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Contract Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Principal Contract Specialist

Redlands, CA · On-site

$98.80K - $153.92K/yr

Overview Are you a seasoned contracts professional ready to lead and inspire? Join Esri`s Professional Services division as a Principal Contract Specialist and take charge of high-impact agreements ...

Contract Analyst

Loma Linda, CA

$70.80K - $85.70K/yr

The Contract Analyst is responsible for the drafting, negotiation and processing of various types of research and non-research agreements awarded to LLUH entities by governmental, non-governmental ...

Contract Analyst

Loma Linda, CA

$70.80K - $85.60K/yr

The Contract Analyst is responsible for the drafting, negotiation and processing of various types of research and non-research agreements awarded to LLUH entities by governmental, non-governmental ...

Lead Analyst, Contract Management

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$74.10K - $89.60K/yr

Contract Administration and Management Job Category: Professional All Job Posting Locations: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America, Irvine, California, United States of America, Raritan, New ...

Lead Analyst, Contract Management

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$74.10K - $89.60K/yr

Contract Administration and Management Job Category: Professional All Job Posting Locations: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America, Irvine, California, United States of America, Raritan, New ...

Performance Contracting is seeking an experienced Contract Administrator for its PCI Los Angeles 557 operations based in Anaheim, CA. This individual will This role focuses on contract and ...

Contract Administrator I

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Performance Contracting is seeking an experienced Contract Administrator for its PCI Los Angeles 557 operations based in Anaheim, CA. This individual will This role focuses on contract and ...

Be Seen First

We are seeking an experienced California litigation attorney to join us on a contract basis to handle a growing pipeline of legal work. This is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated attorney ...

Facilitate contract negotiations between internal stakeholders and clients, ensuring favorable terms while minimizing risk. * Manage the Lifecycle: Oversee contracts from initial drafting through ...

Contract experience for people on the supply chain/purchasing side is very different from the customer facing side. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Administers moderately complex contracts by analyzing ...

Contract experience for people on the supply chain/purchasing side is very different from the customer facing side. Administers assigned contracts of moderate scope and complexity to ensure ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$42.8K

$110.6K

$145K

How much do contract jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract in Riverside, CA is $110,622.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,800.00 and $124,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is Contract Work?

Contract Work is an arrangement between an employer and a person who works as an independent contractor—not as an official employee of the company. Businesses and government organizations hire independent contractors to perform all types of work—computer engineering, marketing, technical or content writing, construction, and more. If you have skills that companies need, then you can build a career as an independent contractor.

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

To thrive as a Contract Manager, you need a strong understanding of contract law, negotiation, and risk management, often backed by a bachelor’s degree in business, law, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management software, document tracking systems, and sometimes certifications like Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM) is typical. Exceptional attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills help you navigate complex agreements and foster productive relationships. These competencies ensure contracts are compliant, mitigate risks, and support organizational objectives effectively.

What are some common challenges faced by contract employees, and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract employees often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to new work environments, managing multiple projects or clients simultaneously, and dealing with less job security compared to permanent roles. To manage these effectively, it's important to establish clear communication with supervisors, clarify project expectations upfront, and proactively network within the organization. Staying organized and flexible can help contract workers deliver high-quality results while building valuable professional relationships that might lead to future opportunities.

What are contract jobs?

Contract jobs are employment positions where individuals work for a company or organization on a temporary basis, typically for a specific project or a set period of time. Unlike permanent employees, contract workers are usually not entitled to benefits such as health insurance or paid leave, but they may receive higher hourly wages or project-based pay. Contract work is commonly used for specialized skills or to fill short-term staffing needs, providing flexibility for both employers and workers.

What is the difference between Contract vs Freelance?

AspectContractFreelance
CredentialsTypically requires specific certifications or experience, depending on the industryVaries widely; often self-taught or with informal skills
Work EnvironmentUsually employed by a company for a fixed period or projectSelf-managed, working independently for multiple clients
Employer UsageCommon in corporate, government, and large organizationsPopular among small businesses, startups, and individual clients
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for when seeking temporary or project-based employmentOften searched for when seeking flexible, independent work opportunities

Contract roles typically involve working for a company under a formal agreement for a set period, often with specific credentials. Freelance work is more independent, with individuals managing multiple clients without formal employment ties. Both offer flexibility but differ in structure and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Contract jobs in Riverside, CA? For Contract jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Contract jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Contract jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Contract job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract job openings in Riverside, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,622 per year, or $53.2 per hour.
Principal Contract Specialist

Principal Contract Specialist

Esri

Redlands, CA • On-site

$98.80K - $153.92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Overview
Are you a seasoned contracts professional ready to lead and inspire? Join Esri`s Professional Services division as a Principal Contract Specialist and take charge of high-impact agreements that support our mission to deliver transformative geospatial solutions. In this role, you`ll manage complex contracts, mentor a growing team, and serve as a strategic advisor- shaping policy, guiding negotiations, and elevating contract management practices across the organization.
You will be joining a team of Contract professionals who enjoy working together to support Esri's large customer base and internal customer requests. We love what we do, and we love Esri's philosophy. You will have a management team and colleagues who are here to support you. Technology is always changing, and our customers are finding new ways to utilize geospatial software to improve the world, so your assignments are varied, challenging, and fascinating.
Esri has a Relocation Assistance Program and can provide support with relocating to the Redlands, CA area for this position.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the full lifecycle of complex services contracts, including RFP analysis, proposal development, negotiation, execution, and closeout
  • Provide strategic guidance to internal stakeholders on contract structuring, risk mitigation, and compliance with applicable regulations and policies
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, offering insights on pricing strategies, terms, and negotiation approaches
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with legal, finance, and project teams to resolve complex contractual issues and support program success
  • Mentor and coach junior and mid-level contract professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence
  • Support a variety of contract types, including commercial, public sector, international, and federal agreements
  • Apply knowledge of FAR/DFAR and federal procurement processes where applicable; federal experience is highly valued but not required

Requirements
  • 8+ years of progressively complex contract administration experience
  • Demonstrated success in negotiating and managing a variety of contract types and structures
  • Strong understanding of contract law, risk management, and procurement best practices
  • Proven leadership and mentoring experience within a Contracts or Legal team
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this posting. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, or related field

Recommended Qualifications
  • Familiarity with federal contracting and large systems integrator terms and conditions
  • Experience working with federal agencies and federal regulations including FAR/DFAR, SBA, EAR, ITAR, and Defense Security Service
  • Familiarity with professional services contract terms, cloud computing terms, software licensing terms, software product development activities, intellectual property protection, and subcontracting
  • Master's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, Juris Doctorate, or related field

#LI-SS2
#LI-Onsite
Total Rewards
Esri's competitive total rewards strategy includes industry-leading health and welfare benefits: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance for employees (and their families), 401(k) and profit-sharing programs, minimum accrual of 80 hours of vacation leave, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Base salary is one component of our total rewards strategy. Compensation decisions and the base range for this role take into account many factors including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
A reasonable estimate of the base salary range is
$98,800-$153,920 USD
The Company
At Esri, diversity is more than just a word on a map. When employees of different experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures come together, we are more innovative and ultimately a better place to work. We believe in having a diverse workforce that is unified under our mission of creating positive global change. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a destination but an ongoing process. We are committed to the continuation of learning, growing, and changing our workplace so every employee can contribute to their life's best work. Our commitment to these principles extends to the global communities we serve by creating positive change with GIS technology. For more information on Esri's Racial Equity and Social Justice initiatives, please visit our website here.
If you don't meet all of the preferred qualifications for this position, we encourage you to still apply!
Esri is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email askcareers@esri.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Esri Privacy Esri takes our responsibility to protect your privacy seriously. We are committed to respecting your privacy by providing transparency in how we acquire and use your information, giving you control of your information and preferences, and holding ourselves to the highest national and international standards, including CCPA and GDPR compliance.

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About ESRI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our passion for improving quality of life through geography is at the heart of everything we do. Esri's geographic information system (GIS) technology inspires and enables governments, universities, and businesses worldwide to save money, lives, and our environment through a deeper understanding of the changing world around them.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Redlands, CA, US

Year founded

1969