Procurement and Specifications Specialist II

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) is the public transit authority responsible for planning and constructing Skyline, Honolulu’s rail transit system. It is the first fully automated, driverless urban light metro system in the United States and represents the largest public infrastructure project in the history of Hawaii.

The Procurement and Specifications Specialist II is assigned to HART’s Procurement and Contracts Section as an advanced trainee. In this role, you will apply foundational knowledge of governmental procurement practices to develop specifications, prepare solicitations, and support purchasing activities for commodities, services, concessions, professional services, and construction projects that are generally not highly technical or of great complexity. As you gain experience, you will take on more advanced or difficult assignments with increasing independence while working closely with senior procurement staff.

• →Drafts specifications for routine, non‑complex procurements and, under closer supervision, assists in drafting specifications for higher‑value or more technical commodities, services, concessions, professional services, and construction.
• →Prepares bid documents for non‑complex, advertised procurements; analyzes bid results, recommends awards, and prepares written justifications when needed.
• →Issues purchase orders to successful bidders and responds to questions or complaints from unsuccessful bidders in a professional and timely manner.
• →Assists with vendor performance issues by gathering facts when vendors fail to deliver or miss deadlines and recommends appropriate actions, including whether liquidated damages may be waived.
• →Conducts informal and emergency procurements for certain low‑cost commodities and services, including soliciting quotes by phone and issuing purchase order numbers.
• →Collaborates with other Procurement and Specifications Specialists to develop specifications and share specialized knowledge for formal advertised bids.
• →Researches and identifies potential suppliers, interviews vendors to assess reliability and qualifications, and evaluates the quality of goods and services delivered.
• →Reviews product catalogs, brochures, and technical publications to stay current on new commodities, services, and purchasing and marketing techniques.
• →Provides clear information and guidance to HART staff, consultants, vendors, and the public on purchasing procedures, including applicable laws, rules, regulations, and internal policies.
• →Performs other related duties as assigned.

HART is an agency of the City and County of Honolulu, and employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits packaged provided by the City. This includes:

• Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, and life insurance plans
• Generous vacation and sick leave, earning up to 21 days per year
• 13 paid holidays annually (14 days during election year)
• Retirement plan contributions through the Employees' Retirement System (ERS)
• Deferred compensation options to invest pre-tax income for retirement
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses
• Pre-tax transportation benefits, including TheBus and vanpool options
• Access to confidential counseling services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional perks include training opportunities and employer-funded Holo Card for eligible employees to use on public transit
• Eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, supporting employees dedicated to public service

• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8-hour shift
• Location: The work for this position is conducted on-site at HART’s offices, located in Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Telecommuting is not currently available for this role.

HART does not cover relocation costs. Candidates must be able to reliably commute or relocate to Honolulu by first day of employment.