Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Specialist - Orange County Transportation Authority

Why OCTA:

Discover work that moves you in a dynamic and innovative setting. Be part of a team delivering Orange County’s transportation network of today and creating a vision for the future.

OCTA is the county’s transportation planning commission and public transit operator. With a focus on safety and accountability, we plan, fund, and implement countywide projects that include bus and rail transit, freeways and express lanes, rideshare, microtransit, paratransit, active transportation, and environmental programs.

We’re passionate about creating a balanced, equitable and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. 

Our employees rated OCTA as a top workplace in Orange County. Come join us on our mission of keeping Orange County moving.

Overview:

Under minimal supervision, supports the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Liaison Officer, independently performs a wide range of responsible DBE-related and administrative duties.  Performs records management and compliance tracking of the DBE program.  Supports the maintenance and management of the DBE policies and procedures.  Performs special projects or duties on an as-needed basis.

This is an exempt position in Salary Grade ­­185: Min $78,302.00 – Mid $93,962.00 – Max $109,622.00 annually. The starting salary will be within this range based on qualifications.

This posting will remain open until filled. 

This list is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and is not designed to be interpreted as an exhaustive listing of all tasks required of employees assigned to this job.

Displays High Integrity & Honesty: Takes personal responsibility, acts with honesty and consistency.

Has Technical and Professional Expertise: Has the technical skills, product knowledge and professional skills to do the job.

• Assists with the implementation of the federal DBE program as administrated by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).
• Assists the procurement staff with addressing DBE-related questions that arise during the solicitation process.
• Provides initial review of all submitted proposals/bids to determine if the DBE commitment has been made.
• Oversees proposals/bids submittal compliance to ensure responsiveness to DBE requirements and independently makes decisions to mitigate proposers/bidders’ potential non-responsiveness to safeguard OCTA from financial impacts during the procurement process.
• Prepares all required DBE-related reports and submits them to the appropriate state and/or federal agency.
• Assists the DBE Liaison Officer in various administrative functions within the CAMM Department. Prepares all necessary reports issued by the DBE Liaison Officer.
• Approves expenditures of funds as authorized for office activities and supplies.
• Assists with special projects as needed.

Communicates Powerfully & Prolifically: Shares insights on issues/problems, clarifies purpose and links that purpose to actions.

• Interacts professionally with OCTA staff and the public.

Solves Problems & Analyzes Issues: Has and applies problem analysis and problem-solving skills on a technical and interpersonal level.

• Reviews the DBE responses and independently determines if the proposer/bidder should be deemed responsive or deemed non-responsive and disqualified from participating on the project.
• Reviews, analyzes, and resolves post-award DBE compliance issues and recommends corrective action. Works with DBE consultant to resolve contractual DBE compliance issues as needed.
• Monitors contracts with assigned DBE goals; maintains and updates information on DBE monitoring software.

Customer & External Focus: Markets his/her workgroup effectively and influences others in the organization.

• Attends various procurement-related meetings (pre-proposal, pre-bid, and kick-off meetings) to discuss the DBE program elements and respond to questions.
• Collaborates with the DBE consultant to develop necessary staff and vendor training relative to the DBE program.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school degree with a minimum of seven years of administrative experience, two of those years coordinating program or project administration.  Experience administering DBE programs is preferred. 

Working Conditions/Physical Activities:

(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. OCTA provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions).

Positions in this class typically require:

• Work may be performed in a stressful, fast-paced office environment, depending upon assignment.
• Ability to understand verbal communication and to respond effectively.
• Reaching, Finger Dexterity, Grasping, Feeling, Talking, Hearing, Seeing, and Repetitive Motions in computer use.

Compensation and Benefits:

OCTA offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision health insurance programs, flex time (may be available), paid sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement, deferred compensation plan, educational reimbursement, excellent in-house training programs, free transportation passes for the employee and dependents, wellness and ergonomic programs, and much more. OCTA has a hybrid remote work program. Eligibility is dependent on manager’s approval.

OCTA is an equal employment opportunity employer that recruits, hires, and promotes qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, or other legally protected status.