Contracts Specialist 3 - Advertisement & Award

Contracts Specialist 3 - Advertisement & Award

Salary

$69,348.00 - $93,288.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Tumwater, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-HQ-05226e

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

10/07/2026

Closing Date

10/21/2026 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 currently seeking is currently seeking a Contracts Specialist 3 to serve as a unit supervisor in the Contract Ad & Award (CAA) Office in Tumwater, WA. In this role, you will help oversee the advertisement, bidding, and award of WSDOT highway, ferry terminal, and facility projects statewide-up to 250 contracts each year. You will exercise judgment on complex contracting matters, help develop and implement policies and procedures, and represent WSDOT with contractors, industry representatives, agency personnel, legal counsel, government officials, and the public. You will also supervise Contract Specialists and help ensure contracting practices are consistent, transparent, and compliant with applicable laws and rules.

What to Expect

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

• Review contractor and project engineer comments and recommend bid opening schedules that support competition and account for addenda, competing contracts, project office feedback, and other factors.
• Review contract addenda to determine impacts and time requirements for bid preparations or the bid opening delays.
• Assists with public bid openings, receiving and publicly opening and reading bids in concert with all applicable laws and rules.
• Review contract proposals and assist with determinations of responsiveness.
• Review all bid that are determined to be non-responsive and assists with bid rejections.
• Assist with bid protests, recommendations of merit, and carrying out appropriate follow up actions.
• Assist with legal reviews through the Attorney General's Office.
• Recommend awarding contracts to the lowest responsive bidder, and assist with soliciting and reviewing justifications for award when low bid exceeds engineer's estimates.
• Develop and maintain manuals, forms, desk procedures, policies, and guidance related to contractor prequalification, advertisement, bidding, and award.
• Support legislation and administrative rule and updates related to public works bidding and prequalification of contractors.
• Develop processes for evaluating and tracking contractor performance, review performance reports, and assist with corrective action.
• Review contractor financial information, work histories, applications, references, and other submittals to recommend prequalification levels, work classifications, maximum bidding capacities, and related adjustments.
• Review plans, specifications, and estimates to recommend work classes or combinations of work classes for contractor prequalification.

Qualifications

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

• Contract Evaluation: Ability to review and evaluate construction contracts, bids, proposals, specifications, estimates, and other contract documents.
• Analytical Judgment: Ability to assess the effects of contract addenda, project changes, competing contracts, and other factors on bid preparation and competition.
• Professional Representation: Ability to represent the department professionally before contractors, industry representatives, agency personnel, legal counsel, government officials, and the public while conducting processes in compliance with laws and regulations.
• Bid Administration: Ability to review bids and proposals, determine responsiveness, review award justifications, reject bids, and respond to bid protests.
• Policy and Procedure Development: Skills in developing, revising, and maintaining manuals, forms, desk procedures, policies, and administrative guidance.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of applicable WAC, RCW, and other laws and regulations governing public works contracting and contractor prequalification.
• Regulatory Interpretation: Ability to interpret laws, regulations, policies, and administrative rules and translate them into operational procedures and guidance.
• Contractor Performance: Ability to develop contractor performance evaluation procedures, review performance reports, and recommend corrective action.
• Prequalification: Ability to evaluate contractor prequalification submittals in support of granting or denying proposals.
• Ethics and Objectivity: Strength in ethics and ability to maintain objectivity, confidentiality, consistency, and fairness.
• Confidentiality: Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive and confidential bid and financial information.
• Continuous Improvement: Ability to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and quality within procurement and contract award processes.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• WSDOT Contracting Knowledge: Knowledge of WSDOT standard plans, standard specifications, contract requirements, templates, and contract administration procedures.
• Competitive Contracting: Knowledge of state and federal competitive bid statutes, administrative codes, regulations for public works contracts, and state procurement regulations and rules.
• Advertisement and Award: Knowledge of WSDOT contract advertisement and award procedures and related manuals and guidance.
• Prequalification: Knowledge of WSDOT's contractor prequalification process, procedures, and tools.
• Web Content Management: Knowledge of web content management and website development.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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-05226 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

Contract Evaluation: Which best describes your experience reviewing construction contracts, bids, proposals, specifications, estimates, or other contract documents?

• Extensive experience independently reviewing and evaluating complex construction contract documents and identifying potential issues or impacts.
• Considerable experience reviewing construction contract documents and identifying issues with limited guidance.
• Some experience reviewing construction contract documents with guidance from others.
• Limited exposure to construction contract documents.
• No experience.

02

Please briefly describe your experience reviewing construction contracts, bids, proposals, specifications, estimates, or other contract documents. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

03

Bid Administration: Which best describes your experience reviewing bids or proposals and determining responsiveness, reviewing award justifications, addressing bid rejections, or responding to bid protests?

• Extensive experience independently performing multiple bid administration functions, including determinations of responsiveness and bid protests.
• Considerable experience performing bid administration activities with limited guidance.
• Some experience supporting bid administration activities.
• Limited exposure to bid administration.
• No experience.

04

Regulatory Interpretation: Please describe your experience interpreting laws, regulations, policies, or administrative rules and translating them into operational procedures or guidance. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

05

Contractor Performance: Which best describes your experience evaluating contractor performance, reviewing performance reports, or recommending corrective action?

• Extensive experience independently evaluating contractor performance, reviewing performance reports, and recommending corrective action.
• Considerable experience reviewing contractor performance reports and recommending or supporting corrective action.
• Some experience reviewing contractor performance or performance reports with guidance from others.
• Limited exposure to contractor performance evaluation or performance reports.
• No experience.

06

WSDOT Contracting Knowledge: Do you have knowledge or experience with WSDOT standard plans, standard specifications, contract requirements, templates, or contract administration procedures?

• Yes
• No

07

Advertisement and Award: Do you have knowledge or experience with WSDOT contract advertisement and award procedures or related manuals and guidance?

• Yes
• No

08

Web Content Management: Which best describes your experience with web content management or website development?

• Extensive experience independently managing web content and/or developing websites.
• Considerable experience managing web content or supporting website development.
• Some experience with web content management or website development.
• Limited exposure to web content management or website development.
• No experience.

09

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)

10

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