Procurement Specialist
Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation - Norcal APEX Accelerator
Posted: March 4, 2026
Hours: 20 hours per week
Wage: $35-$60 per hour, depending on experience
Project Name: Norcal APEX Accelerator
Supervisor: Norcal APEX Accelerator Director
Application Deadline: First review date March 25th, 2026. Position is open until filled.
WHO WE ARE:
The Northern California APEX Accelerator at Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation (SPF) advances entrepreneurship and economic growth through procurement technical assistance for all businesses in Northern California. We help our clients identify, obtain, and perform on prime and subcontracting opportunities with local, state, federal, and tribal governments. Cal Poly Humboldt has hosted the APEX Accelerator program (formerly called the Procurement Technical Assistance Center) since 2013 and has grown the program to serve 15 Northern California counties (Del Norte, Humboldt, Shasta, Siskiyou, Trinity, Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Marin, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, & Santa Clara). Learn more about the program here: http://www.apexnorcal.org
We envision a level playing field in the government marketplace, where all businesses have access to resources and support for contracting success.
LOCATION: The physical location of the Norcal APEX Accelerator Center is in Arcata, CA at 876 7th Street, however the program serves 15 Northern California counties, listed above. This is a hybrid role based at our Arcata, CA location requiring weekly in-office work time, dependent on candidate’s overall hours per week. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable law.
ABOUT THE POSITION: This is a 12-month non-exempt position, subject to vacation and sick leave but not eligible for group insurance. The position is eligible for retirement after completing one year of service with 1,000 hours in that year. While continuation of this position is foreseen for years to come, all Norcal APEX-Accelerator positions are contingent on continued grant funding. This is not a state or federal position.
The Norcal APEX-Accelerator seeks an experienced professional with in-depth knowledge of government contracting. This person will serve as a no-cost advisor to businesses seeking technical assistance and training from the program. They should be passionate about small business development and knowledgeable of the nuanced challenges rural businesses face. For this role, we are hoping to find somebody knowledgeable in public works/construction contracting as well as CAL FIRE and US Forest Service contracting, however that is not required.
In this role you will be one of our seven Procurement Specialists located throughout our service area and most of your time will be spent meeting one-on-one with local small business owners (virtually via Zoom and in-person) and providing webinars and workshops on government contracting related topics.
This position requires the ability to work at a computer for extended periods, travel within the service area, and present workshops in person and virtually. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Advise small businesses on federal, state, local, and tribal government contracting topics in person, over the phone, or using video conferencing software
• Develop and conduct webinars, workshops, and outreach efforts in support of program goals
• Assist business owners (our clients) with:
o Cal eProcure & SAM registrations
o Capabilities statements
o State certifications such as SB & DVBE
o Federal certifications such as 8(a), HUBZone, VOSB, WOSB, etc.
o Finding bid opportunities and preparing bid responses
o Public works and construction contracting
o Fire related contracting (CAL FIRE, VIPR, etc.)
o GSA schedules, FAR, CMMC, DIBBS, FOCI, DPA Title III, IBAS
o Government-Led Innovation Programs (GIPs) such as SBIR, STTR, etc.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
At least 5 years of experience providing government contracting assistance to businesses or 5 years of experience as a relevant government procurement-related employee.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Prior experience working for an APEX Accelerator or other federally funded small business assistance program
• Existing partnerships with Northern California government agencies and resource organizations
• Relevant Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Location based in Humboldt County, CA.
Application Deadline: first application review date is March 25th, 2026. The position may close at any time after the first review date.
Please see linked job posting for full job announcement and application procedure and instructions.
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