Engineering Contract Specialist

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for an Engineering Contract Specialist. This position is responsible for compiling, analyzing and developing comprehensive bid packages from a variety of design units to ensure the project's plans and specifications are cost-effective, constructible, compliant and biddable according to department, state, and federal requirements. Performs all activities related to project delivery. This position provides technical review of plan packages. These reviews consist of construction plans, plan quantities, detailed technical specifications and is responsible for establishing the final Engineer's Estimate. The position also provides innovative solutions to issues with bid packages that conform to all requirements and laws; and coordinates bid review, letting and award by responding to queries and providing expert consultation services to explain and resolve wide-ranging issues. The position does not supervise other staff and reports to the Construction Contracting Bureau Chief through the Lead Engineering Contract Specialist.

This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

For a full job description, please contact Heather Morgan at ....

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation's mission, vision, and values, please visit our website:

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Construction Engineering, Business Administration, Management, Accounting, Auditing or closely related field
• 3 years of experience in engineering, construction engineering, or business management.

Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The position requires thorough knowledge of the concepts and theories of transportation design, standard specifications, and standard drawings; principles and practices of road design including knowledge of horizontal and vertical alignments, drainage, typical sections, cross-sections, approaches, intersections, etc.; federal and state contract and funding requirements; road/bridge construction processes; knowledge of applicable laws, rules and regulations; software modules used to aid in the preparation of engineer's estimates, bid files and awarding of contracts (currently using AASHTO); MDT, and/or local design standards; estimating; technical writing; specialized engineering and design software; and bureau goals and objectives. The position also requires knowledge of construction equipment, materials, and practices; automated electronic bidding system functions and operations; legal contracts; and bid letting procedures and requirements.
• The position requires skills in problem-solving of complex issues; managing multiple projects under inflexible deadlines; communicating effectively both verbally and in writing; analyzing highway engineering design plans and specifications; operating specialized software applications; and communicating technical information with widely varied audiences.
• The position requires the ability to conduct quality assurance reviews and contract components; provide technical assistance and training; and identify and recommend and implement improvements to business process and electronic bidding processes and applications. Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; work quickly under pressure; make decisions that affect public health and safety; effectively use computers and software (word processing, spreadsheets, publishing and graphics, power point presentations, etc.); compile, compare and analyze data effectively use available communications technologies.

Required Application Materials:

• A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.

Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as "Relevant."

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Other Information:

Driver's record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant's permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.

This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at ....

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana. MDT is not enrolled in E-Verify and is unable to hire F-1 STEM OPT visa candidates.