Job Description:

Purpose Statement

The job of Purchasing Agent is done for the purpose/s of providing support to department activities with specific responsibility for implementing purchasing activities in compliance with mandated requirements; overseeing daily activities; responding to a range of inquiries regarding processes or bid status; and achieving department objectives and goals within budget.

This job reports to Director of Business Services.

Essential Functions

• Administers bidding process and contracts for vendor performance/compliance within established limits (e.g. prepare specifications, evaluate bids, recommend vendors, conduct bid meetings, etc.) for the purpose of securing items and/or services within budget and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Assists auditors in providing requested information for the purpose of providing necessary documentation for completion of audit.
• Compiles data from a wide variety of sources (e.g. vendors, staff, public agencies, etc.) for the purpose of analyzing issues, ensuring compliance with a wide variety of purchasing policies and procedures, and/or monitoring purchasing processes.
• Evaluates vendors for the purpose of determining their capability for performing to established specifications.
• Evaluates order and bid documentation (e.g. requisitions, change orders, bids, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring proper use of district funds in the acquisition of supplies, equipment and/or services.
• Issues purchase orders, etc. for the purpose of completing purchasing processes in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintains purchasing information, files and records (e.g. Requests for Proposal, purchase orders, vender files, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of documentation and compliance with established policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Negotiates with vendors for the purpose of resolving purchasing issues and/or ensuring purchases are within state and district requirements/regulations.
• Oversees required processes (e.g. orders, work orders and requisitions for supplies, equipment, conference requests, bids for potential commodities, supplies equipment and services, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring necessary resources to support district operation.
• Participates in unit meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions.
• Prepares written materials and electronic financial information for the purpose of documenting activities, providing reference, conveying information, and complying with established financial, legal and/or administrative requirements.
• Presents information on administrative procedures, services, regulations, etc. for the purpose of training and orienting other personnel and/or disseminating information to appropriate parties.
• Processes purchasing-related information (e.g. bid documents, tabulations, requisitions, electronic procurement, product specifications, statements of work, performance terms, contracts, etc.) for the purpose of updating and distributing information, authorizing for action and/or complying with established accounting practices.
• Researches contracts, suppliers, equipment and regulations, including evaluation of new products for the purpose of ensuring compliance with budgetary guidelines.
• Responds to inquiries from a variety of internal and external sources for the purpose of providing information, direction and/or appropriate referrals.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including utilizing pertinent software applications; planning and managing projects; budgeting and financial management; and developing effective working relationships.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: personnel processes; pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; federal and state purchasing regulations; education code; and budget management and accounting.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing a variety of complex processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires analysis based on organizational objectives; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; flexible to changing conditions; working with multiple projects; dealing with frequent interruptions and changing priorities; and maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; tracking budget expenditures. utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling,  some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing.  This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience:     Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is desired.

Education:       Targeted, job related education with study in job-related area.

Certificates:     CPR/First Aid Certification

Continuing Educ./Training:   Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances:    IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

                       Background Clearances

Position Type:    Full-Time
Salary:    $20.20 to $23.42 Per Hour
Job Categories:    Support Staff > Accounting/Bookkeeping

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required