Contract Specialist I

Job Category: Contracts & Strategic Sourcing Requisition Number: CONTR007058 Employment Type: Full-Time Location Fergus Falls, MN 56537, USA Contract Specialist I Grade 11 Are you a detail‑oriented professional who thrives on collaboration, problem‑solving, and bringing structure to complex agreements? Do you want to play a critical role in shaping projects that power communities and support long‑term infrastructure development? If so, we invite you to join our team as a Contract Specialist I. In this role, you’ll be at the center of dynamic, high‑impact work—helping develop, negotiate, and manage key agreements that support future transmission and distribution projects. You’ll partner with a wide range of internal teams, external stakeholders, and industry experts, gaining valuable exposure while building a strong foundation in contract management and regulatory processes. The Contract Specialist I is responsible for supporting the development, negotiation, and management of a wide variety of agreements and regulatory filings. This position plays a vital role in ensuring projects move forward efficiently and timely with risks mitigated and organizational goals achieved. In this highly collaborative role, you’ll coordinate with internal teams, legal experts, customers, neighboring utilities and other external stakeholders to draft contracts, prepare reports and presentations, and monitor key project and agreement timelines. You will help track milestones, evaluate risks, and ensure all contractual and regulatory obligations are met from the start to finish of new projects. This role reports to Manager, Transmission Contracts. Key Responsibilities Support the drafting, review, and negotiation of a wide range of agreements, including: Development, construction, and operations agreements Generation, transmission and load interconnection agreements Asset purchase and sale agreements Transmission capacity and metering agreements Assist in preparing and reviewing reports, presentations, and regulatory filings to ensure accuracy and completeness. Coordinate with cross‑functional teams and external partners to develop agreements that reflect project milestones. Track contract requirements, deadlines, and deliverables from initiation through closeout of future projects. Identify risks within agreements and support development of mitigation strategies. Monitor regulatory and interconnection processes, including compliance with Regional Transmission Organization requirements. Facilitate meetings, gather stakeholder input, and organize complex information into structured agreements and reports. Maintain strong working relationships with internal experts, legal counsel, and external stakeholders. Support continuous improvement by evaluating processes and recommending efficiencies. This role offers the opportunity to build foundational expertise in contract development, regulatory and agreement compliance, and project coordination, while contributing to meaningful, large‑scale initiatives that will help shape the future of the company. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, law or a related field, or equivalent experience. Strong writing, communication, and interpersonal skills. Excellent organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment. Demonstrated critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities, with a strategic mindset. Preferred Skills & Attributes Ability to analyze agreements, identify risks, and recommend mitigations. Experience working with cross‑functional teams and coordinating complex projects. Proficiency in managing processes, documentation, and multiple concurrent initiatives. Strong professionalism and composure during negotiations, with the ability to navigate changing priorities. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders. What We Offer Competitive wage & benefit package. The expected offer for base compensation for this role is $76,000 - $106,000 annually. The actual compensation within the compensation range will vary based on factors relevant to the position. Incentive plans Employee Stock Ownership options Retirement Savings Fund with employer match Health, disability and life insurance plan options Training and development opportunities each year, including education reimbursement for safety, technical, compliance and developmental training. Leadership development programs and mentorship opportunities. Mental health support and competitive vacation and sick leave. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr