Procurement Contracting Officer

Salary : $70,304.00 - $102,433.71 Annually
Location : 810 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number:
Department: General Services Division
Division: PROCUREMENT & CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
Opening Date: 10/12/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Under general direction from the Procurement and Contract Administration Manager, the Procurement Contracting Officer (PCO) is responsible for conducting basic- to intermediate-level procurement and contract administration assignments for a wide variety of commodities and services in support of the operation of the District.

PCO assignments may include routine micro-purchases to more complex, formal procurements for construction, professional services, IT, and rolling stock, of basic to moderate complexity as assigned. All activities are conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and/or local regulations and District policy.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This position is characterized by the exercising of independent judgment and discretion with the guidelines of Division policies and procedures. This position is a full performance level position and is distinguished by the need for analytical skills and familiarity with local, state, and federal procurement guidelines including but not limited to FTA and/or FRA regulations. This position is familiar with federal DBE regulations and reporting requirements and can work with minimal supervision and direction.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position reports to the Procurement and Contract Administration Manager. No supervision of others is exercised. This position is expected to participate in the sharing of expert knowledge and as a vital member of various project teams that may be instituted.

Working Conditions

Normal working conditions for this position are in both an office and field setting. Work outside of standard office hours may be required to meet deadlines or other business needs. Business travel may be required periodically between District sites, governmental agencies, consultants' facilities, and other locations as required.

Examples of Duties
Essential Functions

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs procurement planning, solicitation, and evaluation of bids, quotes, and proposals, including through the use of an automated procurement processing system as appropriate.
• Obtains oral and written bids, proposals, or quotations from vendors; compares costs with the specification or scope of work and makes a recommendation to place orders or agreements.
• Conducts pre-bid or pre-proposal conferences and bid openings. Facilitates and leads source selection committees.
• Advises user departments and staff on various procurement methods and alternate products and recommends substitutes as appropriate.
• Prepares purchase order documents through a computerized system and formal contract agreement files.
• Reviews and monitors contracts and contract progress to ensure compliance with procurement requirements, policies, and procedures. Analyzes vendor performance and determines acceptable standards.
• Reviews change order requests and makes recommendations; assists in performing cost/price analysis of bids and proposals.
• Maintains purchase order and contract files in compliance with federal, state, and local rules and regulations and District policy.
• Writes memoranda, correspondence, and reports relating to processing and execution of contracts or as otherwise requested; answers contract-related questions from vendors and/or District staff.
• Identifies prospective proposers and bidders, including DBEs. Develops new sources of supply and service. Participates in vendor outreach functions to encourage vendor participation.
• Negotiates and places annual blanket purchase orders, master purchasing agreements, and annual service agreements.
• Negotiates contract terms and conditions, including leading negotiation teams as needed, such that the outcome is the best value and is in the best business interest for NCTD.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide seamless customer service.
• Conducts research, evaluates findings, and makes independent decisions on procurement matters.
• Reconciles invoice, delivery, and shipment discrepancies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Experience/Education

• Bachelor's Degree in business administration or related field.
• Minimum three (3) to five (5) years prior directly relevant experience in procurement and contracting.
• Transit/public agency experience highly desirable.

A combination of experience/skills and education to fulfill the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities as described above may be considered.

Certificates/Licenses

• A Certificate related to acquisitions such as a Certified Associate Contracts Manager, Certified Federal Contracts Manager, Certified Professional Contracts Manager, Certified Purchasing Manager, or Certified Public Purchasing Officer from a nationally recognized organization such as the National Contract Management Association or Universal Purchasing Certification Council desired.
• Possession of and the ability to maintain a California driver's license, Class C, with less than 6 points in the preceding 36-month period and no DUIs in the preceding 7-year period.
• Maintain compliance with the District's policies regarding Conflict of Interest and Ethics.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton

General Requirements

• Knowledge of contracting law, Uniform Commercial Code, and other laws and regulations pertaining to the solicitation of bids/proposals, evaluation of offers, negotiations, and awarding of contracts.
• Knowledge of professional procurement with particular emphasis on systems contracting, service-type contracts, construction contracting, and contract financing.
• Knowledge of vendor practices regarding pricing, material management, shipping, warranties, and invoicing.
• Knowledge of elements of cost accounting principles and practices, cost and price analysis principles and techniques, and contract negotiation methods and techniques.
• Ability to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication and teambuilding skills, including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills; ability to gather, organize, analyze, and present data to appropriate sources; ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal rules and regulations accurately and effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise, and grammatically correct documents and reports.
• Expertise in multiple areas and demonstrated use of discretion and judgment in the execution of duties is required.
• Ability to manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities, and meet established deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated above-average proficiency in computer software programs including the Microsoft Office Suite, and an enterprise resource system such as JDEdwards.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The employee must possess the ability to use the phone and computer for extended periods, manual dexterity to complete clerical functions, and work with office equipment. The employee must be able to hear, see, and communicate verbally to exchange information. The employee must be able to physically travel between District locations and other destinations, work in the evenings when required, work in hazardous conditions, and negotiate a variety of different and irregular terrain as is typical along a railway right of way. The employee may be subject to fumes, odors, dust, gases, and chemicals. The employee must be able to walk, climb, balance, bend, carry, push, reach, sit, and stand.

Machines / Tools / Equipment

• Ability to operate a personal computer and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a fax and scanner machine, copy machine, and telephone.

Ability to carry and operate a mobile on-call device.
Application Information:
All applicants must complete and submit an online application at

A job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Retirement: NCTD participates in the CalPERS retirement program with a benefit formula of 1.5% @ 65 for PEPRA new members. Benefits are calculated based on your age at retirement, the number of years of service credit with CalPERS and the average of your monthly compensation over the past 36 months (36 months average highest hourly pay rate).

457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan: NCTD offers a Voluntary Deferred Compensation Savings Plan through VOYA Financial Services. Employees are eligible to enroll any time after the date of hire. The plan allows you to contribute pre-tax and/or post-tax dollars into selected funds of your choice. The plan also allows you to:

• Contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Catch-up plan for those 50+ of up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Is portable, can be rolled over into another qualified retirement plan
• Employer match into a 401(a) account (50% up to 8% of employee compensation; Max NCTD contribution of 4%)

Medical Insurance: NCTD offers a rich variety of HMO and PPO plans to choose from and contributes towards your monthly medical premiums, if the coverage you select costs more than the amount NCTD contributes, then payroll deductions will be withheld on a pre-tax basis.

Dental Insurance: NCTD offers two different dental plans for employees and their eligible dependents (HMO and PPO) from a reliable dental insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plans. Both plans are part of NCTD's cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).
Vision Insurance: NCTD offers vision services for employees and their eligible dependents through a reliable vision insurance provider. Human Resources can provide information regarding annual insurance provider and available plan. The plan is part of NCTD's cafeteria plan (pre-tax payroll deductions for monthly premiums).

The benefits include:

• $10.00 co-pay for Annual Exam
• No charge for standard lenses every 12 months
• $125 retail allowance for frames every 2 years; OR $125 toward the contact lens.

Life Insurance: NCTD cares for its employees, and thus provides at no cost to the employee group life insurance in the amount of $50,000 (coverage includes Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Accelerated Death benefits). Additional life insurance is available for you and your eligible dependents at your expense. * Tax reporting is required for any amounts over $50,000, per IRS guidelines. Supplemental life insurance coverage premiums are deducted on a post-tax basis.
Long Term Disability Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance. You may elect units of $100 up to 60% of your hourly wage to a maximum of $6,000/month. Deductions are post-tax, coverage 24/7, limitations or exclusions, and benefits are payable to age 65 or for two years (whichever is longer).
Flexible Spending Account Plan: NCTD offers two core FSA plans and two Commuter plans. Health Care and Dependent Care plans are "Use It OR Lose It" calendar year plans (Jan. 1st - Dec. 31st). The Commuter Transit and Parking plans do not have a "use it or lose it" policy. Plans are as follows:

• Health Care Spending Account:
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
• Dependent Care Spending Account:
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS (including limitations if married)
• Commuter Transit Accounts:
  • May contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS

Disability Insurance: Employees contribute to California State Disability Insurance (SDI). The current contribution rate is 1.1% of earnings and is totally paid by the employee. After the 7-day waiting period, SDI pays a percentage of employee's salary up to a maximum of $1,540.00per week, for up to 52 weeks. SDI may be coordinated with Paid Time Off (PTO).
Accident Insurance: NCTD offers voluntary accident insurance. You may elect coverage for you and your dependents for a flat monthly rate. Deductions are post-tax.
Critical Illness Insurance: NTD offers voluntary Critical Illness insurance. You may elect coverage up to $10,000 in increments of $2,500, for you and between $2,500 - $5,000 for your dependents, not to exceed 50% of c