ASSOC PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens is seeking an Associate Procurement Specialist to review and process purchase requests in a centralized procurement unit. This role ensures specifications, documents, and policies are met while coordinating with departments and vendors.

You will complete required State Purchasing courses within 12 months of hire and work full-time, Monday–Friday, 8:00AM–5:00PM, with a starting date around December 1, 2026. Salary is advertised at $40,000.00 per year.

Qualifications

• Attends the following classes and/or passes the relevant State Purchasing exams within 12 months of hire date.

Responsibilities

• Reviews incoming purchase requests to insure specifications and/or descriptions are adequate and properly describe the product or service being purchased.
• Determines if needed information and documents are adequate and meet policy and procedure requirements.

Skills

Intro to Purchasing

Fundamentals of Purchasing

E-Quote/E-Source

Writing Specifications

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Posting Details

Working Title: ASSOC PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST

Department: FD-Procurement

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department: UGA Procurement is a centralized service unit dedicated to supporting the mission of the University of Georgia by ensuring the effective, compliant, and value-driven acquisition of goods and services.

The UGA Procurement office holds delegated purchasing authority from both the State of Georgia Department of Administrative Services and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. As such, UGA Procurement is solely responsible for:

• Negotiating, preparing, executing, and administering contracts, purchase orders, and rental agreements;
• Ensuring compliance with University, Board of Regents, and State of Georgia policies;
• Coordinating procurement activities with appropriate state agencies to include the State Purchasing Division and the Georgia Technology Authority.

UGA Procurement office staff specialize in public purchasing practices and possess the required State certifications to procure goods and services on behalf of the University. They serve as a valuable resource to the UGA community who understand that effective, efficient procurement relies on the cooperation of all University units and departments.

College/Unit/Department website: https://busfin.uga.edu/finance-division/procurement/

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM

Advertised Salary: 40,000.00

Posting Date: 10/05/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 12/01/2026

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title: Univ Procurement Assistant II

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

Position Summary: The Associate Procurement Specialist reviews incoming purchase requests to ensure specifications and/or descriptions are adequate and properly describe the product or service being purchased. Determines if needed information and documents are adequate and meet policy and procedure requirements. The Associate Procurement Specialist works independently and uses judgment on common problems, but will refer more complicated matters to more senior positions.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Attends the following classes and/or passes the relevant State Purchasing exams within 12 months of hire date:

• Introduction to State Purchasing (online)
• Fundamentals of State Purchasing (onsite)
• E-Quote/E-Source or UGA equivalent (UGA)
• Basics of Writing Specifications (online)

Physical Demands: Stand, sit, bend, type and communicate via telephone and email.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)? Yes

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Reviews incoming purchase requests to insure specifications and/or descriptions are adequate and properly describe the product or service being purchased.
• Determines if needed information and documents are adequate and meet policy and procedure requirements.

Percentage of time: 30

Duties/Responsibilities

• Routinely handles procurements in all or some of the following areas: statewide and agency contracts, non-complex public works services contracts, and construction contracts.
• Provides supervisor with information relating to renewal of statewide and agency contracts.

Percentage of time: 25

Duties/Responsibilities

• Routinely handles procurements in an open market arena.
• Duties may include review of simple vendor terms and conditions associated with non-complex purchases.

Percentage of time: 20

Duties/Responsibilities

• Independently coordinates with the using department to obtain the needed administrative information and/or documents necessary for processing the purchase request.

Percentage of time: 10

Duties/Responsibilities

• Inquires, follows up, problem solves and corresponds to the extent necessary with Procurement team members, suppliers, State Purchasing and University departments.
• Functions as an intermediary between suppliers and the University, resolving discrepancies and maintaining working relationships.

Percentage of time: 10

Duties/Responsibilities

• Ensures understanding of State Purchasing regulations through completion of State Purchasing classes and through ongoing webinars, training sessions, conferences, etc. to maintain state certification.

Percentage of time: 5