Contracts & Purchasing Manager (WMS Band 2)

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Contracts & Purchasing Manager (WMS Band 2) within the Financial Services Division.

Location:

• Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

Schedule:

• This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
• A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.
• Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.

Application Timeline:

• Apply by November 18, 2025.
• This position will remain open until filled. The agency reserves the right to make a hire at any time after application review begins. Applications received after the date above may not be considered.

Duties

In this role, you’ll be responsible for balancing compliance requirements with operational needs. You’ll interpret and apply a complex network of federal, state, and agency laws and regulations—including RCW 39.26, OFM SAAM chapters, DES policies, and EPA Fair Share Goals—while ensuring that Ecology’s contracting and purchasing activities remain efficient and responsive to program demands.

The key challenge is maintaining full compliance without delaying essential environmental projects or disrupting service delivery. You’ll administer contracts and agreements that protect, preserve, and enhance Washington’s environment, supporting the wise management of our air, land, and water for the benefit of both current and future generations.

In this position, you’ll have the authority to guide and influence contracting and procurement processes, applying the relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies. You’ll also provide expert-level advice, consultation, and technical support to agency programs to ensure compliance with state and federal contracting requirements. Finally, you’ll help ensure that the agency and its staff conduct their work in alignment with ethics laws, rules, and policies, as well as generally accepted ethical standards.

What you will do:

• Independently provide advanced and senior-level professional acquisition and contract administration functions
• Develop standard terms and conditions for agency contracts
• Develop agency policies regarding service contracts and purchasing
• Advise contract managers and executive-level management for ongoing contract management best practices
• Supervise and directs Contracts Specialists and Procurement & Supply Specialists
• Provide guidance and technical assistance, in partnership with agency program staff?? in implementing Supplier Diversity practices

Qualifications

For detailed information on how we calculate experience, please visit our Recruitment website.

Required Qualifications:

Eight (8) years of experience and/or education as described below:

• Experience in public sector contracting, procurement, or acquisition management. This includes experience in contract development, negotiating, administering, terminating, costing, and auditing contracts, dispute mediation/prevention, or related project management. Experience must include at least one year of supervisory or lead experience, including performance management, mentoring, and staff development.
• Education in business law, business administration, public administration, contract law, finance, or related field.

Examples of how to qualify:

• 8 years of experience.
• 7 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
• 6 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
• 5 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
• 4 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
• 2 years of experience AND a Master’s degree or A law degree from an accredited college or university.
• 1 years of experience AND a Ph.D. or Membership in the Washington Bar Association

Strong analytical and decision-making skills with the ability to interpret and apply statutes, policies, and ethical standards to complex procurement issues.

Proficiency with electronic procurement and contract management systems and strong general computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent).

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

Employee must read, sign, and abide by the Financial Services/Fiscal Office Agreement on Confidential Information (Part
A) and Internal Control Responsibility (Part B).

Desired Qualifications:

• Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or other related certification.
• Detailed knowledge of Executive Ethics Laws and regulations and the interpretive opinions of the Executive Ethics Board.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Department of Ecology, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

Supplemental Information

Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Application Process

Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:

• Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• Resume

Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.

For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.

Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.

Need an Accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:

• Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.

Questions?

• For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact Beth Swanson at beth.swanson@ecy.wa.gov 
• If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.

Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave, 11 Paid Holidays per year, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver,  Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP),  Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives, Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth *Click here for more information

To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website, explore Working at Ecology, check out our Strategic Plan, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or our blog.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology 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 of disability, 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.

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency.

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