> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1036406-principal-contract-specialist](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1036406-principal-contract-specialist). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Contract Specialist - **Company:** City of San Diego - **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $132,954.0 - $160,742.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Software Applications, SAP (Applications) - **Published:** June 30, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=63d1fb3107a3fce3 ## About the Role Do you have experience in Supervising experience?, Do you have a Bachelor's degree?, You must meet the following requirements on the date you apply, unless otherwise indicated. EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent education (i.e., minimum completed units = 120 semester/180 quarter). NOTE: * Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for education lacked on a year-for-year basis. One year of full-time experience = 30 semester/45 quarter college-level units. EXPERIENCE: Four years of full-time professional-level contract administration experience in architecture, engineering, and/or construction which MUST include one year of full-time experience at a level equivalent to a Senior Contract Specialist with the City of San Diego (a position that opens, negotiates, recommends contract awards, administers and terminates various types of public works contracts including consulting, architectural and engineering projects, design, construction and construction management, and pre-purchased material and equipment contracts, and supervises and reviews the work of subordinate Contract Specialists) AND at least one year of full-time experience supervising professional staff who are responsible for contract administration work. Qualifying experience MUST include ALL of the following: 1. Contract development. 2. Evaluation of bids and/or proposals. 3. Negotiation of contracts and contract changes. 4. Administration of contract terms and conditions. NOTE: * City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA) experience to qualify must submit written documentation signed by their appointing authority or payroll specialist, detailing the work performed, dates, and total number of qualifying OCA hours. OCA experience without the required documentation will NOT be considered. LICENSE: A valid California Class C Driver License may be required at the time of hire. HIGHLY DESIRABLE: * Public Works contract administration experience in a government or public agency setting. * Demonstrated experience with construction management and/or task management of design and construction contracts. * Demonstrated understanding of unit pricing and usage of RSMeans data for public works construction contracts. * Knowledge of architectural engineering and design contracting practices. * Familiarity or experience with local, state or federal laws as they apply to public works contracting and/or labor. * Familiarity with negotiating labor disputes and/or labor compliance in a government or public agency setting. * Knowledge of and ability to use a variety of computer software (e.g., Word, Excel, SAP, and labor compliance software). REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (MUST SUBMIT WITH APPLICATION): * Proof of degree/transcripts, if utilized to meet the minimum requirements. * For City of San Diego employees, proof of Out-of-Class Assignment (OCA), if utilized to meet the minimum requirements. ## Description Principal Contract Specialist positions, through subordinate supervisors, plan and direct the work of Contract Specialists; participate in the most challenging contract administration assignments; open, negotiate, recommend contract award, administer and terminate various types of public works contracts including consulting, architectural and engineering projects, design, construction and construction management, and pre-purchased material and equipment contracts; develop and maintain commercial terms and conditions of contracts; develop negotiation plans and strategies; prepare reports and correspondence; make presentations to City Council, community groups, consultants and contractors; and perform other duties as assigned. 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