JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? - Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
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By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.This position is responsible for the independent development, management, and strategic oversight of complex, high-value contracts and the bidding process for the Finance and Purchasing Division within Austin Watershed Protection (AWP). The specialist operates with a high degree of independent judgment, ensuring critical services and specialized equipment are procured efficiently and in compliance with contract specifications.
Job Description:Contract Management Specialist IIPurpose:Under general supervision, performs contract compliance activities for assigned contracts or grants.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Performs spot buying by placing orders off of existing contracts and by soliciting and awarding informal quotes (per Central Purchasing policy limitations).
- Prepares for bid process by gathering contract requirements from designated departmental liaisons, deciding appropriate commodities or scope of work to include on a contract bid, recommending and preparing effective supplemental terms and conditions, specifications and drafting purchase documents for bid.
- Develops and maintains contract database(s) spreadsheets and/or other contract management software tools. Enters data into the system of record and generates approval documents to support purchases. Establishes budgeted base and resolves variances. Submits and/or coordinates submission of requisitions, evaluates bid files and prepares recommendations for award.
- Develops and manages requirements for contracts or grants for effectiveness by monitoring budgeted amounts to expended amount and/or contract's dollar balance and time remaining, recommending whether to extend an existing contract or prepare for a new bid process, processing contract modifications and performing contract releasing activities.
- Manages contractor and subcontractor performance for compliance to contract terms and conditions by monitoring contractor performance which includes but not limited to inspecting product to ensure compliance with specifications, preparing and discussing contractor performance evaluations with the contractor and/or departmental liaison, and resolving contractual issues.
- Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information regarding contractor performance, supply chain effectiveness, contract expenditures, purchase history, etc., for reporting to management, team members and customers.
- Monitors supply chain by reviewing status of selected materials, identifying problems and recommending and/or implementing solutions. Coordinating product demonstrations.
- Provides technical and contractual assistance by developing, advertising, coordinating and conducting workshops, training sessions and orientation sessions.
- Conducts and/or coordinates site visits to educate contractors and subcontractors about contract requirements, to conduct interviews with contract workers, to obtain payroll records for audit purposes and/or to inspect products to ensure compliance with contract requirements.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:None
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of contract law, contracting practices regulations, policies and techniques.
- Knowledge of contract language, terms, conditions etc.
- Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws.
- Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software applications.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Skill in planning and organizing.
- Ability to evaluate contractor performance.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
- Ability to write specific terms or conditions for contracts.
- Ability to resolve non-complex contractual problems.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities
Minimum Qualifications:- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Business Administration, Public Administration or other relevant field, plus two (2) years of related experience.
- Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience in professional procurement and contract management, including software, hardware, IT consulting services, and commodities
- Skilled in using Office tools to support procurement documentation, reporting, and contract management tasks efficiently, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Demonstrates ability and experience in building and maintaining effective communication and foster positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Notes to Candidate:DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:Please learn more about our department and how we serve our community:
What does the Watershed Protection Department do? POSITION OVERVIEW:Responsible for independently managing and overseeing complex, high-value contracts and procurement processes for the Finance and Purchasing Division within Austin Watershed Protection (AWP). This role will be expected to regularly perform the following essential functions:
- Contract Life-cycle Management
- Complex Procurement
- Fiscal Oversight & Analysis
- Performance Monitoring & Compliance
- Dispute Resolution & Negotiation
- Problem Solving & Coordination
Location:505 Barton Springs Austin, Texas 78704
Days and Hours:Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with the ability for a 60% telework schedule per week after initial training period. Exceptions may apply subject to the business needs of the department.
May require working outside of normal business hours, including emergency events, evenings, weekends, and holidays as dictated by business needs.
Salary Range:$26.96 - $32.49, depending on qualifications and experience.
EDUCATION:Verification of education will be conducted on the top candidate.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:Job Offer is contingent on passing a Criminal Background Investigation.
TRAVEL:If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin
Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
BENEFITS:Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. Please click
here for more information.
Important Note to Applicants:Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date
listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.
We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.
ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION (Please read carefully):When completing the City of Austin Employment Application:
Include details on the application or prior or current work history with the City of Austin.
- A resume and cover letter is required. The resume does not substitute for a complete employment application.
- A detailed and complete employment application will help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
- Include details on the application of any previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications and relevant experience. Provide each job title and employment dates for all jobs on the application. Your work history should include duties you performed. “See Resume” is not acceptable and your application will be considered incomplete.
- Work history must include the month and year of employment and whether it was full or part-time work.
- Any relevant work history on the resume must also be reflected in the employment application in order to be considered.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
Closing Date/Time: 2026-01-23