Procurement and Contract Specialist

Position Overview This position, reporting directly to the Procurement Manager of Contracts, is responsible for performing advanced technical and administrative work involving procurement policies, practices, methods, and procedures. It manages complex, large‑scale procurements for a broad range of materials, equipment, supplies, services, construction projects, and professional services exceeding the formal bid threshold in accordance with Hernando County Purchasing and Contracts policies and applicable statutes. Responsibilities Drafts, prepares, reviews, and negotiates contracts, amendments, renewals, and related agreements to ensure terms are in the best interest of the County and comply with applicable laws, ordinances, and policies. Monitors and evaluates vendor and contractor performance to ensure compliance with contractual terms, specifications, and statutory requirements; identifies non‑compliance and coordinates corrective action as necessary. Prepares and submits agenda items of a contractual nature for Board of County Commissioners’ consideration and approval. Monitors and implements contract changes, amendments, and Board‑approved modifications; ensures all revisions are accurately documented and executed. Coordinates the procurement of construction projects, term contracts, and competitive solicitations for supplies, services, materials, and equipment in accordance with County policy and applicable federal and Florida Statutes. Consults with departmental personnel to assess procurement needs; provides technical guidance regarding specifications, purchasing procedures, and contractual requirements. Reviews and refines specifications for inclusion in bid and solicitation documents to ensure clarity, competitiveness, and compliance. Conducts and participates in pre‑bid meetings, selection committee meetings, bid openings, evaluations, tabulations, and analyses; collaborates with departments to determine the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Prepares written recommendations for bid awards and presents findings for Board of County Commissioners’ approval. Maintains current knowledge of State of Florida contracts and cooperative purchasing agreements to maximize cost savings and efficiency. Coordinates and verifies the accuracy of pay applications, change orders, and contract documentation prior to submission for Board approval. Maintains complete and accurate contract files, including bonding, insurance certificates, licensing documentation, and statutory compliance records. Monitors assigned contracts throughout the lifecycle to ensure performance standards, deliverables, timelines, and regulatory compliance are met. Performs complex purchasing assignments from requisition through receipt and acceptance of goods and services, ensuring adherence to procurement regulations. Collaborates with other procurement and finance personnel to support an efficient and cohesive County purchasing system. Responds to emergency or disaster situations (e.g., hurricane, flood, or other declared emergencies) and performs assigned recovery duties in support of County operations. Assists Procurement team and colleagues with special projects and as needed. Emergency Response County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and may be called to perform emergency response operations beyond the duties outlined above. Employees may request an exemption from this requirement by submitting the appropriate exemption form, subject to review and approval. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in business, accounting, finance or related field. Five (5) years of public governmental purchasing experience. Experience in issuing solicitations and monitoring contracts. Demonstrated clear, professional written communication skills. Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations Valid Florida Driver’s License (or acceptable alternative as required). Certification in FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses within 90 days of establishing residency: IS‑100.c, IS‑200.b, IS‑700.b, IS‑800.c. Preferred certifications: Certified Public Professional Buyer, Certified Public Procurement Official, Certified Purchasing Manager, Certified Professional in Supply Management. Required Competencies Knowledge of procurement practices and procedures, vendor and source identification, pricing methods, bid preparation, contracts and pricing agreements. Knowledge of laws and regulations governing public procurement activities and expenditure of public funds. Independent and impartial judgment in recommendations and decisions. Analytical skills for purchasing problems with sound recommendations. Interpretation of contractual language, particularly regarding state contracts. Preparation and review of bid documents and responses for compliance with policies and regulations. Negotiation of prices, terms, and contractual provisions. Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with co‑workers, user departments, officials, and suppliers. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Effective written and oral communication. Physical Requirements / Work Environment Requires sitting most of the day. Frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds, occasionally up to 20 pounds. Requires bending, twisting, occasional squatting, climbing, kneeling, and balancing. Requires tasks involving fine manual manipulation and typing. Requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, depth perception, color vision, hearing, and speaking. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities. Pay Grade Pay Grade: 9. Salary is based on policy, education, skill, and experience. Veterans’ Preference VETERANS’ PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA‑7, Hernando County provides preference in appointment to preference‑eligible veterans. Equal Opportunity Statement Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law. Hernando County is a Drug‑Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Hernando County, Florida BOCC