Business Services Specialist

Position Description Position Overview The Business Services Specialist provides operational, administrative, and customer service support to ensure business functions run smoothly. Acts as a liaison between departments, maintains records, processes contracts/purchases, helps with budgeting and compliance, and may deal with internal technology or service request tools. The role helps drive efficiency, accuracy, and high-quality customer service (both internal and external). Job Duties Prepare and make presentations to businesses throughout the region to explain services and promote a better understanding of business opportunities available with the Office of the County Engineer. Makes needed information available to the different divisions within the department related to overall business operations, such as sources of supply, government contracts and bidding procedures, market data, and management aids. Coordinate procurement, purchase requisitions, contracts, and vendor communications. Assists with and maintains contacts with AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) firms. Acts as liaison between business firms to facilitate the resolution of immediate and long-range concerns or problems. Coordinate travel, meeting, or event arrangements. Handle Customer service calls by responding to inquiries, helping staff or external customers with process questions or issues. Use internal tools to maintain procurement, financial, and contract tracking platforms to ensure data integrity. Identify process improvements and assist in implementing more efficient workflows. Perform duties as assigned. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or emailADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net Requirements Education A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a closely related field. A Master's degree in a directly related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience. Experience Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in customer service or business development, client service management. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs): Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Good written and verbal communication. Customer service orientation. Ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines. Basic financial skills (budgeting, tracking expenses, etc.). Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), internal procurement, or financial systems. Ability to learn/work with specialized software (travel booking, procurement, recordkeeping). Problem-solving mindset; ability to spot inefficiencies. Licensure Valid Texas Driver's License upon hire, and a good driving record Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement: In accordance with Harris County's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must: Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities. Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events. Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events. Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity. NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation, but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications. General Information Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work: Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week. Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload. Salary: Commensurate experience, based on 26 pay periods. Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting, or operations command center environment, but some field work may be required. May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event). This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting to 25 lbs., frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. FEATURED BENEFITS Medical, vision, and dental insurance. Wellness. Professional development opportunities. Flexible spending accounts. 457 deferred compensation plans. Retirement pension (TCDRS). Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program). Disability and life insurance. Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan. The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions: Health & Wellness Benefits Medical Coverage Dental Coverage Vision Coverage Wellness Plan Life Insurance Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Healthcare Flexible Spending Account Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account Paid Time Off (PTO) Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service) Eleven (11) County-observed holidays One (1) floating holiday per year Paid Parental Leave* Sick Leave Retirement Savings Benefit 457 Deferred Compensation Plan The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions: Professional learning & development opportunities Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan) Flexible work schedule* METRO RideSponsor Program* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas. In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed. For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website: www.benefitsathctx.com 01 What is your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position? High School Diploma or GED Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree None of the above 02 If you are a degree holder, is your degree in Business Administration or a closely related field? Yes No No Degree 03 How many years of relevant experience do you have in customer service, business development, or client service management? 0 - 1 Year 2 - 3 Years 4 - 5 Years 6+ Years 04 Do you currently have a valid Texas Driver's License? Yes No, but eligible to obtain by start date. No, not eligible to obtain licensure. 05 Can you share an example of a time when your attention to detail helped prevent an error or improve the accuracy of your work? 06 Tell us about a time you had to explain a process or resolve an issue through written or verbal communication. How did you ensure your message was clear and professional? 07 How do you stay organized and ensure accuracy across multiple projects? 08 How do you use tools like Excel and Word in your daily work? Are you comfortable learning and using specialized systems such as procurement or travel software? Required Question Employer Harris County Address 1111 Fannin St Ste. 600 Houston, Texas, 77002 Phone 713-274-5445 Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx