Entry Level Contract Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Posting Close Date
Applicants must submit their completed application by 07-12-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MSTApplication and Special Instructions
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
As part of the online application process, all applicants are required to submit an updated cover letter at the time of application. Cover letters received after the application closing date will not be considered.
If you possess any of the preferred qualifications listed above, and wish to receive consideration for the experience, the information must be verifiable in your cover letter.
All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated based on the education and work experience outlined in their employment profile, and cover letter.
Qualified applicants will then be invited to complete a written assessment on July 23, 2026, offered at a variety of available times to accommodate your schedule. If you are chosen to move forward to the assessment phase we will reach out for you to self-schedule.
Applicants who achieve the highest scores on the written assessment will be invited to participate in a virtual interview, which will take place during the week of July 27, 2026, across various days and times.ABOUT THIS JOB
Position Specific Summary
The Contract Officer position at the City of Tucson's Business Services Department assists with all stages of the procurement contracting process by assisting with solicitation, notification of vendors, issuing addenda, facilitating the evaluation process, negotiating, administering, renewing, closing out, and terminating contracts.
Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Procurement Manager. This position does not supervise.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in conducting various entry level informal and formal solicitations, including Service Agreements, Requests for Proposal (RFP), Requests for Qualifications (RFQ), Invitations for Bid (IFB). Assists with evaluation of bids and offers, negotiations, and clarifies offers from vendors to arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement that protects the interests of the city. Ensures all negotiated items are included in the contract. Drafts various formal determination documents. Maintains communication with evaluators, stakeholders, bidders throughout the process including award and non-award of contracts. Evaluates vendor requests.
• Assists with solicitation, investigation, and coordination of the protest process. Investigates and responds to reports of anticompetitive practices, conflicts of interest, and coordinates with other department employees.
• Drafts summaries to document the entire competitive process. Prepares contract files for manager review. Assembles official copy of contract for signature. Performs review to determine compliance for bonds and certificates of insurance and legal viability when piggybacking on a cooperative contract. Assists with execution of piggyback agreements.
• Assists in the negotiation and execution of addenda to contracts, as necessary, throughout the life of the contract. Coordinates the resolution of issues related to vendor performance, pricing, and other related issues. Generates and updates reports on a regular basis regarding the status of contracts to provide to customers and to discuss with end-users and city leadership.
• Consults with City departments, under supervision, and collaborates with management, as necessary to research situations, analyze the procurement-related implications, and make recommendations for how to proceed in a manner that maintains compliance with all applicable regulations while also protecting the City's interests. Identifies procurement-related legal issues associated with projects and programs of City-wide importance. Obtains guidance from management and City Attorney's Office on the most appropriate course of action on procurement related items. Assists with coaching city departments on the development of requirements, Scopes of Work, evaluation criteria, pricing methodology, and other documents to be used in solicitations.
• All other duties as assigned

Working Conditions
Mostly office environment.
All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor's degree in related field
Work Experience: None
Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Business Administration/Management, Business Communications and Law or a related field of study.
Experience in communicating clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
Experience in facilitating meetings, making presentations, and demonstrating strong public speaking skills.
At least one of the following professional Procurement certifications:Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) from the Institute for Supply Management,
Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council
Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council
NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) from NIGPPOSITION DETAILS
Job Profile
J0978 - Contract Officer
To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.
Compensation Grade
G107Hourly Range
$26.57 - 39.86 USD
The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
ExemptPosition Type
RegularTime Type
Full timeDepartment
Department Link
NABackground Check
This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.
ABOUT US
Benefits
The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.
Citizenship
The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.
City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer
The City does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).
ADA Accessibility Complaint Form
The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov or 520-791-2619.
Recruiter Name
Noelle Smith (103931)Recruiter Email
NA
For Human Resources general questions please contact 520-791-4241.