Become a Contract Specialist with the 142nd Wing

The Oregon Air National Guard is currently seeking a highly organized and analytical professional to fill the role of Contract Specialist at the 142nd Wing in Portland, Oregon. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to critical federal missions while building a long-term civilian career within a stable and supportive environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Contract Specialist, you will manage the end-to-end procurement process. Your duties will include:

Market Research & Planning: Developing acquisition strategies and performing research to meet mission objectives.
Solicitation & Award: Preparing formal solicitations, evaluating proposals, and conducting cost/price analysis.
Post-Award Management: Monitoring contract performance, managing deliverables, and ensuring contractor compliance.
Business Advisory: Serving as a primary point of contact for technical personnel, providing guidance on regulations and contract law.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Ability to meet DAWIA Level I certification requirements within 36 months of hire.

Salary Overview

This position is structured as a career-ladder role, allowing for professional growth from GS-7 to GS-12.

Grade Level	Salary Range
GS-7 through GS-12	$54,370 - $125,378

Benefits

Working with the Air National Guard provides substantial benefits, including:

Access to federal health and insurance programs.
Professional growth through DAWIA training.
Opportunities to participate in complex, high-impact defense contracts.
A collaborative, mission-focused work environment.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. Omissions or formatting errors can lead to automatic disqualification.
Detailed Experience: Ensure your resume clearly states the hours worked per week and the specific month/year for every job listed.
Tailor Your Content: Align your experience directly with the competencies requested for the grade level you are targeting.

If you are an analytical professional looking to apply your skills in a high-stakes, rewarding environment, we encourage you to apply for the Contract Specialist position today.

Why This Contract Specialist Job Matters

Take command of your career in federal procurement with the Oregon Air National Guard as a Contract Specialist.

Contract Specialist Job Overview

The 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard is seeking a dedicated Contract Specialist to manage the lifecycle of complex federal acquisitions. This Title 5 Excepted Service role is a civilian position that operates at the Portland Air National Guard Base, providing essential business advisory services and technical oversight for mission-critical procurement strategies.

Requirements for Contract Specialist

U.S. Citizenship.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Filing of OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
Completion of DAWIA Level I professional certification within 36 months of placement.
Specific specialized experience as defined by grade level (GS-7 through GS-12).

Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist

Experience in federal contracting, acquisition planning, or supply chain management.
Demonstrated ability to perform price or cost analysis.
Proficiency in interpreting federal regulations, specifically the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
Experience with Government Purchase Card (GPC) program coordination.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal benefits package including comprehensive health insurance.
✓Competitive salary progression (GS-7 to GS-12 ladder).
✓Opportunities for professional development and DAWIA certification training.
✓Stable, career-oriented federal employment.
✓Paid time off and leave programs.

💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Contract Specialist Job

Create a profile on USAJOBS and ensure all necessary documentation is uploaded.
Prepare a detailed, 2-page resume specifically addressing your relevant duties, hours worked, and employment dates.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing link.
Submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal to track your application progress.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit.
Clearly define your role (e.g., full-time/part-time) and include specific dates (Month/Year) for every position listed.
Double-check that your resume explicitly maps your experience to the duties required by the grade level you are applying for.
Submit all required documentation, including transcripts and any necessary military preference paperwork, during the initial application phase to avoid disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be in the military to apply?

No, this is a Title 5 Excepted Service civilian position. Membership in the Oregon National Guard is not required.

What is the promotion potential for this position?

The position is advertised as a GS-7/9/11/12, with a maximum promotion potential of GS-12.

What does the Contracting Officer Review Board (CORB) do?

The CORB is an evaluation body that may determine your eligibility to hold a contracting warrant, which is a requirement for some functions of this role.

What is a Title 5 Excepted Service position?

It is a civilian position within the National Guard structure that does not require military membership.

Is there potential for promotion?

Yes, the position has a promotion potential to the GS-12 level.

Job from Air National Guard Units

The 142nd Wing is an essential part of the Department of the Air Force. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of readiness and supporting both our local community and national defense initiatives. Our contracting office is the heartbeat of our infrastructure, ensuring that our mission-critical requirements are met efficiently and transparently.