Contracts/Procurement Specialist (Open Until Filled, First Review 8/28/25)

Job Title:  Contracts/Procurement Specialist

Open Date:  August 14, 2025

Close Date:  Open Until Filled – First Review will be August 28, 2025

Salary:  $7,021 - $7,941/month plus benefits – FLSA Exempt

View full job posting, including essential duties and responsibilities, here - Contracts/Procurement Specialist

RECRUITMENT DESCRIPTION: 

The City of Ellensburg has a vacancy for a full-time Contracts/Procurement Specialist to join the Finance team and contribute to the success of the Finance Department.    

The Contracts/Procurement Specialist works independently to coordinate and monitor Citywide purchasing functions.  This position ensures compliance with policies, procedures, and legal requirements by assisting departments with procurement-related tasks, including but not limited to the following: develop, implement, and track purchase requisitions, provide oversight to bidding processes, contribute to planning and strategy, assist with terms and scope, assist with evaluation of bids, develop contracts and purchasing agreements, and negotiate on behalf of departments with contractors, suppliers, and vendors. 

CORE VALUES:

All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Ellensburg’s core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City and serving the community. The values of Compassion (we care), Courage (we do the right thing), and Conviction (we work hard) promote and maintain a high level of service and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across departments.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four (4) year college or university in Economics, Supply Chain Management, Business, Marketing, Public Administration, Communications, or related field.


• Two (2) years of work experience as an associate or assistant buyer.

Please Note:  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of some of the requirements above, as determined by Management.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, and/or REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid State driver’s license or have the ability to obtain one by the time of hire; must maintain an insurable driving record


• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Must be bondable.  Applicants must agree to a credit check and be in good credit standing with no debts currently assigned to collections, and a credit history that reflects no pattern of instability.  The applicant must not have a pending garnishment or judgment which may cause undue hardship while employed with this agency, with the exception of child support.  The hiring authority shall review the applicant’s credit history and determine eligibility for employment on a case-by-case basis.  Prior to hire, the candidate is required to pass a background check.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with purchasing, procurement, and contracts/agreements in a City or County environment.


• Bilingual English/Spanish

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and City policies; regulations; protocols and practices governing contracting/procurement; principles and practices utilized by both public and private sector procurement.

• Knowledge and skill in conducting various types of solicitations, such as quotes, proposals, qualifications, construction, conduct evaluations and award contracts.


• Knowledge of best practices to promote transparent, fair, and impartial contracting and purchasing.


• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple concurrent work assignments and meet deadlines; ability to maintain accurate accounts and records.


• Proficient skills with modern technology and equipment, including desktop/laptop computers, Microsoft 365 programs, procurement and payment systems, financial and other required software, calculators, and office equipment.


• Ability to apply sound judgment and accounting principles to prepare financial reports and detailed accounting records; make mathematical calculations rapidly and accurately; ability to interpret, train, and implement financial procedures conforming to state and federal regulations.


• Ability to positively and professionally interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal; establish courteous and collaborative working relationships with City employees and the general public; communicate in a clear and confident manner, orally and in writing, including group presentations; ability to work independently and collaboratively busy team environment.


• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journal, technical procedures, or governmental regulations; ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; ability to present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public in a clear, concise, and professional manner.

Benefits include Public Employees Retirement System and Social Security; Medical/Dental/Life/ Disability Insurance, VEBA, paid time off (PTO bank), exempt leave, holidays, and employee choice days.