OverviewAt PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management.
The Business Services Directorate (BSD) provides crucial financial, procurement and sales, and project management services to PNNL, as required under our management and operations contract for operating the Lab on behalf of the Department of Energy. Our goal in offering these services is to ensure efficient, effective, and compliant business operations that enhance PNNL's scientific impact.
BSD presents exciting opportunities for financial professionals seeking career growth. We foster a dynamic environment where individuals can develop their skills, take on leadership roles, and contribute to high-impact projects. By working with multidisciplinary teams, professionals have the chance to broaden their expertise, engage in continuous learning, and advance their careers while contributing to the groundbreaking scientific work at PNNL.
The Contracting Professional will perform routine procurement activities under the guidance of senior acquisition personnel including assistance in development of acquisition strategies, program advance planning, requirements development, market research, vendor sourcing, solicitation, proposal evaluation, vendor selection, award, contract administration, delivery, closeout and all associated aspects of the procurement process. The Contracting Professional will be required to use established concepts and techniques, including the selection of appropriate general provisions that align to preferred contract type, to prevent or resolve problems of varying degrees of complexity throughout all phases of the acquisition life cycle.
The Contracting Professional will work with the requestor to provide guidance and direction in development of requisition documentation and will provide support in other procurement-related areas.
The Contracting Professional will represent the Acquisition Management and Business Services Directorate in team and individual activities such as process improvements, problem resolution, and system development.
Additionally, the Contracting Professional:
- Works with various internal customers including Project Managers, Project Specialists, Business Office Representatives, Legal, Project Management Office Directors, and Technical Oversight Representatives.
- Displays a high degree of customer service in all interactions with relevant acquisition contracting skills.
- Performs work effort under the general supervision of the Directorate Contracts Manager, Team Leader, and Senior Contracting Professionals for contract activities performed from “cradle to grave”.
- Responsible to understand and define the degrees of risk as well as the ability to negotiate terms and conditions to a mutually reasonable solution with management and senior specialist oversight.
- Determines reasonableness of vendor proposed pricing through the use of recognized analytical techniques (eg. Price Analysis, Cost Analysis, etc.).
- Maintains precise documentation to justify decisions, conclusions, findings or recommendations.
- Responsible for securing the best balance of price, quality, delivery and services available within the guidelines established by Battelle, Pacific Northwest Division (Battelle), the sponsor, and applicable Department of Energy (DOE)/Federal Acquisition Regulations.
- Responsible for a general and working knowledge of all contract types (Firm Fixed Price, Labor Hour, Cost Reimbursement) routinely utilized in the execution of Laboratory requirements providing solutions to acquisition requirements.
- Responsibilities may include business travel (both domestic and international).
The Contracting Professional is accountable to Proposals, Contracts, & Acquisitions to:
- Comply with Laboratory policies, standards and procedures.
- Comply with Acquisition Guidelines.
- Timely planning and execution of work that is in accordance with expectations and authorities.
- Maintain expertise, identify opportunities for improvement, and perform work in accordance with this Position Description.
The Contracting Professional has the authority to:
- Commit Battelle to contractual arrangements up to their delegated authority.
- Enforce the terms and conditions of contracts and POs.
- Provide input to annual performance assessment(s).
- Identify equipment and facility needs.
- Stop work if an Environmental, Safety & Health (ES&H), quality, or safeguards and security concern exists.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 5 years of relevant experience -OR-
- MS/MA or higher and 3 years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Exceptional communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
- Advanced knowledge of software including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Chrome.
- Working knowledge of the supply chain process, with specific focus in purchasing and subcontracting.
- Working knowledge of contract negotiations, regulatory compliance preferred. Familiar with business systems, acquisition related systems such PACQ/PES, Web Reports, PMR/Insight, and Accounts Payable.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable
Testing Designated PositionThis is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility RequirementsAs a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum SalaryUSD $91,000.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $140,900.00/Yr.
