Contract Specialist

Salary : $57,760.00 - $68,249.00 Annually
Location : Smith County Annex Building, 200 E. Ferguson Street, Tyler, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00687
Department: Purchasing
Opening Date: 09/29/2026


Summary/Objective


Performs a variety of statutory compliance duties related to the development, oversight and monitoring of contracts as well as solicitations, and vendor performance. Evaluates and monitors moderately complex contract performance, compliance and contractual obligations on a countywide basis. Acts as liaison between project managers, multiple outside agencies, other county staff, and the community as required. Responds to inquiries regarding contract obligations, renewals or revisions. Maintains and manages contracts databases and files.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and administer contracts, amendments, renewals, purchase orders, and related agreements.
• Maintains contract and procurement information in applicable electronic systems and databases
• Assists County departments, project managers, department head, outside agencies, and other stakeholders in developing scopes of work, solicitations, contracts, and related documents to meet operational needs and applicable procurement requirements.
• Communicate with vendors, contractors, county departments, purchasing staff, and legal counsel regarding contract requirements regarding contract matters.
• Track contract expenditures and verify that invoices and payments are consistent with contractual terms.
• Prepares correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, notices, contract summaries, and other procurement-related documents.
• Assists with audits, budget, public information requests, records retention, and other governmental reporting requirements.

Other Responsibilities

• Reviews solicitations, contracts, renewals, amendments, and related documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, County policies, and budgetary requirements.
• Aids in interpreting and applying applicable laws, regulations, County policies, codes, and purchasing procedures to procurement and contract activities and identifies issues requiring additional review.
• Monitors assigned contracts for compliance with contractual requirements and vendor performance and work with County departments to address performance or compliance concerns.
• Assists in implementing procedures, policies, standards, and plans for contract administration, monitoring, compliance, and performance.
• Monitors required insurance certificates, payment and performance bonds, licenses, and other contract-required documentation throughout the contract term
• Provides contractual information and guidance to County departments regarding budgeting, contract renewals, confirmation, terms and conditions, scheduled upgrades, performance, and compliance.
• Assists in resolving disputes involving contractors, vendors, consultants, and County department staff.
• Attends meetings related to contract administration and communicates contract status, requirements, performance expectations, and other relevant information.
• Perform Other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of governmental procurement
• Strong attention to detail: Ability to carefully review and analyze documents for accuracy, clarity and compliance.
• Knowledge of various computer software programs such as Microsoft Office, Word Perfect and Excel.
• Interpersonal skills required to handle sensitive and confidential situations consistently demonstrating poise, tact and diplomacy.
• Written communication skills required to edit work for spelling and grammar, present numerical data effectively and write business correspondence in a concise manner.
• Customer service skills are required to manage difficult customer situations and respond to customers' needs.
• Planning/organizing skills required to prioritize and plan work and use time efficiently.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately and maintain neat, well-organized records.
• Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands and deal with changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Must be able to multi-task
• Must be able to comply with all Smith County Personnel/Vehicle Liability Policies

Education and Experience

• Candidate must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field.

Licenses and Certifications

• Successful candidate will work towards receiving a certification in Contract Management, by obtaining a CCMA/CPCM or equivalent designation within 5 years.

HOLIDAYS
Smith County employees enjoy 12 holidays a year. These are:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• President's Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas
• Administrative Day (Employee's Choice)

Each year, Commissioner's Court sets the official holiday schedule.
VACATION LEAVE
1 day earned per month (12 days per year). After 5 years of service, 1 1/4 days earned per month (15 per year). After 10 years service, 1 1/2 days earned per month (18 per year).
SICK LEAVE
1 day given per month. Allowed to accrue maximum of 80 days.
SICK LEAVE POOL
Smith County has established a Sick Leave Pool on a voluntary, contributory basis.
MILITARY LEAVE
Granted up to 15 calendar days per year.
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
Unpaid leave may be granted by Department Head for up to 60 days (over 60 days requires Commissioners Court approval) for purposes of:
(1) education that may contribute to the benefit of the County,
(2) public service assignment,
(3) attending to important personal business.
CITIZENSHIP LEAVE
Provides that employees receive normal pay during period called for jury duty which includes both the jury selection process and, if selected, the time the employee actually spends serving on the jury; serving as a subpoenaed witness; and for the purpose of voting.
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE
Provides for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons during a 12-month period, and up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave in a single 12-month period to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Smith County offers a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan to its employees and employees' eligible dependents. The plan is administered by The Health Plan.
DRUG CARD COVERAGE
Employee prescription costs are $10 Copay for Generic, $30 Copay* for Formulary Brand, $45 Copay* for Non-Formulary Brand. Mail service is available for maintenance prescriptions. 90-day max supply retail or mail order.

*Mandatory Generic - if generic is available, you will pay the difference between the generic drug and the Brand, plus the Brand copay.
DENTAL INSURANCE
Preventative checkups and cleaning (2 per year) at no cost to employee. Dental work after a $50 deductible per year (maximum of $150 per family) has maximum benefit of $2,000 per year per covered person. Basic services are covered at 80%, major services at 80% and orthodontics (up to age 19) at 50% up to $1,500 lifetime benefit.
LIFE INSURANCE
Up to $10,000 paid for by County. Additional supplemental coverage available at employee's expense.
ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE
Furnished at no cost to employee. Pays 50% of life amount for loss of limb or eye; 100% for loss of 2 limbs or death due to an accident.
RETIREMENT
Employees are eligible to retire: after 20 years of service regardless of age, at age 60 with at least 8 years of service or when age plus service equals 75.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
A payroll deduction savings plan which allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary before Federal taxes - to invest in a tax-favored supplemental retirement program.

For additional benefits information click on the link below: