Some familiarity with U.S. Department of Transportation requirements through assigned work.
• Limited familiarity.
• No knowledge or experience.

17

Please describe your experience involving U.S. Department of Transportation laws and regulations. If no experience, enter N/A.

18

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

19

If you selected Other on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

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