The Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESRS) is the defined benefit public pension plan for Texas volunteer firefighters other volunteer emergency services personnel. The Plan is administered by the TESRS state agency.

TESRS is looking for a service-minded and motivated Contract Specialist III. TESRS seeks an individual who can effectively perform the duties and responsibilities required of the Contract Specialist III. If you have experience as a Contract Specialist and are interested in serving the state’s volunteer first responders, please apply to join our agency.

Performs highly complex (senior-level) contract management work. Work involves developing and evaluating a broad range of contracts. May supervise the work of others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

The Texas Emergency Services Retirement System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or in the provision of services.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Contract Specialist III:

• Coordinates and facilitates procurement-related meetings such as kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scorings.

• Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning.

• Develops solicitations, contracts, and amendments by identifying provider resources, describing services to be rendered, evaluating information supplied by bidders, and negotiating contract specifications.

• Prepares contract documents, obtains signature approval and final execution of the contract.

• Ensures the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program is utilized to award contracts to eligible HUB businesses to meet the statewide HUB goals in the applicable categories.

• Develops bid evaluation scoring instruments.

• Conducts needs assessments to determine requirements for the purchase of goods or services.

• Monitors contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contract and policies, and recommends cancellation of contracts when deviations occur.

• Monitors legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting.

• . Evaluates expenditure data and makes projections to ensure appropriate use of funds. Negotiates contracts, contract renewals, and amendments

.-Makes recommendations to change solicitation, contract boilerplate, and other contract-related documents.

• Provides guidance to internal and external stakeholders regarding contract administration, policies, and procedures.

• Resolves audit exceptions by defining causes of errors and recommending appropriate dispositions.

• Assists with developing contract administration policies and procedures. May supervise the work of others.

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency attendance and leave policies.

• Performs related work as assigned.

• May supervise the work of others.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• -Must have knowledge of state procurement and contract management requirements, regulations, and best practices; of negotiating contracts; of developing contracts; of business administration and accounting principles and practices; and of policies and procedures of contract management.

• Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Must have the ability to evaluate contracts and recommend future status.

• Must analyze, interpret, and clarify legislation, statutes, federal regulations, and assist with the development of contract administrative policies, procedures, rules, and regulations to ensure compliance with agency and governmental regulations.

• Must evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements.

• Must be able to write and edit contract requirements and specifications; to negotiate features of a contract.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration or a related field is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Certification:

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD required or must be obtained within six months.

Experience:

Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in purchasing, contracting or contract management. State purchasing or contracting experience preferred.

State of Texas online accounting systems experience (CAPPS) is preferred

IMPORTANT NOTES TO THE CANDIDATE: Candidates may be asked to participate in a skills demonstration and/or presentation. Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions. Complete copies of college transcripts must be furnished at the time of the interview for positions requiring a college degree, and/or specific educational credits.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work in Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions and attach a resume to be considered for the posting. In order to complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In (Link: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en)

PLEASE NOTE: All applications must contain a resume and complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

VETERANS: Veterans, Reservist or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields of 36, 70, 89, 92, LS, 310, 651, 751, SK, 420, FINANCE OFFICER, 34, 8844, 6F, 65 or other related fields pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be found at: http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/ JobDescriptions.aspx

Your application for employment may subject you to a criminal background check. All positions requiring a degree and/or licensing require proof of degree and/or license at time of interview.