CONTRACT SPECIALIST

State Classification: Contract Specialist III – 1982 (Level II and Level III)

Posting Number: 23-57161-1 (3 Vacancies Available)

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en.

WHO ARE WE

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Contract Specialist will work in a fast paced, multi-faceted environment conducting highly complex contract management and technical assistance work for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food & Nutrition (F&N) division. You will determine and verify the eligibility of contracting entities (CEs) as based on the review of all Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and School Nutrition Program (SNP) and United Sates Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods contract applications, renewals, and amendments. You will ensure that applications and contract updates are compliant with federal and state policies and procedures. You will work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Analyze and process a high volume of program contracts applications, renewals and updates based on established F&N policies and procedures.

Determine the eligibility of existing and potential CEs to participate in nutrition programs by ensuring compliance with state and federal program policies, procedures, and regulations.

Assess the viability, capability, and accountability of contracting entities' operations through analysis of budget documentation, management plans, and other applicable data. Recommend the termination and/or denial of contracts based on viability, capability, and accountability assessment.

Evaluate compliance of procurement documentation with program rules, guidelines, and general practices for CEs entering into contracts with vendors.

Validate the contracting entities' current year budget to historical earnings for appropriateness and accuracy. Review budgets to ensure costs are reasonable, allowable, and necessary.

Serve as a subject matter expert and provide extensive, highly complex technical assistance for applications and on federal and state procurement regulations to potential and current organizations, Education Service Centers (ESCs) and internal staff related to program eligibility.

Provide input in the development and implementation of F&N policies and procedures related to program eligibility and application materials.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree (one year of work experience related to the essential duties may substitute for one year of college).

For Level II: Minimum two (2) years in contract evaluation, administration, management, or development.

For Level III: Minimum three (3) years in contract evaluation, administration, management, or development.

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in business administration or a related field.

Current Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification.

Work experience with Child Nutrition programs associated with and administered by TDA Food and Nutrition.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

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.

Skill in providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers; and the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to evaluate contracts and recommend future status; to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations; to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements; to write and edit contract requirements and specifications; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

ENVIRONMENTAL/PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel (5%), occasionally overnight.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

QUALIFIED EMPLOYER: In addition, the Texas Department of Agriculture is considered a qualified employer for the Department of Education’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

• A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran’s status, or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) 463-7454.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Veterans and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7454 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Program Management and Procurement MOS Codes.