Advance Your Career as a GS-14 Contract Specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard
Are you a seasoned acquisition professional looking to make a significant impact on national security? The U.S. Coast Guard is currently hiring for a high-level Contract Specialist (GS-14) based in Alexandria, Virginia. This role is perfect for those who thrive in high-stakes environments and are ready to lead complex, cradle-to-grave contracting programs.
Job Responsibilities
As a senior advisor and contracting officer, your responsibilities will be vast and impactful. You will:
- Cradle-to-Grave Management: Oversee complex, high-dollar solicitations from initial procurement planning through to contract close-out.
- Negotiation Leadership: Serve as a lead negotiator, developing complex strategies for service and system acquisitions.
- Strategic Advising: Act as a liaison to top management and policy makers regarding high-visibility contracting initiatives.
- Compliance & Oversight: Ensure all actions adhere to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other governing statutes, maintaining full signatory authority with an unlimited warrant.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-14 role, applicants must demonstrate significant specialized experience:
- Experience: At least one full year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours in relevant fields like accounting, business, finance, or law.
- Certification: Ability to maintain FAC-C certification and sit for an unlimited warrant board.
Comparison Table: Qualifications
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Grade Level | GS-14 |
| Education | Required (Bachelor's + 24 Semester Hours) |
| Experience | 1 Year at GS-13 Level |
| Clearance | Q Access Authorization |
| Location | Alexandria, VA |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $143,913 to $187,093 per year, commensurate with the high level of responsibility, specialized knowledge, and leadership required for the role.
Benefits
Working for the U.S. Coast Guard offers more than just a competitive salary. Employees enjoy:
- Health & Wellness: Extensive health insurance options, dental/vision coverage, and access to fitness centers.
- Financial Security: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, retirement planning, and life insurance.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules, paid federal holidays, and generous personal leave.
- Growth: Continuous training and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement.
Application Tips
- Follow Formatting: Your resume must be strictly 2 pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be reviewed.
- Quantify Achievements: Use your resume to showcase how you managed past contracts and negotiated successful outcomes.
- Verify Documents: Ensure all transcripts clearly state course numbers, titles, and credit hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply for this position if I am not a federal employee? A: Yes, this position is open to the public.
Q: What is the significance of the GS-14 grade? A: The GS-14 level is a senior-level position involving complex, independent authority and high-level advisory duties.
Q: How do I handle foreign education? A: Foreign education must be accompanied by an evaluation showing its equivalency to a U.S. degree to be considered for qualification.
This role is an exceptional opportunity for an expert in government acquisition to apply their skills in a mission-critical environment. By supporting the U.S. Coast Guard, you are directly contributing to the safety and security of the United States. Apply by the closing date of November 16, 2026, to be considered for this prestigious position.
Why This Contract Specialist Job Matters
Advance your career as a high-level Contract Specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard, securing our nation’s maritime interests through strategic acquisition leadership.
Contract Specialist Job Overview
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking a high-performing Contract Specialist (GS-14) to join the C5I team in Alexandria, Virginia. This senior-level role serves as a key advisor and lead negotiator, overseeing critical, complex procurement initiatives and ensuring the integrity of high-dollar contractual actions from inception to close-out.
Requirements for Contract Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must be registered or exempt from Selective Service
- Ability to obtain and maintain an unlimited contracting officer's warrant
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level
- Completion of mandatory training for GS-13 level contracting positions
- Bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours in business, accounting, finance, law, contracts, or related fields
- Successful completion of a background investigation
Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist
- Proven experience leading pre-award and post-award negotiations
- Advanced proficiency in cost and price analysis, including learning curve and cost estimating methodologies
- Expertise in IT-related contracting for the U.S. Coast Guard
- Strong communication skills for liaison work with executive leadership
- Current Federal Acquisition Certification for Program and Project Managers (FAC P/PM-I)
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and personal leave
- ✓Flexible work schedules
- ✓Tuition reimbursement programs
- ✓Access to fitness centers and wellness initiatives
- ✓Transportation subsidies
💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Contract Specialist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account
- Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages
- Gather transcripts and required federal documentation (e.g., SF-50)
- Submit your application package before the closing date
- Complete the required USA Hire Assessments if prompted via email
- Monitor application status via the USAJOBS dashboard
💡 General Tips
- Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; documents exceeding this will be excluded.
- Ensure all transcripts are legible and include course titles, credit hours, and grades.
- Do not copy/paste duty statements from the announcement directly into your resume.
- Provide clear, quantifiable examples of your negotiation and contracting experience.
- Verify that your resume includes start/end dates and hours worked per week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this position?
Yes, this position requires Q Access Authorization.
Can I substitute education for experience at the GS-14 level?
No, education cannot be substituted for the required specialized experience at the GS-14 grade level.
Are there limits on the length of my resume?
Yes, your resume must be no more than two pages in length to be considered.
Job from U.S. Coast Guard
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Coast Guard are tasked with the vital mission of safeguarding American interests. From port security and maritime law enforcement to search and rescue, the USCG operates across the globe. As a civilian Contract Specialist, you will be the backbone of these missions, ensuring that the agency has the necessary tools, technology, and services to remain effective in an ever-changing landscape.