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Graduate Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CONTRACT SPECIALIST

Keyport, WA ยท On-site

$45K/yr

... fee type contracts. GS-9: Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized ... OR A master's or equivalent graduate degree or LL.B. or J.D. OR A combination of experience and ...

Contract Specialist

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

$61K/yr

One of the following types of graduate education in one or a combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management ...

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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 Jun 24, 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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can earn $2,000 or more per day include specialized roles such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, corporate lawyers, and senior executives. These positions typically require advanced education, extensive experience, and often involve high levels of responsibility and expertise. Freelance consultants or project-based contractors in certain industries may also reach this earning level with significant client volume and expertise.

What is a graduate contract type?

A graduate contract is a type of employment agreement offered to recent graduates, typically involving a fixed-term or permanent position designed to provide on-the-job training and development. These contracts often include structured programs, mentorship, and opportunities to gain industry-specific skills. They are common in fields like engineering, finance, and technology, and may require specific qualifications or certifications.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 a month without a degree include roles such as sales managers, real estate brokers, commercial pilots, and skilled trades like electricians or plumbers with experience. Success in these fields often depends on skills, certifications, or sales performance rather than formal education, and they may require licensing or specialized training.

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.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z faces challenges in securing jobs due to high competition, limited work experience, and evolving employer expectations for digital skills and adaptability. Many entry-level roles require specific skills or certifications, making it harder for recent graduates to stand out without relevant experience or training.
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:
Infographic showing various Graduate Contract job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,445 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Contract Specialist

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System

Sheridan, OR โ€ข On-site, Remote

$61K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Summary
Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Responsible for performing all aspects of procurement transactions up to and including awards.
Primary responsibility involves the administration and execution of personal service contracts, non-personal service contracts, formally advertised and negotiated procurement involving a wide range of materials, services and equipment.
Responsible for meeting with contractor's representatives to negotiate formal contracts.
Prepares and submits various procurement reports required by General Services Administration, Department of Justice, etc.
Responsible for developing new sources of supply by stimulating interest in the bidding.
Prepares, evaluates and administers complex procurement actions such as the following: firm fixed price with redetermination or escalation provisions, cost sharing, fixed price incentive, etc.
Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with the responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship is Required.
  • See Special Conditions of Employment Section.
  • Selective Service Requirement: http://www.sss.gov

Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:
  • 1. Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
  • 2. Be rated well-qualified for the position, scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and
  • 3. Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility:
    • A copy of the agency notice (i.e., separation notice or agency RIF letter),
    • Most recent performance appraisal, and
    • Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.
    • See USAJOBS' Career Transition Programs for more information.

NOTE: Applicants claiming CTAP or ICTAP eligibility must complete all assessment questions to be rated under the established ranking criteria.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
Qualifications
To be considered for the position, you must meet the following:
Basic Requirements:
A. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is defined as possession of a bachelor's degree conferred or approved by an accredited U.S. college or university based on a 4 year course of study. Simply being enrolled and working toward a degree does not meet the qualification standard.
OR
B. At least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
AND
In addition to the basic requirements, you must have one of the following:
Education:
GL-07: One (1) full academic year of graduate education or law school or superior academic achievement.
GL-09 Two (2) full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or masters or equivalent graduate degree or LL.B. or J.D.
Graduate Education: To qualify for GS-1102 positions on the basis of graduate education, graduate education in one or a combination of the following fields is required: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
Acceptability of Higher Education: Education such as foreign education, home study and correspondence courses, academic credit for work experience, military education, continuing education units, life experience, etc, is acceptable to the extent that it is determined to be equivalent to conventional higher education program of U.S. institutions. Such education must be accepted for college level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university.
Exception to Mandatory Education Requirement: Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. Employees who occupy GS-1102 positions at grades 5 through 12 will be considered to have met the basic requirements for other GS-1102 positions up to and including those classified at the GS-12. This includes positions at other agencies and promotions up through grade 12. However, employees must meet specialized experience requirements when seeking another position.
NOTE: Current federal employees not employed by the Bureau of Prison and former Bureau of Prison Employees MUST submit documentation (i.e., SF-50(s) covering the period from January 1, 2000) for verification of the above referenced exception criteria to receive consideration. Failure to provide these documents will result in non-consideration for this vacancy.
OR
Experience:
GL-07 and GL-09: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to perform successfully the duties of the position and must typically be in or related to the position to be filled.
Some examples of qualifying experience are:
GL-07:
  • Experience procuring supplies or services primarily through formal advertising, or through limited use of negotiation techniques.
  • Experience reviewing requisitions to determine proper specifications or purchase descriptions are included in solicitation documents.
  • Experience evaluating bids or proposals for compliance with specifications or purchase descriptions and applicable clauses.
  • Experience meeting with commercial representatives to discuss procurement needs, quality of items or services, current market prices, or delivery schedules.
  • Experience in coordinating contracting activities, obtaining wage information, requesting audit reports or pre-award surveys, and obtaining clearances.

GL-09:
  • Experience reviewing requisitions and determining appropriate method of procurement, i.e. formal advertising or negotiation. This includes citing the authority in determinations and findings reports.
  • Experience developing procurement plans by reviewing previous history, market conditions, and specifications or technical data packages.
  • Experience in preparing and issuing solicitation documents, selecting appropriate clauses to complete specifications.
  • Experience performing detailed analysis of bids or proposals received including insuring strict compliance with specifications on advertised procurement, and recommending award to lowest bidder providing such compliance.
  • Experience drafting final contract including specifications, packing and shipping requirements, inspection instruction, and all other special and standard clauses.

OR
Combination of Education and Experience:
GL-07 and GL-09: Have a combination of education and experience. This experience must have equipped you with the qualifications to perform the major duties of this position as described above.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**
Education
See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.
ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
Superior Academic Achievement. (S.A.A.) applicants MUST provide a transcript in order to be considered under S.A.A.
S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.
  1. Class standing Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
  2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.) Applicants must have a grade-point average of:
    • 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
    • 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
  3. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies

In order to be creditable under this provision, superior academic achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled.
If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.
Additional information
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, a maximum entry age of 36 has been established for original appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons institution. If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you MUST submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage.
Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans may be exempt from meeting the maximum age. Please refer to the Required Documents Section for the appropriate documentation to submit to validate veteran eligibility.
Special Conditions of Employment Section:
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
All applicants are subject to, and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.
All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.
Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques", three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.
Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.
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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.
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.