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Contract Worker Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

Lead Contract Manager

Waltham, MA · Hybrid

$142K - $166K/yr

... working with internal stakeholders and stakeholder meetings. * Ensure the annual electric capital ... Leverage contracts to support the completion of projects within scope, on time and within budget.

Contracts Administrator

Westford, MA · On-site

$73K - $124K/yr

Provide cradle-to-grave contract administration support for Government contracts of various ... Working knowledge of production contracts is desired. Negotiation skills, including experience ...

Contracts Administrator

Westford, MA · On-site

$73K - $124K/yr

Provide cradle-to-grave contract administration support for Government contracts of various ... Working knowledge of production contracts is desired. Negotiation skills, including experience ...

Contracts Administrator

Westford, MA · On-site

$73K - $124K/yr

Provide cradle-to-grave contract administration support for Government contracts of various ... Working knowledge of production contracts is desired. Negotiation skills, including experience ...

Contracts Administrator

Westford, MA · On-site

$73K - $124K/yr

Provide cradle-to-grave contract administration support for Government contracts of various ... Working knowledge of production contracts is desired. Negotiation skills, including experience ...

Contract Manager

Waltham, MA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Contracts Manager III Location : Waltham, MA Duration : 12 months Pay range: $45-$55/hr on W2 About ... of working and support more effective delivery of the growing NE Electric capital portfolio.

Contracts Specialist

Framingham, MA · On-site

$71K - $89K/yr

... contract negotiation and will be able to work independently or with attorneys in the Legal Department, as appropriate. This is a hybrid position working in our Framingham, MA offices. What You Will ...

Contracts Specialist

Framingham, MA · Hybrid

$71K - $89K/yr

... contract negotiation and will be able to work independently or with attorneys in the Legal Department, as appropriate. This is a hybrid position working in our Framingham, MA offices. What You Will ...

Contracts Specialist

Framingham, MA · Hybrid

$71K - $89K/yr

... contract negotiation and will be able to work independently or with attorneys in the Legal Department, as appropriate. This is a hybrid position working in our Framingham, MA offices. What You Will ...

Support contract administration by working with project teams on issues that arise during execution * Support project team performance to ensure compliance with contract requirements * Oversee ...

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Contract Worker information

See Worcester, MA salary details

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How much do contract worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract worker in Worcester, MA is $18.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract worker?

Contract workers are individuals hired to perform specific tasks or projects for a business on a temporary basis, usually under a contract that outlines the terms of their work. Unlike full-time employees, contract workers are not typically entitled to company benefits such as health insurance or paid leave. They have more flexibility in their schedules and may work for multiple clients at once. Contract workers are responsible for managing their own taxes and may operate as independent contractors or through staffing agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Worker, you generally need strong expertise in your specific field, the ability to manage your workload independently, and relevant educational or professional qualifications. Familiarity with project management tools, basic accounting software, and digital collaboration platforms is often essential. Excellent time management, communication, and adaptability help contract workers stand out by ensuring they meet client expectations and deadlines. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality work, maintaining client relationships, and successfully navigating the flexibility and uncertainty of contract-based employment.

What are some common challenges contract workers face, and how can they effectively manage them?

Contract workers often navigate challenges such as adjusting to new work environments quickly, managing inconsistent workloads, and ensuring clear communication with multiple clients or supervisors. To effectively manage these issues, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, clarify project expectations upfront, and maintain open, professional communication. Building a reliable network and staying adaptable can also help contract workers succeed across diverse assignments and potentially lead to long-term opportunities.

What is the difference between Contract Worker vs Freelance Worker?

AspectContract WorkerFreelance Worker
CredentialsMay require specific certifications or licenses depending on the industryOften self-certified; credentials vary by project
Work EnvironmentTypically employed by a company for a set period or projectWorks independently, often remotely, on multiple clients
Employer & Industry UsageHired through staffing agencies or directly by companies in various industriesHired directly by clients or through freelance platforms in creative, tech, and consulting fields

Contract workers are usually hired by companies for specific projects or periods, often through agencies, and may require industry-specific certifications. Freelance workers operate independently, managing multiple clients and projects, often without formal employment ties. Both roles offer flexibility but differ in employment structure and work setup.

What are the most commonly searched types of Worker jobs in Worcester, MA?

The most popular types of Worker jobs in Worcester, MA are:

What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Contract Worker jobs?

Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Contract Worker job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Worker job openings in Worcester, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 74% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,871 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

$68K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage all pre-award administration activities, including advising on sponsor guidelines, application assembly, budget preparation, and administrative requirements for grant submissions

  • Monitor and manage division funding sources by tracking revenue and expenditures, ensuring compliance with federal and sponsor requirements, and preparing financial reports and forecasts

  • Oversee post-award grant and contract activities, including monitoring budgets, expenses, and compliance, and preparing necessary reports and documentation


Job description

Overview
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
Under the general direction of the Sr. Department Administrator, or designee, the Grant and Contract Specialist III is responsible for performing diversified and complex administrative, financial, and pre- and post-award budgetary functions in support of departmental activities, to include both responsibilities for both restricted and unrestricted departmental funds. The Grant and Contract Specialist III will display a high degree of initiative and independent judgment and collaborate closely with laboratory leadership to continually assess and direct a wide range of issues including research program operations, personnel management, regulatory, quality improvement, long range financial planning.
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Lead effort in management of all pre-award administration, to include, but not limited to, advising Sr. administrator and PI of sponsor guidelines, participation in application assembly, budget preparation, faculty guidance, e-submission processes, UMMS required paperwork, etc. and other administrative requirements for the submission of all federal and non-federal grants and contracts
  • Working knowledge of NIH and other federal, state and foundation regulations and requirements.
  • Identifies, proposes and implements creative solutions to potential fiscal issues.
  • Develop and manage the division's annual budget and report variances and recommend corrective action. Provide high level fiscal analysis on forecasts as needed
  • Verify that funds are available for all equipment, personnel and major purchases. Assure compliance with federal purchase and contract requirements. • Coordinate with central grant accounting and department staff on deposits, electronic transfers and cost transfers to funds/contracts
  • Manage division(s) funding sources by monitoring revenue and expenditure activity
  • Represent the department at administrative meetings within and outside of the Medical School applicable with their assigned divisions.
  • Develop, lead and train junior staff which include (administrative assistants, financial assistants, and lower level grants and contracts specialists)
  • Serve on Institutional committees established to improve school operations and system implementations
  • Assist in determining space and facility needs for the unit faculty
  • Advise faculty and staff on compensation and benefit policies and procedures
  • Monitor regulatory and compliance requirements for all sponsored research activity, keeping detailed files and a tracking mechanism for annual renewals. Inform Sr. administrator of variances
  • Assist in analytical studies of existing or proposed clinical trials to provide the economic basis for management decisions to improve operational/financial performance and to realize productivity improvements
  • Monitor all clinical trial funding sources for assigned divisions by tracking revenue and expenditure activity and monitoring of trial milestones, identify variances and assist in resolving account variances
  • Monitor contracts, extensions, and amendments with outside vendors, private agencies, and consultants in conjunction with Purchasing and legal offices; monitor the contracts for cost effectiveness and quality performance standards
  • Prepare data for financial reports, budgets, budget and research fund reconciliations, forecasting, analysis, and ad-hoc reports for Sr Administrator and PI" s as needed. Perform analysis of data as required
  • Work with the Sr. Administrator, principal investigators, and staff to resolve problems and to optimize the use of funds as required; finalize all expenditure activity of expired grants; deposit checks to any income and service fund accounts
  • Manage all phases of post-award grants and contracts administration, to include monitoring budgets, expenses, and recovered overhead. Advise Sr. Administrator and PI of reporting requirements
  • Assist faculty in finding possible funding opportunities
  • Monitor post-award activities to ensure adherence to sponsor guidelines and all reporting requirements are met. Inform Sr. Administrator and PI on budget variances
  • Oversee changes to award budgets and the submission of the necessary paperwork for approval of such actions
  • Prepare reports for federal and sponsoring agencies
  • Assist and participate with Grant Accounting in award termination process to close-out accounts. Notify Sr. Administrator and PI of final status
  • Monitor operating expenses, prepare monthly variance-to-budget reports, Departmental voluntary and mandatory cost sharing, and advise the Administrator on reconciliation actions
  • Oversees fiscal functions of Administrative Assistants within their assigned divisions (e.g. procard oversight, travel requests from multiple PIs and staff and oversee the processing of consultant agreements, travel vouchers, purchase orders, reallocation of expenditures, and other expenses
  • Oversee and responsible for Effort certification for faculty
  • Responsible for the process of initiating and submitting payroll personnel action forms related to transfers, funding changes etc. Audit the accuracy of employee payroll data
  • Provide great customer service
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting, or equivalent experience (In school)
  • 5-7 years of relevant job experience, or equivalent, preferably in an academic environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret financial documents, such as system reports, at both account and summary levels
  • Demonstrated research administration experience with pre and post award emphasis.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access and, PowerPoint), or similar software applications. Knowledge of enterprise financial products
  • Excellent interpersonal skills (verbal and written) needed to present and communicate effectively with all levels of management
  • Proficiency and experience with a Grants Management system
  • Detail-oriented & analytic problem-solver • Excellent organizational and electronic document management skills • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines • Excellent people skills and relationship management
  • Good communication skills across multiple levels of the organization. • An enthusiasm for working in a multicultural, multi-ethnic setting.
  • Ability to maintain extensive electronic document and e-mail files which are department property.
  • Demonstrated ability to be organized and flexible in an environment which requires continuous monitoring of priorities.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and confidentiality.
  • Highly goal oriented, self-motivated, and team player