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Graduate Contract Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Typically is a college / university graduate or has equivalent experience. * Has basic knowledge of theories, practices and procedures in a job family or skill. * Applies knowledge and skills to ...

Post graduate qualifications in construction law, dispute resolution or contracts management are highly desirable * Minimum 15-years' experience in the railway/infrastructure/construction industry of ...

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Graduate Contract information

See California salary details

$16

$25

$48

How much do graduate contract jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate contract in California is $25.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in a Graduate Contract role, you generally need a relevant bachelor's degree, strong analytical abilities, and an eagerness to learn within your chosen field. Familiarity with industry-standard software, project management tools, or sector-specific certifications can be advantageous depending on the employer. Strong communication, adaptability, and teamwork skills help graduates integrate quickly and contribute effectively. These competencies enable new graduates to transition smoothly into professional environments, quickly add value, and build a foundation for future career growth.

What opportunities for mentorship and professional development are typically available to those in a Graduate Contract role?

Graduate Contract roles often provide structured mentorship and training programs designed to help new graduates transition into the professional workforce. You can expect to work closely with experienced team members, participate in workshops, and receive regular feedback to support your growth. Many organizations also offer access to internal resources, networking events, and opportunities to rotate through different departments, allowing you to explore various career paths and develop a well-rounded skill set.

What is a Graduate Contract?

A Graduate Contract is a formal agreement offered by an employer to recent graduates, typically outlining the terms of their employment, such as duration, salary, responsibilities, and opportunities for training or progression. These contracts are common in graduate schemes or programs, helping new graduates transition from university to the workplace. They often provide structured support, mentoring, and a clear career path for the duration of the contract, which can range from one to three years. Upon successful completion, graduates may be offered permanent positions within the organization.

What is the difference between Graduate Contract vs Junior Engineer?

AspectGraduate ContractJunior Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically a recent graduate or in final year of degreeBachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship or temporary position, often training-focusedEntry-level professional role, involved in project work
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in construction, engineering firms, and consultingStandard entry point in engineering companies and industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level opportunities and training rolesClarifying early career engineering roles and responsibilities

The main difference is that a Graduate Contract is typically a temporary, training-focused position for recent graduates, while a Junior Engineer is a standard entry-level professional role with more defined responsibilities. Both roles serve as stepping stones into the engineering industry, but the Graduate Contract often emphasizes training and development, whereas the Junior Engineer involves more hands-on project work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in California? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Contract jobs in California? For Graduate Contract jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Contract jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Contract jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Contract jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Contract job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Contract job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 16% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,732 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Contract Administrator

Contract Administrator

Defense Contract Management Agency

San Diego, CA • On-site, Remote

$103.36K - $158.06K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Defense Contract Management Agency rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 638 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary
See below for important information regarding this job.
Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Monitor contractor performance for compliance with applicable laws, data reporting requirements and payment provisions.
  • Communicate with contractor for contract progress review of assigned contracts.
  • Monitor expenditures on cost, incentive and fixed price contracts requiring funds control; reports on anticipated over order to report on anticipated over/underrun of estimated costs; and participates in pre-award surveys.
  • Advise, counsel, and provide technical guidance/instruction to team members regarding contract administration functions
  • Organize team members' assignments for mission accomplishment to ensure efficient processing of contracts.
  • Negotiate various overhead rate agreements, forward pricing rate agreements, and advance agreements.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Security Requirements: Special Sensitive, Sensitive Compartmented Information
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, where reciprocity cannot be applied; unfavorably adjudicated background checks will be grounds for removal.
  • Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
  • Drug Test Required

Qualifications
To qualify for a Contract Administrator, your resume and supporting documentation must support:
A. Basic Contracting Requirement: A.) A baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees OR B.) a current civilian employee in DoD or member of the Armed Forces, who occupied an 1102 position, contracting officer position, or comparable military contracting position with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold on or before September 30, 2000 are excluded from the requirements of "A" above.
B. Contracting Officer Requirement: Must possess at least two years of experience in a contracting position.
C. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position and is directly in, or related to, this position. To qualify for the NH-03 level, specialized experience must be at the NH-02 or GS-11 grade level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including time-after-competitive appointment, minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement.
Creditable specialized experience includes:
  • Applying Federal statutes, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to administer a group of complex contracts.
  • Using negotiation and communication techniques in order to conduct post award negotiations and a variety of contractual agreements.
  • Applying cost and price analysis techniques sufficient to compare proposals.
  • Applying business and industry practices to identify factors affecting contractor's costs; to understand commercial pricing policies, use of catalogues, comparative analysis, and price based techniques; and to conduct on-site surveys to assess contractor's ability to perform.
  • Applying cost accounting standards and accounting practices in order to review and draw accurate conclusions on contract provisions.

Education
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
If the position has a minimum education requirement you MUST provide transcripts (unofficial are acceptable at the time of application) to support your educational claims. Or, if you are using education to qualify in lieu of specialized experience you MUST provide transcripts (unofficial are acceptable at the time of application) to support your educational claims. The transcripts must include your name, the name of the college or university, class/course list, completed number of credits/hours, and the date degree conferred (if applicable). Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Licenses must be current at time of application.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
Additional information
  • This position does not meet criteria for appointment of Reemployed Annuitants. The DoD criteria for hiring Reemployed Annuitants can be found at: DoDI 1400.25-V300.
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • FLSA: Exempt
  • Bargaining Unit: No
  • If selected for an interview, you may be required to provide your last three performance appraisals to the panel.
  • Selectee may be required to serve a trial/probationary period.
  • Financial Disclosure Required
  • Acquisition, Technology & Logistics(AT&L) NON-CAP: Position requires DoD Acquisition Contracting, Foundational certification within required timeframes. Selectee must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every 2-years. Click here for more details and Resources.
  • Military spouses working remotely are exempt from in-person work under the conditions explained by OPM's February 12, 2025 memorandum and the March 20, 2025 Frequently Asked Questions.
  • The incumbent has up to 12 months of the EOD to obtain a Contracting Warrant (Unlimited) with signature authority IAW DCMA Acquisition Warrants and Appointments Policy.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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