Contracts Specialist II - Water Services Procurement

About This Position

The Water Services Department is a forward-thinking utility dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring financial sustainability, and maintaining a resilient infrastructure. We operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that values innovation and strategic solutions.

The Procurement Section manages over 300 contracts valued at more than $148 million, supporting multiple divisions, including Water Production and Distribution, Water Meters, Wastewater Collection and Treatment, Technology Services, Environmental Services, and Customer Service.

As a Contracts Specialist II, you will perform advanced-level procurement activities for goods and services. This role is responsible for developing and issuing solicitations, evaluating proposals, negotiating terms, awarding contracts, and administering complex agreements that require thorough market research and detailed spend/cost analysis. This role is critical in driving strategic sourcing initiatives and identifying cost‑saving opportunities through effective procurement practices. In some cases, this role may also supervise Contracts Specialist I staff or other employees involved in contract procurement and administration.

• Strategic and Analytical Skills
  • Strong critical thinking, initiative, and sound professional judgment.
  • Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, guidelines, and policies accurately.
  • Proficiency in breaking down complex information, asking the right questions, and synthesizing data for informed decision‑making.
• Technical Expertise
  • Experience in contract writing, negotiation, and administration.
  • Knowledge of procurement best practices, cost‑saving strategies, and principles of accounting.
  • Familiarity with local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to purchasing and procurement.
  • Ability to obtain Certified Public Procurement Buyer or Officer certification.
• Project and Time Management
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Communication and Customer Service
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and deliver exceptional customer service.

Pay Range: $69,492.80 to $ annually.

Hiring Range: $69.492.80 to $annually.

• Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
• Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

Please understand that this is pay grade 061. If selected, your salary offer will be based on the applicable promotion or demotion worksheet in accordance with the City Pay Ordinance.

Promotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade increase. Demotions occur when the last two digits of the pay grade decrease. Lateral transfers occur when there is no change to the last two digits of the pay grade. When there is a change in the first digit of the pay grade, there may also be a change to your classification or unit.

Your job classification can be found in eCHRIS >
Personal Details under your name, located in the top left section of the page. The pay grade and classification/unit of your current position may be found by looking up your job title on the job description page.

• Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions,  for more details:
  Pension Information
• 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions
• Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans
• Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan
• Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually
• Dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Employer paid long‑term disability
• Free Bus/light rail pass
• Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year
• Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days
• Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of…