OPT Contract Specialist Jobs
Contract Specialist jobs are consistently filled by employers who sponsor OPT work authorization, particularly in government contracting, defense, and procurement-heavy industries. Your F-1 OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension available if your degree is in a qualifying field like business analytics or supply chain management.
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Get Access To All JobsContract Administrator I
JOB SUMMARY
Supports the Contract Administration team with contract proposal preparation, contract and supplier negotiations including terms and conditions, administration of major contracts, supplier management and collaboration with other departments while adhering to Sewer District contracting standards. Maintains the contract database and associated files, including renewals in conformance with appropriate standards, policies, procedures and applications. Responsible for the execution of work orders, requisitions and receiving processes. Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Contract Bid Process Responsibilities
- Follows and executes the contract bid and quote process, including preparation of bid packages. Generates contract/change review documentation. Reviews customer specifications and government regulations.
- Organizes and participates in both formal and informal reviews of proposal drafts. Reviews contract documentation with proper personnel to ensure that it meets the operation needs of all stakeholders in the project.
- Assembles accurate contract asset lists and official contract/correspondence files.
- Collects and assembles templates and procedural documentation to support the Sewer District in negotiating contracts, including pricing and terms and formulating policies with suppliers and vendors.
- Prepares bids, process specifications, progress reports and other information as required. Compiles data for preparing estimates during the contract process.
- Assists with generating requests for qualifications and Requests for Proposals for related professional services. Interfaces with Sewer District departments as necessary to assist with contract and/or proposal processing and to obtain required approvals.
- Participates in the communication process during the review stages of the proposal document. Attends progress, pre-bid and pre-construction meetings.
- Provides assistance in procurement for high-level and/or high-risk projects.
Contract Administration
- Responsible for the execution and review of invoices, work orders, requisitions, receiving processes, statements and contractor billings during the contract and prior to payment and closure. Resolves discrepancies with inaccurate and/or overdue invoices.
- Assists in the development and maintenance of contract management instruction policies, procedures and work instructions. Reviews documentation with proper personnel to ensure that it meets Sewer District needs.
- Maintains accurate contract and/or proposal tracking records and files in accordance with Sewer District standards, to include record retention and storage.
- Maintains contract database entries, keeping current with new contracts that are processed and/or executed. Assist with contract renewal review process to ensure no gaps in coverage.
- Generates reports in Sewer District databases to assist with overall contract administration.
Contractor Oversite Responsibilities
- Manages dispatching of contractors to perform services in a timely and accurate manner to meet the needs of the Sewer District.
- Monitors contractor performance to ensure work conforms to contract requirements and specifications through verifying with filed staff and/or performing field verification.
- Coordinates with appropriate supervisors and/or any relevant municipalities to resolve any discrepancies identified with contractor work performed. Documents any non-conformance and makes recommendations for improvement.
- Analyzes market and delivery system to assess process and cost improvement opportunities. Tracks and analyzes contractor performance and compliance.
- Participates in and provides support for initiatives such as supplier enablement, contract management, project management, problem resolution and customer support.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.
Contract Administrator II
JOB SUMMARY
Manages contract proposal preparation, contract and supplier negotiation including terms and conditions, administration of major contracts, supplier management and collaboration with internal departments. Manages the contract database and all associated files, including renewals in conformance with appropriate standards, policies, procedures, and applications. Maintains official contract/correspondence files and monitors department performance for conformance to original proposals. Generates contract/change review documentation. Acts as advisor regarding customer specifications and government regulations. Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Contract Bid Process Responsibilities
- Represents the Sewer District in negotiating contracts, including pricing and terms and formulating policies with suppliers and vendors.
- Generates requests for qualifications and Requests for Proposals for related professional services.
- Interfaces with the Sewer District departments as necessary to facilitate contract and/or proposal processing and to obtain required approvals etc.
- Organizes, conducts and participates in both formal and informal management reviews of proposal drafts. Reviews contract documentation with proper personnel to ensure that it meets the operation needs of all stakeholders in the project.
- Prepares bids, process specifications, progress reports and other information as required. Compiles data for preparing estimates during the contract process.
- Facilitates the communication process during the review states of the proposal document. Attends progress, pre-bid and pre-construction meetings.
- Manages contract renewal review process to ensure no gaps in coverage.
- Assists in the procurement for high-level and/or high-risk projects.
Contract Administration
- Performs primary contract administration duties for major contracts including negotiation, correspondence, documentation, certification, financial reporting and product delivery for major contracts. Writes specifications for repairs and upgrades, with input from the appropriate personnel.
- Develops, implements and maintains contract management instruction policies, procedures and work instructions. Maintains pricing and contract.
- Maintains accurate contract and/or proposal tracking records and files in accordance with Sewer District standards, to include record retention and storage.
- Manages contract database entries, keeping current with new contracts that are processed and/or executed.
- Reviews invoices, statements, work orders and contractor billings to monitor compliance for reviews modifications, extensions and contract closeout documents for approval. Actively participates to resolve supplier/contractor grievances, claims, etc.
Contract Oversite Responsibilities
- Assists with procurement of outside contractors, including the developing consultant short lists and Request for Proposals (RFP), review of the contractor proposals and recommending award of consultant contracts.
- Monitors contractor/supplier performance. Coordinates with the appropriate supervisors and/or any relevant municipalities to ensure work conforms to contract requirements and specifications during the contract and prior to payment and closure. Documents any non-conformance; makes recommendations for improvement.
- Participates in and provides support for initiatives such as supplier enablement, contract management, project management, problem resolution and customer support.
- Analyzes market and delivery system to assess process and cost improvement opportunities. Tracks and analyzes contractor performance and compliance.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education
- Candidate must possess an associate degree, preferably in Business Administration or related field.
- Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as outlined in the Education Equivalencies Policy.
Experience
Candidate must possess a minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of progressive contract administration experience in an engineering, maintenance, utility environment or similar industry, including a combination of the following; best practices, vendor selection, contract negotiation, asset management, resource allocation, recordkeeping, reading blueprints and diagrams, contract development, contract standards, procedural documentation, renewals and contract language.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Candidate must possess basic knowledge of administrative, project management, resource allocation, contract administration, basic business law and legalities for successful contract administration.
- Candidate must possess knowledge of best practices in an engineering or utility environment or similar industry, including a combination of the following; best practices, vendor selection, contract negotiation, asset management, resource allocation, recordkeeping, reading blueprints and diagrams, contract development, contract standards, procedural documentation, renewals and contract language.
- Candidate must possess knowledge of municipal bidding and contract procedures and EPA’s NPDES permit requirements.
- Candidate must possess effective written and verbal communication, organizational skills and decision-making abilities.
- Candidate must possess the ability to successfully build and sustain positive and collaborative working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, contractors, community, government personnel and customers and the ability to provide high quality service.
- Candidate must possess the ability to effectively use progressive project and/or contract management techniques to successfully initiate and manage contracts through to completion on time and on budget; these skills shall be further developed during the course of employment within the position.
- Candidate must be detail-oriented and capable of managing large amount of data, maintain detailed comprehensive records, analyze and organize information, have effective project and time management skills and be well organized.
- Candidate must possess negotiation and conflict resolution skills to address issues and opportunities for improvement with diverse groups.
- Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and PowerPoint.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
During the course of performing the essential functions of this position the employee must be able to compile, compare, copy, compute, analyze, synthesize, coordinate, instruct and negotiate. Ability to communicate while exhibiting strong interpersonal skills is required. Physical work will need to be performed, such as standing, sitting, walking, reaching fingering, talking and hearing. Ability to lift up to 10 lbs. on an occasional basis. Position will require visual demands of near acuity, far acuity, depth perception, color vision and accommodation. The position is primarily office work; however, the position requires visiting Sewer District sites up to 10% of the typical workday. While working in the field the employee may be exposed to extreme weather, wet and/or humid conditions and confined/restricted working environments.
Pay Range: USD, Commensurate with Experience
- Contract Administrator I: $62,540 - $78,175
- Contract Administrator II: $65,482 - $81,854
Our Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Our Accessibility Statement
Our Education Equivalencies Policy
Our Employee Benefits & Wellness Programs
We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package including Health Insurance Coverage, Various Retirement Planning Options (Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and Deferred Compensation Plans), Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Free Parking at our facilities, Corporate Discounts, and more! We also have an active Health & Wellness Program that promotes a life/work balance.
DISCLAIMER: The information outlined in this job description indicates the general nature and type of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities or competencies required of employees within this classification.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Contract Administrator I
JOB SUMMARY
Supports the Contract Administration team with contract proposal preparation, contract and supplier negotiations including terms and conditions, administration of major contracts, supplier management and collaboration with other departments while adhering to Sewer District contracting standards. Maintains the contract database and associated files, including renewals in conformance with appropriate standards, policies, procedures and applications. Responsible for the execution of work orders, requisitions and receiving processes. Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Contract Bid Process Responsibilities
- Follows and executes the contract bid and quote process, including preparation of bid packages. Generates contract/change review documentation. Reviews customer specifications and government regulations.
- Organizes and participates in both formal and informal reviews of proposal drafts. Reviews contract documentation with proper personnel to ensure that it meets the operation needs of all stakeholders in the project.
- Assembles accurate contract asset lists and official contract/correspondence files.
- Collects and assembles templates and procedural documentation to support the Sewer District in negotiating contracts, including pricing and terms and formulating policies with suppliers and vendors.
- Prepares bids, process specifications, progress reports and other information as required. Compiles data for preparing estimates during the contract process.
- Assists with generating requests for qualifications and Requests for Proposals for related professional services. Interfaces with Sewer District departments as necessary to assist with contract and/or proposal processing and to obtain required approvals.
- Participates in the communication process during the review stages of the proposal document. Attends progress, pre-bid and pre-construction meetings.
- Provides assistance in procurement for high-level and/or high-risk projects.
Contract Administration
- Responsible for the execution and review of invoices, work orders, requisitions, receiving processes, statements and contractor billings during the contract and prior to payment and closure. Resolves discrepancies with inaccurate and/or overdue invoices.
- Assists in the development and maintenance of contract management instruction policies, procedures and work instructions. Reviews documentation with proper personnel to ensure that it meets Sewer District needs.
- Maintains accurate contract and/or proposal tracking records and files in accordance with Sewer District standards, to include record retention and storage.
- Maintains contract database entries, keeping current with new contracts that are processed and/or executed. Assist with contract renewal review process to ensure no gaps in coverage.
- Generates reports in Sewer District databases to assist with overall contract administration.
Contractor Oversite Responsibilities
- Manages dispatching of contractors to perform services in a timely and accurate manner to meet the needs of the Sewer District.
- Monitors contractor performance to ensure work conforms to contract requirements and specifications through verifying with filed staff and/or performing field verification.
- Coordinates with appropriate supervisors and/or any relevant municipalities to resolve any discrepancies identified with contractor work performed. Documents any non-conformance and makes recommendations for improvement.
- Analyzes market and delivery system to assess process and cost improvement opportunities. Tracks and analyzes contractor performance and compliance.
- Participates in and provides support for initiatives such as supplier enablement, contract management, project management, problem resolution and customer support.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.
Contract Administrator II
JOB SUMMARY
Manages contract proposal preparation, contract and supplier negotiation including terms and conditions, administration of major contracts, supplier management and collaboration with internal departments. Manages the contract database and all associated files, including renewals in conformance with appropriate standards, policies, procedures, and applications. Maintains official contract/correspondence files and monitors department performance for conformance to original proposals. Generates contract/change review documentation. Acts as advisor regarding customer specifications and government regulations. Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Contract Bid Process Responsibilities
- Represents the Sewer District in negotiating contracts, including pricing and terms and formulating policies with suppliers and vendors.
- Generates requests for qualifications and Requests for Proposals for related professional services.
- Interfaces with the Sewer District departments as necessary to facilitate contract and/or proposal processing and to obtain required approvals etc.
- Organizes, conducts and participates in both formal and informal management reviews of proposal drafts. Reviews contract documentation with proper personnel to ensure that it meets the operation needs of all stakeholders in the project.
- Prepares bids, process specifications, progress reports and other information as required. Compiles data for preparing estimates during the contract process.
- Facilitates the communication process during the review states of the proposal document. Attends progress, pre-bid and pre-construction meetings.
- Manages contract renewal review process to ensure no gaps in coverage.
- Assists in the procurement for high-level and/or high-risk projects.
Contract Administration
- Performs primary contract administration duties for major contracts including negotiation, correspondence, documentation, certification, financial reporting and product delivery for major contracts. Writes specifications for repairs and upgrades, with input from the appropriate personnel.
- Develops, implements and maintains contract management instruction policies, procedures and work instructions. Maintains pricing and contract.
- Maintains accurate contract and/or proposal tracking records and files in accordance with Sewer District standards, to include record retention and storage.
- Manages contract database entries, keeping current with new contracts that are processed and/or executed.
- Reviews invoices, statements, work orders and contractor billings to monitor compliance for reviews modifications, extensions and contract closeout documents for approval. Actively participates to resolve supplier/contractor grievances, claims, etc.
Contract Oversite Responsibilities
- Assists with procurement of outside contractors, including the developing consultant short lists and Request for Proposals (RFP), review of the contractor proposals and recommending award of consultant contracts.
- Monitors contractor/supplier performance. Coordinates with the appropriate supervisors and/or any relevant municipalities to ensure work conforms to contract requirements and specifications during the contract and prior to payment and closure. Documents any non-conformance; makes recommendations for improvement.
- Participates in and provides support for initiatives such as supplier enablement, contract management, project management, problem resolution and customer support.
- Analyzes market and delivery system to assess process and cost improvement opportunities. Tracks and analyzes contractor performance and compliance.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education
- Candidate must possess an associate degree, preferably in Business Administration or related field.
- Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as outlined in the Education Equivalencies Policy.
Experience
Candidate must possess a minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of progressive contract administration experience in an engineering, maintenance, utility environment or similar industry, including a combination of the following; best practices, vendor selection, contract negotiation, asset management, resource allocation, recordkeeping, reading blueprints and diagrams, contract development, contract standards, procedural documentation, renewals and contract language.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Candidate must possess basic knowledge of administrative, project management, resource allocation, contract administration, basic business law and legalities for successful contract administration.
- Candidate must possess knowledge of best practices in an engineering or utility environment or similar industry, including a combination of the following; best practices, vendor selection, contract negotiation, asset management, resource allocation, recordkeeping, reading blueprints and diagrams, contract development, contract standards, procedural documentation, renewals and contract language.
- Candidate must possess knowledge of municipal bidding and contract procedures and EPA’s NPDES permit requirements.
- Candidate must possess effective written and verbal communication, organizational skills and decision-making abilities.
- Candidate must possess the ability to successfully build and sustain positive and collaborative working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, contractors, community, government personnel and customers and the ability to provide high quality service.
- Candidate must possess the ability to effectively use progressive project and/or contract management techniques to successfully initiate and manage contracts through to completion on time and on budget; these skills shall be further developed during the course of employment within the position.
- Candidate must be detail-oriented and capable of managing large amount of data, maintain detailed comprehensive records, analyze and organize information, have effective project and time management skills and be well organized.
- Candidate must possess negotiation and conflict resolution skills to address issues and opportunities for improvement with diverse groups.
- Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and PowerPoint.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
During the course of performing the essential functions of this position the employee must be able to compile, compare, copy, compute, analyze, synthesize, coordinate, instruct and negotiate. Ability to communicate while exhibiting strong interpersonal skills is required. Physical work will need to be performed, such as standing, sitting, walking, reaching fingering, talking and hearing. Ability to lift up to 10 lbs. on an occasional basis. Position will require visual demands of near acuity, far acuity, depth perception, color vision and accommodation. The position is primarily office work; however, the position requires visiting Sewer District sites up to 10% of the typical workday. While working in the field the employee may be exposed to extreme weather, wet and/or humid conditions and confined/restricted working environments.
Pay Range: USD, Commensurate with Experience
- Contract Administrator I: $62,540 - $78,175
- Contract Administrator II: $65,482 - $81,854
Our Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Our Accessibility Statement
Our Education Equivalencies Policy
Our Employee Benefits & Wellness Programs
We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package including Health Insurance Coverage, Various Retirement Planning Options (Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and Deferred Compensation Plans), Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Free Parking at our facilities, Corporate Discounts, and more! We also have an active Health & Wellness Program that promotes a life/work balance.
DISCLAIMER: The information outlined in this job description indicates the general nature and type of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities or competencies required of employees within this classification.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See all 176+ OPT Contract Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Contract Specialist
Target federal contractors and defense firms first
Government contractors like prime defense and aerospace firms hire Contract Specialists regularly and are accustomed to sponsoring work visas. These employers often have dedicated HR processes for OPT and H-1B visa transitions, making them more receptive than smaller private companies.
Highlight your FAR and contract lifecycle knowledge
Employers screening Contract Specialist candidates look for familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation and end-to-end contract management. Demonstrating this knowledge in your resume and interviews signals you can contribute immediately, which reduces hesitation around OPT work authorization timelines.
Get a Certified Federal Contracts Manager designation
The CFCM credential from NCMA is widely recognized in government contracting and demonstrates serious professional commitment. Candidates with certifications are viewed as long-term investments, which directly improves an employer's willingness to sponsor OPT and eventually H-1B status.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Many Contract Specialist roles require immediate availability. Starting your job search three to four months before your OPT begins gives employers time to complete onboarding paperwork and ensures your authorization is active before your official start date.
Address sponsorship directly in your cover letter
Don't leave employers guessing about your work authorization status. A brief, confident sentence clarifying that you're authorized under OPT and eligible for H-1B sponsorship removes uncertainty early and prevents your application from being filtered out during initial screening.
Emphasize procurement software proficiency
Employers hiring Contract Specialists expect hands-on experience with tools like SAP Ariba, Coupa, or similar contract management platforms. Listing specific systems on your resume demonstrates technical readiness and makes your application competitive regardless of your OPT authorization status.
Contract Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Contract Specialist on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Contract Specialist roles qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. Business, finance, supply chain, and public administration degrees are the most common qualifying backgrounds. You have 12 months of authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension available if your degree falls under an approved STEM CIP code.
Do Contract Specialist employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Government contractors and large procurement organizations sponsor H-1B visas with regularity because Contract Specialists are in sustained demand and turnover is costly. Smaller commercial firms are less predictable. When browsing roles on Migrate Mate, you can filter specifically for employers with a documented history of sponsoring work visas, which saves significant time in your search.
Does a Contract Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Contract Specialist positions generally qualify as specialty occupations when they require a bachelor's degree in a specific field like business administration, finance, or supply chain management. Roles that accept any degree regardless of field can face USCIS scrutiny. When evaluating an offer, review the job description carefully to confirm the degree requirement is field-specific, not general.
What degree fields support OPT eligibility for Contract Specialist jobs?
Business administration, supply chain management, finance, public administration, and contract management degrees are the most commonly accepted fields. Some employers also accept degrees in economics or legal studies. Your OPT employment must be directly related to your degree, so the connection between your field of study and the role's core responsibilities should be clear and documentable.
How competitive is the job market for Contract Specialists on OPT?
Demand is strong, particularly in federal contracting hubs like the Washington D.C. metro area, San Antonio, and Huntsville. Competition increases at large defense contractors during peak hiring cycles. OPT candidates with procurement certifications or prior internship experience in government contracting tend to move through hiring processes faster than those without specialized credentials.