Join a team that's shaping the future of King County's parks! The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) keeps our parks safe, accessible, and sustainable through smart planning and thoughtful investment-and we're looking for a Contract Specialist II to help make it happen. If you're a motivated, detail-oriented professional who loves improving systems and supporting impactful projects, we'd be excited to have you on our team.

In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Contract Specialist II career service and term-limited temporary openings within the Parks Division or throughout the Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP) over the next six months.

About the Role:

As a Contract Specialist II with the King County Parks CIP team, you'll work independently to provide essential contract support to a large multidisciplinary group of planners, architects, engineers, and project managers - while also guiding and mentoring less experienced contract specialists. You'll apply your expertise in procuring and managing Construction, Architectural & Engineering (AEP), and Goods & Services contracts throughout the full project life cycle, ensuring smooth and compliant delivery of capital projects. Your work will directly support a diverse range of improvement funded by the 2026-2031 Parks Levy, including play area rehabilitations, aquatic center Improvements, regional trail enhancements, restroom and building system rehabilitations, synthetic turf replacements, and more.

This position follows a hybrid work model, blending remote and in-person work.

About the Team:

King County Parks Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a mission-driven team dedicated to planning, designing, and building safe, accessible, and vibrant public spaces across the county - from more than 205 parks to 175 miles of regional trails and 215 miles of backcountry trails. Together, we maintain and enhance the infrastructure that supports healthy communities and reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and public service. We're a motivated, forward-thinking, detail-orientated group that values strong systems, efficient processes, and meaningful work. If you're energized by fast-paced teamwork and the chance to make a lasting impact on the places people love, you'll thrive here.  

Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Contract Specialist II, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.
 
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Parks Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities.  Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Independently manage multi-step procurements by defining bidding requirements, selection criteria, and contract terms - often revising or creating new methods to meet project needs.
• Lead consultant selection and construction procurement processes for politically sensitive, technically complex, or unique projects.
• Draft, refine, and maintain boilerplate language for ITBs, RFPs and contracts, including developing specialized terms and conditions for unique projects.
• Maintain complete and compliant procurement files, verifying accuracy of bonds, insurance, and other documentation, and managing grant reimbursement requests.
• Provide guidance and training for less-experienced contract specialists and administrative staff on procurement requirement, regulations, and best practices.

Qualifications You Bring:

• Experience in the procurement and administration of public contracts for Construction, Architectural & Engineering (AEP), and Goods & Services contracts.
• Knowledge of contract law, regulations, procurement methods, and/or contracting best practices.  
• Ability to stay organized and when working in a fast-paced environment with many competing priorities.
• Experience training and presenting to others and collaborating with a diverse group of people.
• Strong technical writing skills and attention to detail. 
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency using MS Office Suite, including Word and Excel.
  
  

Competencies You Bring:  

• Customer Focus: Ability to build strong customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions.
• Manages Complexity: Ability to make sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Collaborates: Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Action Oriented: Ability to take on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Situational Adaptability: Ability to adapt approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Understanding of capital project management processes and project phases.
• Experience writing construction specifications following WSDOT and/or CSI formats.
• Experience administrating public works construction contracts (e.g., reviewing and processing Change Orders, Certificates for Payment, etc.)

• Work Location: The CIP team works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, Washington 98104.  
• Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
• King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible. 
• Union Representation: This position is represented by Teamsters L117.

Application and Selection Process:

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants.   We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.  

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Resume (PDF format)

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Crystal Yost at cyost@kingcounty.gov.

Discover More About the Parks Division: Visit our website and check us out atFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and Flickr.
 
Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore aninteractive mapof our recent accomplishments and check us out atFacebook, X , LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTubeand Keeping King County Green News.
 
Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.