Buyer

Palm Beach State College; Lake Worth (TX); On-site; USD 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education benefits including tuition waivers

Health and wellness programs

Generous time off

Professional development opportunities

Retirement investment options

Job summary

Palm Beach State College is seeking a Procurement Specialist responsible for procuring goods and services efficiently. Candidates should possess a relevant associate’s degree or equivalent experience alongside strong customer service and research capabilities.

This position offers a starting pay of $19.52 per hour, education benefits including tuition waivers, and health wellness programs. The role involves vendor communication and purchase order management within an engaging learning environment.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or two years of college coursework, or related experience accepted in lieu of degree.
• One year of related experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications.

Responsibilities

• Procure goods and services for assigned areas at the lowest cost.
• Maintain communication with vendors and departments.
• Coordinate purchasing activities and prepare purchase orders.

Skills

Customer service skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Research skills

Education

Associate’s degree or two years of college coursework

Tools

Microsoft Office Professional

Job description

Responsibilities

• Procure goods and services for assigned areas at the lowest cost appropriate.
• Maintain communication with vendors and departments, research competitive prices and services, and assist with the preparation of electronic purchase orders.
• Coordinate purchase orders and prices of materials, equipment, and/or services.
• Maintain bid files for reference and audit purposes, and prepare and/or analyze reports of purchasing activities.
• Coordinate purchasing activities and communicate with current or potential vendors.
• Perform follow‑up with vendors as needed.
• Process requisitions and prepare purchase orders.
• Administer purchasing policies and procedures.
• Answer questions and resolve problems of personnel participating in activities.
• Prepare training materials and job aids, and conduct end‑user trainings.
• Prepare, issue, and renew requests for bids and proposals.
• Make or coordinate necessary advertisements and public notices.
• Evaluate proposals and bids once received.
• Study prices, trends, and market conditions, and identify sources of supply and new product development.
• Monitor college purchasing expenditures to ascertain whether they are exceeding competitive thresholds.
• Assist in the preparation of electronic purchase orders.
• Prepare, or assist in preparing, specifications for purchases of materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Evaluate products.
• Design complex spreadsheets with multiple function formulas and links.
• Monitor, evaluate, and coordinate services provided by outside vendors.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or two years of college coursework, or related experience accepted in lieu of degree.
• One year of related experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications.
• Skill in delivering a high level of customer service, attention to detail, and effective time and task management.
• Skill in promoting cooperative behavior and team efforts.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with internal and external customers, build relationships, manage customer expectations, and take responsibility for a high level of service.
• Ability to research information for problem solving.

Preferred (but not required)

• Membership in Florida Association Public Procurement Officials.
• Membership in NIGP (National Institute of Governmental Purchasing).
• Membership in National Association of Educational Procurement.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Daily stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Daily stand for extended periods of time.
• Daily use of video display terminal.
• Daily use of manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
• Daily communication of information verbally.
• Daily communication of information in writing.
• Daily receipt and understanding of information through oral and written communication.
• Daily proofreading and checking documents for accuracy.

Benefits

• Education benefits: tuition fee waiver at PBSC, tuition reimbursement, degree recognition award, educational leave, and more, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness institution.
• Health and wellness: medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, parental leave, and more.
• Generous time off: vacation, sick leave, holidays, and spring and winter breaks offering additional paid time off.
• Panther perks: potential remote or hybrid opportunities, wellness programs, and apps related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Professional development: leadership programs, professional learning workshops, and more.
• Retirement investments: state retirement plan options and voluntary 403(b) and 457 plans.

Compensation

The minimum base pay for this position starts at $19.52 per hour; however, the offer may vary based on the candidate’s education and experience.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Palm Beach State College is an equal access, equal opportunity institution. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to applicants for employment or admission to the College. The College prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, disability, or pregnancy in any of its employment or educational programs or activities. Applicants who believe they have been discriminated against in the recruitment process should contact the Human Resources and Compliance Director or Chief Human Resources Officer at (561) 868‑3114. Written complaints must be filed within 180 days from the position's closing date for which the applicant applied. Claims will be investigated, and a timely response will be provided. The College prohibits retaliation against any applicant who utilizes the complaint procedure. Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job by contacting the Human Resources and Compliance Director at (561) 868‑3114 for assistance.