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Graduate Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

USAJOBS - Search

$57K/yr

To qualify for a Contract Specialist, your resume and supporting documentation must support: A ... Possess one (1) full academic year of graduate education or law school. Experience refers to paid ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$57K/yr

To qualify for a Contract Specialist, your resume and supporting documentation must support: A ... Possess one (1) full academic year of graduate education or law school. Experience refers to paid ...

MILLENNIUMSOFT

Customer Contract Admin

San Diego, CA · On-site

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 ...

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Graduate Contract information

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$17

$26

$49

How much do graduate contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate contract in the United States is $26.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.
More about Graduate Contract jobs
What cities are hiring for Graduate Contract jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Contract job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs? The most popular types of Graduate jobs are:
What states have the most Graduate Contract jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Contract jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Contract jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Contract jobs are:
Graduate Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Contract job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,445 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Contract Specialist

USAJOBS - Search

On-site

$57K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

See below for important information regarding this job.
Selected applicants will serve as entry-level trainees in the DLA Pathways to Career Excellence (PaCE) Program performing a series of progressively more responsible Contract Specialist functions, along with formal and on-the-job training (OJT).
Any transcripts submitted MUST include degree awarded and date of conferral.Qualifications:To qualify for a Contract Specialist, your resume and supporting documentation must support:
A. Basic Contracting Requirement: A.) A bachelor's 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. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position and is directly in or related to this position. In addition to meeting the Basic Contracting Requirement above, to qualify for the GS-07 grade level, specialized experience must be at the GS-05 grade level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military, or private sector. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement. Creditable specialized experience includes:
  • Utilizes common business practices and contracting methods to perform procurement functions when the contract actions are well defined and well precedented.
  • Solving practical problems relating to supplies, services, and/or contracting, as they relate to the development of specifications or product quality.
  • Utilizing basic automated procurement and supply systems to acquire, use, and maintain accurate records.
  • Evaluating simple bids or proposals for compliance with specifications or purchase descriptions and applicable clauses.

C. Education Substitution: Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Education must be from a college or university accredited by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education. See http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx. If using education to meet basic qualifications, YOU MUST SUBMIT A TRANSCRIPT as supplemental documentation. To qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, you must possess:
  • A bachelor's degree WITH Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) based on one of the following: (1) class standing (upper third standing in graduating class); (2) grade-point average (2.95 overall or over the last two years of a bachelor's degree OR 3.45 in your major field or over the last two years in your major); or (3) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society; OR
  • Possess one (1) full academic year of graduate education or law school.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:Are you using your education to qualify and/or meet the Basic Contracting Requirement? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable 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.Employment Type: OTHER

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