Contract Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Agency Information
The Texas Department of Agriculture Financial Services Division supports TDA programs by performing financial duties in the areas of accounting, budget, purchasing, contracting, accounts payable, and payroll.
Telework Option: TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work. The agency's core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:008:00 a.m. and 5:006:00 p.m.
Location: This position will report to one of the following TDA location : Austin (HQ), TX.
Job Description
WHAT YOU'LL DO: The Contract Administration Manager will perform advanced contract administration work for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). You will be involved in overseeing the execution and administration of contracts for large scope or highdollar contracts by defining requirements and negotiating, awarding, developing, and monitoring contracts. You will serve as the subject matter expert and pointofcontact for contracts from initiation to closeout. You will mentor, guide and train staff. Work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Duties
Oversee or prepare the scope of work, specifications, and conditions for new contracts; prepare contracts; lead negotiation strategies; and award new contracts.
Provides customer consultation, evaluates customer requirements, and advises in the development of contract specifications to achieve an optimal balance between best value and cost savings.
Oversee the distribution of solicitations to vendors; review submitted proposals for administrative compliance.
Oversee and coordinate the processing of contract documents to ensure that management understands and authorizes contract terms.
Develop short and longterm strategies and goals for the development of the scope of work, statement of work, specifications, technical, and functional requirements in agency solicitations.
Conducts periodic review of contract deliverables, payment milestones, and overall compliance with terms to determine lessons learned factors and refine future specifications.
Conducts contract compliance review and performance analysis in coordination with division to determine if each party is meeting the contractual obligations.
Utilizes strong interactive and collaborative skills in interfacing with business units, and team members; manages complex interactions involving all parties, and the overall needs of the agency.
Serves as a resource to divisions/contract monitor/designee on escalated issues of an unusual nature.
Investigate and resolve discrepancies, complaints, and disputes by negotiating settlement agreements or by canceling or terminating contracts.
Initiate and oversee special studies or surveys to assess consumer and program outcomes for evaluation.
Serve as the principal contract liaison between agency management, contractors, the Legislature, and other customers.
Plan, develop, and conduct presentations.
Provide input on or prepares the contract budget; recommend budget allocations for proposed contract agreements; arrange, monitor, and review budget allocations with management; and provide budget forecast and propose alternatives.
Review and analyze legislation related to procurement and contract management, including tracking legislative bills and assisting with bill analysis.
May identify or forecast cost savings for initial contract, extensions, and amendments compared to previous contract.
May supervise the work of others.
Follow all TDA policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
To be considered for the position, applicants must submit a State of Texas Application through CAPPS Careers or WIT experience listed on the application must state how each of the following qualifications are met:
Bachelor's degree (one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).
Three (3) years work experience in contract administration, management, evaluation, or monitoring of contract providers.
Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) required within 12 months of hire.
Work experience as a purchaser in government developing solicitations and contracts for highvalue or complex procurements.
Preferred Qualifications
Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD).
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge of negotiation strategies and techniques; of contract administration and cost monitoring for large scope or highdollar contracts; of systems and procedures used to evaluate a thirdparty vendor's performance; and of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the administration of federal or state funds.
Skill in developing contracts, in problem resolution; and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions; to analyze complex information and develop plans; to interpret complex data; to effectively demonstrate negotiation and facilitation skills; to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to supervise the work of others; and to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
Working Conditions
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions: Requires working in a normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel, occasionally overnight (up to 10%).
Benefits
The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about onethird of total compensation. Benefits include:

• Retirement Plan

• Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees

• Paid Holidays

• Paid Vacation Leave

• Paid Sick Leave

• Longevity Pay

• Dental

• Vision

• Dependent Optional Life Insurance

• Voluntary AD&D Insurance

• Dependent Health & Life Insurance

• Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

Additional Information
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): TDA is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military status, or protected activity.
TDA participates in EVerify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I9 to confirm work authorization.
H1B Visa Sponsorship
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
Background Checks
A criminal conviction records check is required for applicants who are selected for a position.
A valid governmentissued driver's license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver's license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day
Foreign Credentials
Upload an evaluation of your coursework if you have obtained a degree(s) from a school outside of the United States; otherwise, we cannot give you credit for your degree. Some organizations that provide evaluation services are:
Foreign Credential Services of America
1910 Justin Lane, Austin, TX 787572411
Phone: 5124598428
SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
2400 Augusta Drive, Suite 451 Houston, TX 77057
Phone: 7132668805
Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 9203 College Station, TX 77842
Phone: 5125280908
This will also fill position#57685.
How to Apply
Apply online via CAPPS Careers . Applicants applying through Work In Texas (WIT) will be required to complete additional supplemental questions, optionally provide EEO information including how you heard about the job, and provide an electronic signature in CAPPS Careers to be considered for the position.
Contact Information
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview.
Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Careers Section , you may check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting "My Job Applications". Note: applicants who apply through Work In Texas, to be considered for the position, you must complete additional supplemental questions, optionally provide EEO information including how you heard about the job, and provide an electronic signature in CAPPS Careers.
Reasonable Accommodations: If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview or an HR representative at 5124637423. Whenever possible, please give the hiring or HR representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.
Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human ResourcesVeterans Liaison at (512) 4637423 for assistance.
Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/ , https://www.onetonline.org/ , or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance in translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.
Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor's Office at Program Management and Procurement MOS Codes.