Buyer I/II

County of Humboldt; Eureka (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Humboldt is seeking a Buyer I/II to purchase materials, supplies, and equipment for county departments. Under supervision, you’ll learn County policies, sources of supply, and bidding procedures, advancing with experience.

The role involves requisition analysis, vendor communications, order placement, invoice reconciliation, and assisting with surplus disposition. A California driver’s license may be required and eligibility for county employment applies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of purchasing principles and competitive bidding.
• Understanding of laws and regulations governing purchasing.
• Familiarity with price references and supplier evaluations.
• Basic data processing as related to purchasing.
• Standard office procedures.

Responsibilities

• Analyze requisitions to verify completeness and determine materials needed.
• Obtain price quotations or prepare bid packages; analyze bids and recommend awards.
• Interview suppliers, visit vendors, obtain samples, and provide policy information to vendors.
• Place orders, negotiate terms, and expedite orders; resolve delivery issues with departments.
• Coordinate vehicle licensing activities for County vehicles.
• Assist with auction and disposal of surplus equipment.
• Maintain records and reports, including vendor performance; help determine reorder points and quantities.
• Monitor purchasing field developments and propose policy improvements.

Skills

Analyzing requisitions

Reading requests

Reports & specs

Translating requirements

Purchasing effectively

Record keeping

Organizing & prioritizing

Vendor communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or public administration

Job description

Under general supervision, purchases and expedites a variety of materials, supplies and equipment for use by all County departments; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Buyer I is the entry level class in this professional purchasing series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents perform the more routine purchasing and expediting duties while learning County policies and procedures and the various commodities and suppliers. As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed under more general supervision. This class is alternately staffed with Buyer II, and incumbents may advance to the higher level class after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications for the higher level class.

Buyer II is the journey level class in this series, fully competent to perform a wide range of technical purchasing and expediting duties. This class is distinguished from Senior Buyer in that the latter assists the Purchasing Agent in administering all phases of the purchasing function and provides direction for the central services staff.

• Analyzes requisitions to verify completeness and accuracy and to determine the type of materials, supplies or equipment required; confers with the requesting department to ensure that information is correct, that order parameters are understood and to provide information regarding products and suppliers.
• Obtains verbal or written price quotations or prepares formal specifications and bid packages as required; analyzes bids, recommends award, and prepares necessary documentation.
• Interviews salespersons, visits manufacturers and vendors, attends demonstrations, and obtains samples and literature from potential suppliers; explains purchasing policies and procedures to potential vendors; obtains comparative data regarding price, quality, quantity and availability of materials, supplies and equipment.
• Places orders and negotiates with vendors as required if changes in purchase terms are required; expedites purchase orders, determining the reason for delivery or other problems and following up as necessary; works with using departments to reconcile invoices and to solve delivery, quality and other problems that arise.
• Coordinates vehicle licensing activities for County vehicles; renews licenses in a timely manner and disposes of out-dated licenses and registrations in a proper manner.
• Assists with the auction and disposal of surplus equipment, materials and supplies.
• Maintains records and prepares reports, including vendor performance; assists in determining reorder points and in determining practicable order quantities for materials and supplies.
• Monitors developments in the purchasing field and recommends improvements to policies and procedures.

Knowledge of:

• Purchasing principles and practices, including competitive bidding procedures.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Standard price and purchasing reference sources for materials and supplies.
• Principles of business administration and economics as applied to the purchasing function.
• Basic data processing applications as related to the purchasing function.
• Standard office practices and procedures.

Skill In:

• Analyzing and relating requisitions and orders to current and future needs of operating departments.
• Reading and interpreting purchase requests, plans, drawings and specifications.
• Preparing clear, accurate, and concise reports, specifications, correspondence and other written materials.
• Translating user requirements into appropriate specifications.
• Buying effectively with regard to quantity, quality and price.
• Making accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.
• Organizing work, setting priorities and making sound independent decisions.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid California driver's license.

Desirable Education and Experience

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

• Buyer I: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in business or public administration or a field related to the work.
• Buyer II: In addition to the above, two years of experience in purchasing and expediting a variety of materials, supplies and equipment, which has included developing formal specifications and sources of supply at a level equivalent to the County's class of Buyer I.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at [phone] so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.