Contracts & Procurement Specialist - Wildland Fire Aviation / Wildland Fire Operations

State of Washington
State of Washington

Operations

Tumwater, WA, USA

USD 4,980-6,708 / month

Posted on Jul 12, 2026

Description



Contracts & Procurement Specialist – Wildland Fire Aviation / Wildland Fire Operations
Recruitment #2026-7-7853/7854
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)
Location: DNR Aviation Hangar - Tumwater, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered

Salary: $4,980.00 - $6,708.00 Monthly
The salary range listed includes a general wage increase of 2% for all state employees effective July 1, 2026.

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 07/19/2026. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Are you a strategic thinker who enjoys solving complex business challenges? Are you driven by continuous improvement and committed to being a responsible steward of public funds and resources? If so, one of these opportunities may be the right fit for you.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has two exciting opportunities within the Office of Legal Affairs and Business Practices (OLABP).

OLABP is dedicated to upholding integrity, sound legal practices, and ethical business conduct. We support the agency through risk mitigation, liability protection, responsible procurement, and effective resource management. Our program areas include Legal Affairs, Risk Management, Internal Controls, External Audit Coordination, Privacy, Internal Policy, Procurement of Goods and Services, agency Rulemaking, and environmental reviews and analyses conducted under the State Environmental Policy Act.

Within OLABP, the Procurement of Goods and Services (PGS) team is recruiting for two Contract Specialist 2 positions to support the Wildland Fire Management Division (WFMD). We are seeking collaborative, detail-oriented professionals with an interest in public procurement, contracting, and business operations.

One position will administer and manage complex procurements and contracts supporting the WFMD Aviation Program, while the second position will administer and manage complex procurements and contracts supporting WFMD Operations.

In these roles, you will oversee the procurement and contract administration process from planning through closeout, ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state laws, the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Department of Enterprise Services (DES) policies, DNR policies, and other applicable procurement requirements.

Duties

Responsibilities:

  • Serving as the subject matter expert for WFMD contracting and procurement activities;
  • Developing, negotiating, administering, amending, and terminating contracts, interagency agreements, grants, solicitations, and procurements for goods and services;
  • Managing competitive procurement processes, including Invitations for Bids (IFBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications and Quotes (RFQQs), and other solicitation methods;
  • Reviewing contracts, procurements, amendments, grants, invoices, and expenditures for compliance with procurement requirements, budgetary controls, delegation authority, and approval processes;
  • Providing technical guidance, policy interpretation, and contract administration support to program personnel and leadership;
  • Maintaining contract records and procurement documentation in accordance with agency retention and reporting requirements;
  • Using a continuous improvement model, simplifies and streamlines processes, resources, and communications wherever possible, recommending changes to procurement policies, procedures, and best practices, as needed.
  • Maintaining contract, procurement, grant, and program records in accordance with agency retention schedules, public records requirements, and applicable laws and regulations;
  • Coordinating Public Disclosure Requests (PDRs) and compiling responsive records in accordance with public records requirements, agency policies, and applicable laws and regulations;
  • Assisting program and support staff with fact-finding and research related to current and prior contracting and procurement activities;
  • Preparing and submitting One Card transaction logs and supporting documentation in accordance with agency reconciliation requirements; and
  • Assisting vendors with statewide vendor (SWV) registration requirements through the Office of Financial Management (OFM).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. It is important that you clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

  • A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in public administration, business administration, business law, commerce, economics, mathematics, statistics, or a closely allied field;
    AND two (2) years of experience in negotiating, writing, administering, or terminating contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analysis, or contract compliance administration;
    OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
    A law degree from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the experience and education.
  • Experience with contract regulations, policies and procedures, business and professional service practices, supply chain and cost factors, and contract terminology.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
Required Competencies:
  • Ability to:
    • Coordinate, collaborate, and negotiate with businesses, agencies, and other interested parties to develop and administer contracts and agreements;
    • Interpret and apply procurement laws, regulations, policies, and contract terms accurately and consistently;
    • Develop, administer, and monitor contracts and procurements to ensure compliance and reduce agency risk;
    • Manage multiple assignments and competing priorities in a fast-paced operational environment;
    • Exercise independent judgement and problem-solving skills in support of agency operations;
    • Communicate effectively with internal and external customers and maintain professional working relationships; and
    • Obtain goods and services in a timely and cost-effective manner while supporting agency operational needs.
    • Exercise attention to detail, critical thinking, and sound professional judgement;
    • Analyze and resolve complex contracting and procurement issues independently;
    • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with internal and external parties;
    • Adapt to rapidly changing operational priorities; and
    • Maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, contractors, vendors, and partner agencies.
  • Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
  • Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and follow requests.
  • DNR Core Competencies:
    • Personal Accountability
    • Value Others
    • Compassionate Communication
    • Inspire Others
    • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • Duty station is located at the DNR Aviation Hangar in Tumwater, Washington, with regular meetings at the NRB. Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with occasional field visits to review operational or site-specific activities.
  • Occasional visits to DNR facilities (regional offices, work centers, etc.) and lands managed or controlled by the agency. Overnight travel may be required to work with region staff or attend meetings or trainings.
Desired Qualifications:
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.
  • Knowledge of:
    • Washington State procurement and contracting laws, regulations, policies, and procedures;
    • Competitive procurement processes, including IFB’s, RFQQ’s, sole source, and emergency procurements;
    • Contract negotiation, contract administration, compliance monitoring, and risk mitigation;
    • Public sector procurement systems and processes, including WEBS, DES, OFM, and Statewide contracting requirements;
    • Public records, records retention, and fiscal accountability requirements;
    • Supporting time-sensitive operations in a governmental or operational environment; and
    • Managing multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
  • Proficient with:
    • Microsoft SharePoint
    • Adobe Acrobat
At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

  • Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
  • Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
  • Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
  • References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, including a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
  • Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
  • Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
  • Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications.

Questions? Please contact Ryan Brinton at ryan.brinton@dnr.wa.gov / (360) 480-2318, John Elsner at john.elsner@dnr.wa.gov / (564) 669-4236, Sajjadullah Alokozai at sajjadullah.alokozai@dnr.wa.gov / (360) 915-3944 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our VisionOur actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:
  • Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
  • Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
  • Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
  • Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:
  • Commitment to organizational health and wellness
  • Work/life balance
  • DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
  • Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
  • Leadership that empowers and supports employees
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Educational and career development aid
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
  • Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
  • A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.
Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veterans’ preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA-signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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