Contracts Specialist 1

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Contracts Specialist 1 to join our team in Olympia, WA. This position is located within Headquarters (HQ) in the Accounting and Financial Services (AFS) Division and reports to a Contracts Specialist 2 within the Procurement and Materials Management Office (PMMO). In this role, you will play a key part in advancing WSDOT’s mission by supporting the successful delivery of transportation projects across the state. You will help ensure the accurate execution and administration of construction contracts, contributing to efficient project delivery and strong financial stewardship. As a valued member of the Contract Administration and Payment System (CAPS) team, you will support contract administration and payment processes while applying your knowledge of the Department’s contract, accounting, and reporting systems. This position also requires a solid understanding of WSDOT and statewide contracting policies, procedures, and administrative practices.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, values precision, and is eager to contribute to meaningful infrastructure projects that serve communities across Washington.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Contract Specialist 1 will:

• Review, research and release TRAINS payment vouchers for construction contract payments, enter any needed information, email contractors notice of payment, daily reconcile CAPS/TRAINS ensuring all payments are accounted for.
• Prepare weekly contracts going to Ad, prepare contract letters and documentation to mail with contracts upon award, creating and maintaining contract file (to include electronic or physical filing), answering contractor questions, verifying contractor is an active vendor, verifying insurance requirements per contract, including any special provisions in the contract documents.
• Verify accuracy of contract documents before execution by WSDOT.
• Coordinate with HQ Construction or project offices for contract execution, notifying interested parties of contract execution.
• Assist in daily management of the Contract Administration and Payment System (CAPS) software, providing support to CAPS users across the state. This includes troubleshooting error messages, managing contract information, generating form letters for contract milestones, and routine tasks such as insurance updates, bond inquiries, etc.
• Close Contracts with the Department of Labor and Industries. This includes accurately reporting contractor payments and taxes to the Department of Revenue. Track External Agency releases prior to providing Contract Acceptance. Release applicable retainage or monies owed to the State of Washington and accurately perform accounting practices to move the money to the correct revenue fund.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Contract Interpretation & Compliance: Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret construction contract provisions to ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and promote clarity in contract execution and administration.
• Retainage & Final Acceptance Application: Proven skill in identifying and applying contract provisions related to retainage and final acceptance, ensuring accurate implementation in accordance with policy and contractual requirements.
• Issue Identification & Resolution: Demonstrated experience identifying discrepancies in contract documentation or processes, clearly documenting findings, and initiating appropriate and timely resolution actions.
• Contract Administration & Financial Accuracy: Proficiency in applying retainage requirements and processing financial adjustments accurately, ensuring alignment with contract terms, policies, and audit standards.
• Contract Execution Oversight: Demonstrated knowledge of contract execution standards and best practices, with the ability to ensure contracts are properly executed, complete, and compliant with established criteria.
• Documentation & Timeline Management: Ability to identify required contract documents, enforce submission requirements, and ensure adherence to critical timelines for contract execution.
• Performance Monitoring & Accountability: Skill in monitoring contractor compliance with execution requirements, including ensuring contracts are executed within required timeframes (e.g., within 20 days of award).
• Invoice Review & Compliance Assurance: Proven ability to review invoices (such as DJC) for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Records Management & Audit Compliance: Knowledge of records retention and auditing best practices, with demonstrated ability to maintain compliant documentation and support audit readiness.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Regulatory Application & Compliance: Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply relevant RCW, WAC, and WSDOT Standard Specifications to contract execution and payment processes, ensuring compliance and consistency with regulatory requirements.
• Problem Solving & Diplomatic Communication: Proven ability to identify and resolve discrepancies in payments or contract terms with accuracy, sound judgment, and a high level of professionalism, maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Financial Systems Proficiency: Demonstrated experience processing payments and invoices using state-approved financial systems, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with established procedures and controls.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28of the Washington Administrative Code.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go toState Benefitsfor more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Contract Specialist 1 #05142 in the subject line.

Salary

• $50,592 - $67,992/year

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026