Lead Contract Specialist - Job ID 82146

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This position is located in the P/T (Professional Technical) contract unit at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). As a Lead Contract Specialist, this position provides technical expertise and guidance to agency management and staff on P/T contracts by applying professional knowledge of statutes, administrative rules, and procedures governing P/T contracts. The individual will be responsible for overseeing, managing, and improving the existing contracts program. The work will include defining contract needs with business units, soliciting and evaluating request for proposals (RFP), making recommendations for vendor selection, drafting contracts, contract negotiations, contract amendments, and other work as needed. The types of contracts will include P/T contracts, master contracts, work orders, equity select contracts, interagency agreements, joint powers agreements, and other agency agreements. This position manages complex contracts for the MPCA, provides analysis, contract policy direction, training, and assistance on complex P/T contract issues. This position leads the MPCA’s efforts to develop, evaluate, improve, and implement policies and procedures pertaining to P/T contract development and determining if standards are met. 

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications and include the following: 

Three (3) years of professional P/T contract development experience in the areas of drafting P/T contracts, soliciting and negotiating P/T contracts with eligible suppliers.

AND 

Experience interacting with recipients and applying human relations skills to include, persuade and work collaboratively with others. 

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite as well as expertise in editing reports and managing/creating spreadsheets and/or databases.

Strong oral communication, written communication, interpersonal, project management and problem-solving skill. 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated project management and leadership skills in order to manage multiple projects simultaneously and ability to meet deadlines. 

Experience in the state P/T contracting process to include interpreting and applying state and federal laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, and procedures regarding contract administration. 

Experience identifying PT contracts or process inefficiencies and recommending alternatives.

Understanding of the differences between P/T contracts, master contracts, service contracts, annual plans, and other types of contractual agreements. 

Knowledge of software collaboration tools (SharePoint, TEMPO; or equivalent) to provide leadership support in the design, administration and implementation of such systems. 

Knowledge of/experience with Statewide Integrated Financial Tools (SWIFT). 

About Pollution Control Agency 

Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions.