DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Complex Procurement Specialist 
Job Title: Program Specialist VI 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Lab Business Operations 
Posting Number: 18351 
Closing Date: 09/23/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Range: $6,000.00 - $6,200.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DBGL) 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS 
 
 
 

Job Description

Performs highly advanced senior-level consultative services and technical assistance work on complex procurements for the Laboratory Business Operations Unit of the Public Health Laboratory Division. Serves as specialized support for specific laboratory areas and is responsible for gaining an understanding of laboratory workflows and needs in order to translate highly technical needs into layman’s terms for procurement documents. Coordinates long-term planning and evaluation of complex procurements and contracts. Initiates required forms for complex procurements such as requests for proprietary justifications, statements of work, and emergency procurements. Coordinates complex procurement issues for further review and action. Works with lab staff to periodically review and update processes and assess and implement improvements. Works under limited supervision of the Complex Procurement Group Manager, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May train, lead, assign, and/or prioritize the work of others, which may include serving in a team lead capacity.

This is a hybrid position working in the office 2 days per week which is subject to change. This position may be eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need.

Essential Job Functions

1. EJF 1 — 35%: Plans, prioritizes, and performs highly advanced consultative services and technical assistance work on complex procurements for the Public Health Laboratory Division. Serves as specialized support for specific laboratory areas, translates technical needs into layman’s terms for procurement documents, and guides Division staff and management in planning and executing complex procurements, contracts, laboratory supplies/services, and purchase order activities.
2. EJF 2 — 25%: Coordinates long-term planning and evaluation of complex procurements. Initiates required forms, including proprietary justifications, statements of work, and emergency procurements. Serves as lead writer and editor of Statements of Work, assesses procurement methods and requirements, researches agency systems, creates reports/graphs, establishes timelines, and follows up to ensure procurements and contracts are established on time.
3. EJF 3 — 25%: Coordinates and leads Division activities, planning, and special projects related to complex procurements. Coordinates procurement issues for review and action, meets with applicable state and/or federal staff or entities, represents Division leadership when requested, prepares briefing documents and analyses, reviews policies and instructions, and serves as liaison with division, agency, budget, contract, grant, accounting, legal, and purchasing staff.
4. EJF 4 — 10%: Works with lab staff to review and update processes and implement improvements. Communicates policy and procedure changes related to complex procurements. Cross-trains and supports shared inboxes, CAPPS Financials support, purchase requisitions/orders, adjustments, billing, invoices, training, training materials, and other management priorities.
5. EJF 5 — 5%: Performs other duties as assigned, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or continuity of operations activation. Complies with DSHS Lab and local, state, and federal guidelines to support a safe functioning laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge Of

• Local, state, and federal laws related to purchasing and complex procurements.
• Agency, state, and federal policies and procedures related to complex procurement activities.

Skill In

• Proofreading, editing, and checking work for accuracy.
• Effective listening, training, and technical assistance.
• Use of standard office equipment and software applications, including Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and intermediate Excel.
• Strategic planning and resource management.
• Decision-making, negotiation, organization, prioritizing workflow, managing multiple tasks, and meeting deadlines.
• Evaluating, developing, and analyzing reports.
• Analyzing complex issues, drawing conclusions, and initiating actions to solve problems.
• Planning and coordinating the work of others.
• Gathering, correlating, and analyzing facts.
• Devising solutions to problems.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing for the audience.

Ability To

• Learn agency software systems, including CAPPS Financials and System of Contract Operation and Reporting.
• Learn laboratory organizations, business procedures, functions, roles, and responsibilities.
• Work independently and with a team while actively supporting supervisor and co-workers in common goals and department directives.

Registration, Licensure, or Certification Requirements

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) required or must be obtained within the first year of employment.

Initial Screening Criteria

1. At least 2 years’ experience in purchasing or contracts, including coordinating complex procurements such as Request for Procurement, Request for Information, Request for Quote, Invitation for Bid, or similar.
2. Experience providing consultative and technical assistance to management or staff.
3. Experience in customer service.
4. Experience preparing reports.
5. Experience developing and editing written procurement and/or contract-related materials.
6. Preferred experience in strategic planning, forecasting, or resource management.
7. Preferred experience working in a fast-paced and high-volume work environment.
8. Preferred experience serving as a liaison between State of Texas program areas and vendors.
9. Preferred experience in purchasing or contracts within the State of Texas system.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form