Contract Management Specialist 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS)

Contract Management Specialist 1 or Trainee (NY HELPS)

Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets! Join our team and become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits both producers and consumers alike. Here, you can cultivate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With a wide range of opportunities spanning from environmental science to economic development, you can find your niche in public service and grow both professionally and personally. Embrace the chance to join our team, and you'll not only reap a fulfilling career but also sow the seeds for a healthier, stronger New York.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is hiring a Contract Management Specialist 1 or Trainee within the Division of Fiscal Management located in Albany. The Contract Management Specialist 1 will work primarily with the Purchasing Team to develop, evaluate, and review contracts, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitation for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Applications (RFAs), and other related financial documents; perform routine administrative processes associated with contract lifecycle management; review contractor performance and ensure adherence to contract terms and conditions. The Contract Management Specialist 1 will conduct contract monitoring tasks, including managing necessary contract modifications and amendments; process contract claims and vouchers and approve/review contract payments to ensure compliance with contractual obligations; provide technical assistance and guidance to internal stakeholders and contractors regarding contract matters; may supervise and guide subordinate staff involved in contract administration.

This is a permanent, office-based position conveniently situated at our headquarters, at 10B Airline Drive in Albany, NY. Our location offers easy access near the Albany International Airport and Wolf Road, with ample free parking available for all employees. This is a full-time role, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Opportunities for telecommuting may be available in accordance with the agency's Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

Salary: The starting salary for the Contract Management Specialist Trainee 1 is $53,764/year, and the hiring salary for the PEF salary grade (SG) 14. This position requires the completion of a two-year traineeship. After successful completion of the first year of the traineeship, the appointee will advance without examination to the Trainee 2 level, which is equivalent to the hiring salary for PEF SG-16 (starting salary of $59,994). Completion of the second year of the traineeship will result in permanent advancement to the Contract Management Specialist 1, SG-18 (starting salary of $66,951) without examination. Candidates may be eligible for appointment directly to the Trainee 2 or full performance level. For more information, see Advanced Placement below. The candidate appointed at the Contract Management Specialist 1, SG-18 level, will be eligible to participate in the New York State Performance Evaluation Program. Through this program, employees receive annual performance evaluations. Performance advances may be payable to PEF employees whose base annual salary is below the job rate for their current position and who were rated "Satisfactory" or its equivalent on their yearly performance evaluation. Performance advance payments are added to an employee's annual salary. Over time, yearly performance advancements may lead to the SG-18 job rate salary of $85,138/year!

Benefits: This is a PEF-represented position that offers excellent benefits! Benefits include but are not limited to inexpensive health insurance options, free dental and vision coverage, NYS Pension Plan membership, paid parental leave, and generous paid time off. Within the first year, you are eligible for 5 days of personal time, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays! As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)! The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct student loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or another eligible employer.

Minimum Qualifications: For Contract Management Specialist Trainee 1: a bachelor's degree or higher. For Advanced Placement to Contract Management Specialist Trainee 2: Either 1: If you meet the minimum qualifications and have one year of professional experience managing contracts and related budgets including one or more of the following areas: negotiation with contractors and vendors; fiscal management, including bidding, payment, analysis, and fiscal reporting; contract development, including developing requests for proposals; contract execution, including securing signatory approval from control agencies; monitoring and review of contract terms, you may be appointed to the Contract Management Specialist Trainee 2; OR 2. a Juris Doctor, master's or higher degree in a field related to the position being filled ** This will reduce the traineeship time by one year. For Advanced Placement to Contract Management Specialist 1: Either 1 . If you meet the minimum qualifications and have two years of professional contract management experience as stated above, you may be appointed to the Contract Management Specialist 1, Grade 18; OR 2. a Juris Doctor, master's or higher degree in a field related to the position being filled** AND one year of professional contract management experience as stated above, you may be appointed to the Contract Management Specialist 1, Grade 18. You must inform the hiring agency of additional professional experience at the time of interview. **Hiring agencies have discretion in determining whether a degree is related to the duties of the position.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets