Procurement Specialist I/II (DOQ)

Inland Empire Utilities Agency; Chino (CA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) is seeking a proactive Procurement Specialist I/II to support purchasing activities from requisition to purchase order issuance. Responsibilities include market research, bid solicitation, and ensuring compliant, transparent processes for public funds.

Depending on qualifications, the role may involve price/term negotiations and independent procurement recommendations.

Qualifications

• Two years of college-level coursework in business administration or related field.
• At least two years of progressively responsible experience in procurement.
• Experience in a public agency is preferred.
• For Procurement Specialist II: Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, finance, operations management or related field; at least three years of professional procurement experience.

Responsibilities

• Review and process purchase requisitions and create purchase orders.
• Conduct market research and solicit/evaluate quotations and bids.
• Analyze pricing, quality, and delivery information for best value.
• Maintain procurement records and support formal/informal procurements.
• Negotiate pricing/terms and recommend procurement approaches when appropriate.

Skills

Verbal communication

Relationship building

Market research & price analysis

Procurement coordination

Critical thinking & analysis

ERP/e-procurement experience

Multi-tasking & deadlines

Policy interpretation

Education

Two years of college-level coursework in business or related field

Bachelor’s degree in business/public administration/finance/related field

Tools

ERP system

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

Join IEUA's Contracts and Procurement team and play a key role in supporting the Agency's operations, capital programs, and public-service mission. We are seeking a motivated, service-focused procurement professional who enjoys solving problems, working collaboratively with internal customers, and managing purchasing activities while maintaining transparency, compliance, and responsible stewardship of public funds. This recruitment will fill one (1) position at either the Procurement Specialist I or Procurement Specialist II level, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications, education, training, and experience.

As a Procurement Specialist I/II, you will perform a variety of purchasing and contract administration duties in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and Agency procedures. Responsibilities include reviewing and processing purchase requisitions; creating and processing purchase orders; conducting market research; soliciting and evaluating quotations and bids; analyzing pricing, quality, availability, terms, and delivery information; supporting formal and informal competitive procurements; maintaining accurate procurement records; and working with internal customers and vendors to resolve purchasing issues. Depending on the level of the position, the Procurement Specialist may also independently negotiate pricing and terms, conduct price and best-value analyses, and recommend procurement approaches and suppliers in accordance with Agency requirements.

KEY OBJECTIVES

• Provide responsive procurement support and guidance to Agency departments from purchase request through purchase order issuance.
• Conduct compliant and well-documented competitive purchasing activities that support best value and responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Analyze purchasing requests, vendor responses, pricing, and supporting documentation to identify issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Maintain accurate procurement, vendor, and purchasing records and support timely completion of procurement transactions.
• Build effective working relationships with internal customers, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders through professionalism, communication, and follow-through.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

For Procurement Specialist I:

• Two years of college-level coursework in business administration, public administration, purchasing, materials management or a related field.
• At least two years of progressively responsible experience in procurement.
• Experience in a public agency is preferred.

For Procurement Specialist II:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in business or public administration, finance, operations management or a closely related field
• At least three years of professional procurement experience
• Experience in a public agency is preferred.

LICENSES; CERTIFICATES; SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certified Purchasing Public Buyer (CPPB) certification is desired.
• NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) certification is desired.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain procurement policies, procedures, and requirements to internal staff, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders through professionalism, responsiveness, and effective communication.
• Experience conducting market research and price analysis, and evaluating vendor qualifications, quotes, and bids for compliance and best value.
• Skilled in supporting procurement coordination, including assisting with specifications, managing purchasing timelines, maintaining vendor and contract records, and tracking purchase orders.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills to assess purchasing requests and vendor proposals, identify risks or discrepancies, and recommend efficient, compliant solutions.
• Experience using an enterprise resource planning (ERP), e-procurement, purchasing, or financial management system to process, document, and track procurement transactions.
• Ability to independently manage multiple procurements and competing deadlines while maintaining accurate documentation and providing timely customer service.
• Ability to interpret and apply procurement policies, procedures, delegated purchasing authority, and competitive procurement requirements to a variety of purchasing situations.

Salary Range:

• Procurement Specialist I PR 174 ($41.1621 - $50.1520 Hourly)
• Procurement Specialist II PR 175 ($43.2174 - $52.6568 Hourly)

About Us

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency is a regional wastewater treatment agency and wholesale distributor of imported water to approximately 950,000 people across 242-square miles in western San Bernardino County. Under the leadership of a directly elected five-member Board of Directors, the Agency is committed to supporting the needs of its service area and safeguarding public health through significant investments in a diverse water supply portfolio, reliable municipal/industrial wastewater collection and treatment services, and other related utility services in a regionally planned and cost-effective manner.

As a member agency of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan), IEUA provides supplemental water supplies, primarily via the State Water Project (SWP) for distribution among nine retail agencies. IEUA also replenishes local groundwater supplies with captured stormwater and recycled water produced by IEUA that is later extracted by local water agencies for use as a drinking water supply.

At IEUA, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture that promotes growth, accountability, and collaboration. Our eight organizational attributes are the foundations of our success and guide us in our daily operations.

• Safety- We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
• Continuous Learning and Improvement- Our commitment to professional development ensures that our team members are always equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.
• Efficiency- We strive to optimize our processes and resources to deliver the highest quality services in the most effective manner.
• Collaboration- By leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise, we create innovative solutions and drive our mission forward.
• Accountability- By owning our responsibilities, following through on our commitments, and doing the right thing when no one is looking, we ensure that we meet our goals and uphold our standards of excellence.
• Coaching for Performance- Our leaders are committed to providing guidance and support to help team members reach their full potential.
• Respect- We value each individual's contributions and treat everyone with dignity and consideration.
• Employee Engagement- By fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, we ensure that our employees are motivated and invested in our mission.

Click the links to learn more about our Agency's Mission, Vision, and Values, including our Strategic Plan

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted through Wednesday, September 2, at 11:59 PM. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applications will not be accepted after this deadline.

This recruitment is for one (1) position and is not a flexibly staffed or promotional position. The position will be filled at either the Procurement Specialist I or Procurement Specialist II classification level, based on the qualifications, education, training, and experience of the selected candidate. The selected candidate will be appointed to the classification level determined by the Agency at the time of hire.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.

Salary Range:

Procurement Specialist I PR 174 ($41.1621 - $50.1520 Hourly)

Procurement Specialist II PR 175 ($43.2174 - $52.6568 Hourly)

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Probationary Period: 12 months

All employment applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completion, relevant experience, education, training and other job-related qualifications. Applicants with the strongest background relating to the responsibilities of this position will be invited to participate in the testing process which may include one or more of the following: written test, oral interview, performance/practical examination. A second round of interviews may also be conducted. Communications regarding this recruitment will be sent by email, and candidates will need to monitor their inbox/spam/junk email folder regularly to ensure they do not miss any relevant communication.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at [phone] or [e-mail] at least 72 hours in advance of the need for accommodation.

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency does not sponsor employment visas at the time of hire or during the course of employment. All applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

"The Agency's success is obtained by creating a positive and diverse work environment which recognizes individual differences and experiences".