Contracts Specialist

WHY JOIN BALLARD MARINE CONSTRUCTION?

Ballard Marine Construction is a specialty marine and underwater contractor headquartered in Washougal, WA, delivering complex projects across North America. The work we perform is demanding, high-risk, and highly technical — which makes contracts, compliance, and risk management critical to our success.

We’re selective about who we bring onto the team because our culture depends on it. Accountability, ownership, and integrity aren’t optional. As a Contracts Specialist, you’ll work alongside professionals who value your attention to detail, rely on your analysis, and expect you to help uphold the standards that protect our projects and our business.

Who are we?

Ballard is fast-paced and built for people who take pride in doing things right. “Good enough” isn’t good enough especially when reviewing contract terms, assessing risk, and supporting negotiations.

This is a place for professionals with grit those who stay sharp under pressure, navigate complexity with sound judgment, and take ownership of their work.

You’ll collaborate with driven, trustworthy teammates across Operations, Estimating, Risk, and Legal who depend on clear guidance and thoughtful contract review.

Ballard is not a place to coast. It’s a place to contribute.

If you’re a contracts professional who wants meaningful involvement in contract review, risk evaluation, negotiation support, and process improvement not just administrative processing you’ll thrive here. At Ballard, your work directly supports how we pursue, secure, and execute projects.

You’ll get out of it exactly what you put into it. Let’s go.

Job Summary :

Under the direction of General Counsel and working alongside members of the CRL team, the Contracts Specialist has responsibilities related to drafting and negotiating project vendor contracts, vendor relations, forms management / design, process development, and oversight of vendor compliance. Additionally, the Contracts Specialist will provide support to CRL   team members to assist in carrying out the department’s initiatives.

Ideal Candidate : Core Attributes :

Grit and Resiliency - We dig deep to figure out how to make things happen no matter how impossible it seems. We never give up. We take on challenges that nobody else can; or will.

Comradery and Inspirational - We are a hard-working team of like-minded individuals working toward a common goal. We regularly celebrate wins and like to have fun whether at work or at play. We come together each day looking for ways to instill life and energy into the world around us.

Driven and Competitive - We love competition. We love to win and love to learn when we lose. Not getting the job done is not an option. We are obsessed to do our best and we do what it takes to win.

Trustworthy and Respectful - We are passionate about honesty, authenticity, and transparency. No lies. No drama. No politics. We value constructive conflict and ensure that even in conflict we treat others with respect.

Ownership and Accountability - When something goes wrong, we first “look in the mirror” before we “look out the window.” We ask, “what could I have done differently?” and then we share lessons learned. Regularly challenging ourselves and those around us to be better is a way of life. “Me first” belongs here.

Education :

An associate’s degree in business or a related field. The degree may be substituted with a minimum of 5+ years of practical experience in contract review, drafting and negotiation.

Experience :

3-5 years of experience in contract administration or a related field

Strong knowledge of contract management processes, and contract drafting.

Knowledge of contract terms and conditions

Experience in contract negotiations, reviewing and redlining.

Familiarity with government contracting regulations is a plus

Skills :

Ability to work with and effectively communicate, orally and in writing, to all levels within the organization.

Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced team environment with a commitment to reach goals and meet deadlines.

Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and well-organized.

Demonstrates proficiency in MS Office and relevant software applications.

High-level computer skills with the ability to quickly learn new applications.

Responsibilities :

Draft, review, and negotiate project vendor agreements, including assuring appropriate flow ‑ down terms, insurance requirements, and risk allocation, are included.

Review and redline client agreements, identify key risks and required commitments in Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and bid terms and prepare contract risk memos.

Conduct negotiations with clients and vendors and coordinate internal review / approvals with General Counsel, Risk Manager, Operations, and Estimating as needed.

Support Estimating and Operations in understanding and administering contract requirements, including notices, change management, documentation expectations, and post ‑ award obligations.

Maintain contract records and workflow tracking through execution, including version control, approval routing, and executed contract filing.

Support forms management and continuous improvement by maintaining approved templates / clauses and recommending process efficiencies, including LEAN initiatives.

Support development of CRL policies, procedures, workflows, and training materials; participate in cross ‑ training and act as a backup in related areas as needed.

Other duties as required.

Physical Demands / Working Environment :

Ability to lift twenty-five (25) pounds, bend, stoop, and work safely around equipment, materials, supplies, and other items to be handled.

Ability to work at a computer for multiple hours.

Salary Range : $65K – $85K

Pay is commensurate based on experience

Benefits :

Ballard offers a comprehensive benefits package and provides a culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion. Benefits include employer paid medical, dental, vision, LTD, life insurance, PTO, 401K Plan with employer match, paid holidays, and so much more!!

EEO Statement :

Ballard Marine Construction, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or veteran status. A reasonable accommodation will be considered for qualified individuals with a disability if it does not create an undue hardship for the Company, consistent with the ADA as amended.

Required Skills

Required Experience