Associate Buyer

Baltimore County; Pikesville (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency in Maryland is seeking an Associate Buyer to support purchasing activities. Responsibilities include preparing specifications, soliciting prices, and evaluating bids. Candidates should hold an associate degree or equivalent and possess strong communication skills. The role requires maintaining effective working relationships and basic knowledge of purchasing functions. This is a full-time position with a regular schedule of 35 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate in arts degree or completion of 60 college credits.
• Experience in purchasing or related support activities may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Prepare simple specifications for supplies and materials.
• Solicit prices for non-complex goods from established sources.
• Evaluate informal bids based on routine price analysis.
• Maintain records using a computer.

Skills

Basic knowledge of purchasing functions

Writing skills

Basic mathematical skills

Communication skills

Education

Associate's degree or 60 college credits

Job description

Pay Schedule I, Grade 22, Regular Schedule 35 hours per week.

A vacancy exists in the Office of Budget and Finance, Procurement and Logistics Services Division.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You MUST attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered.

• Under close supervision, prepares simple specifications for supplies, materials, and equipment, prepares and evaluates informal bids and telephone quotations for non-complex goods and services, and assists other buyers in purchasing activities in support of various County agencies.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Prepares simple specifications using existing specifications and established formats.
• Revises existing specifications. Processes purchase orders and amendments. Corrects errors on forms.
• Solicits prices for non-complex goods from established sources.
• Interview salespersons and vendors. Evaluates informal bids based on routine price analysis.
• Contacts agencies regarding purchase requisition problems. Follows up on deliveries. Resolves shipping and billing discrepancies with agencies and vendors.
• Uses a computer and maintains records.
• Investigate new products or services.

Examples of Other Duties:

• Reviews trade publications, periodicals, and journals.
• Reviews and updates automated purchasing files.
• Answers telephones.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)Minimum Qualifications
Training and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate in arts degree or completion of 60 college credits.
(Experience in purchasing or related support activities may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two years for the required education.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level):
Basic knowledge of purchasing and material management functions. Basic knowledge of a variety of commodities and market conditions. Knowledge of office procedures. Skill in performing basic mathematical computations. Writing skills necessary to complete forms, simple specifications, and reports. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to maintain records and prepare reports. Ability to understand and comply with Federal, State, and local regulations governing public purchasing activities. Ability to learn the goods and services used by County agencies and the procedures used to purchase them. Ability to use a computer to enter, retrieve, and update information. Ability to read and understand trade publications, catalogs, and simple specifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance):
Knowledge of assigned goods and services and respective market conditions. Knowledge of County purchasing procedures and principles. Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to performance of duties.
Skill in maintaining records and preparing reports. Skill in preparing specifications. Skill in correcting and processing forms. Skill in preparing and evaluating informal bids and telephone quotations for non-complex goods and services. Skill in using a computer to enter, retrieve, and update information.Ability to prepare increasingly complex specifications. Ability to assist or perform the duties of other buyers in the purchase of more complex goods and services.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education

Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:

ATTN: Associate Buyer

Office of Human Resources

Baltimore County Government

308 Allegheny Ave.

Towson, MD 21204

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Examination Procedure

Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:These positions are essentially sedentary with occasional standing, walking, lifting, or other restricted physical activities.

Employment Background Investigation

Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.