BUYER

Effective: 11/21/03
Range G-59
Respirator Class: 3

Definition
Purchase materials, supplies, equipment, and services for the District including routine contracts; administer issued purchase orders and contracts.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the journey level class of the Buyer series and is distinguished by the ability to perform all but the more complex duties independently with only occasional instruction or assistance, and the possession of a working knowledge of relevant policies and procedures unique to the District.  Positions in this class are distinguished from the Senior level in that the more complex and large purchases and contracts are not normally handled at the Buyer level.

Supervision Received And Exercised

• Receive general supervision from the Purchasing and Materials Manager.

Examples Of Essential Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Contact suppliers to obtain competitive price, determine availability, terms, and delivery schedule regarding specific requisitions; evaluate quotes and recommend awards.
• Develop and prepare purchase orders, agreements, bids and contracts; process all paperwork related to purchases including purchase order revisions.
• Review incoming Material Requisitions for accuracy and completeness; resolve any problems on the Material Requisitions with the appropriate department.
• Administer and review purchase orders, bids and contracts; verify receipt; resolve discrepancies and problems regarding prices, delivery, and/or quality.
• Assume responsibility for the purchasing of all materials, supplies, equipment, and services for the District; handle the more routine purchases and contracts.
• Instruct and advise internal customers in the District’s purchasing procedures and software.
• Competitive buying.
• Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Purchasing and contracting principles, procedures, and practices.
• Governmental purchasing laws and procedures including the Uniform Commercial Code.
• Basic bookkeeping procedures and practices.
• Safety hazards and appropriate precautions applicable to work assignments.
• District's purchasing and contracting procedures and techniques.
• Types of supplies, materials, and equipment commonly used by the District including terminology and nomenclature.

Ability to:

• Continuously analyze and determine best source of supply, identify products, and know procedures and policies of the office in order to perform job.  Intermittently explain purchasing policies and procedures to employees/end-users and suppliers.
• Sit at desk for long periods of time on a continuous basis.  Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk and perform simple grasping; use telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate,
• Learn to handle purchases and contracts in all areas of purchasing for the District excluding construction contracts.
• Learn the District's purchasing procedures and techniques.
• Learn to interpret ordinances, rules, and regulations affecting District purchasing operations.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with employees and the public by providing high levels of customer service; deal effectively with suppliers and employees in situations requiring judgment, tact, and firmness.
• Interpret ordinances, rules, and regulations affecting District purchasing operations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Use computers and related purchasing software.

Experience And Education
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

• Two years of purchasing experience in the areas of government, construction, or a closely related field.

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by substantial training or course work in procurement. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with course work in business administration or a closely related field is desirable, but not required.

Licenses And Certificates

• May need to possess a valid California Driver's License as required by the position. A Certified Purchasing Manager or Accredited Purchasing Practitioner designation is desirable, but not required.