Purchasing Agent I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Richmond (KY); On-site; USD 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) in Richmond, KY seeks a Purchasing Agent I to join the procurement team. You will issue solicitations and award contracts for goods and services to support the agency's training mission.

Required: bachelor's degree and four years purchasing experience; knowledge of procurement policies; ability to prepare RFPs, negotiate, and manage vendor relations. State benefits, overtime eligibility, and a professional growth path are included.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Four years of purchasing experience.
• Substitutions allowed for CPPB/NIGP-CPP/CPPO/CGMS based on experience or certification.

Responsibilities

• Issue solicitations and award contracts to support the agency's training mission.
• Support procurement policies and advise staff and vendors on guidelines.
• Establish accounts with vendors and ensure documents are processed per state rules.
• Gather, review, and maintain technical and sensitive records and reports.

Skills

Procurement policies

eMars experience

RFP preparation

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

CPPB certification substitute

NIGP-CPP substitute

CPPO substitute

Job description

Advertisement Closes 11/2/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

2605719

Purchasing Agent I

Pay Grade

14

Salary

$59,499.84 Annually

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Click here for more details on state employment.

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Dept of Criminal Justice Training

Location

4449 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475 USA

Description

The Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) located in Richmond, is Kentucky's state-of-the-artfacility providing basic and advanced training for law enforcement officers and telecommunicators across thecommonwealth. As we continue to grow and expand our operations, we are seeking a highly skilled and motivatedindividual to join our dynamic procurement team.

By joining our team as a Purchasing Agent I, you'll have the opportunity to issue solicitations and awardcontracts for goods and services needed to support the agency's training mission. The ideal candidate shallhave working knowledge of procurement policies, and have excellent written and verbal communication skills toprovide to both our internal staff and vendors.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Assists with the establishment of personal service contracts for professional services to includerequests for proposals (RFP), competitive negotiation, and award processes and/or complex requisitions fortechnical non-professional services that exceed the agency’s assigned Small Purchase Authority approved by theFinance & Administration Cabinet; Assists with the evaluation and negotiation processes of proposals.
• Responsible for the location and purchase of goods and services of considerable value in the most cost-effective, economical method available. Provides accurate information to DOCJT staff concerning procurementguidelines and policies. Reviews agency procurement policies and makes recommendations for changes whenappropriate.
• Establishes agency accounts with vendors. Ensures all documents are accurately and completely processedper state, finance, and department rules and regulations. Provide procurement invoices and monthly Pro-carddocumentation to the Business Operations Branch so payments can be made in a timely manner.
• Responsible for gathering, reviewing, developing, preparing, checking, and maintaining technical andhighly sensitive records and reports.
• Assist with other duties as needed and perform functions in various areas of the branch asrequired.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of state government procurement including KRS 45A and Finance Cabinet policies; experiencewith procurement documents in eMars.
• Ability to prepare requests for proposals (RFP) in compliance with Model Procurement Code.
• Detail-oriented and well-organized; ability to work well under pressure with time sensitive matters.
• Analytical skills to review specifications and contract terms and conditions.
• Critical thinking skills necessary to independently research issues and propose possible solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills that includes, providing prompt feedback to customersand being helpful, professional, assertive, and friendly.

Additional and Supplemental Information:

• Maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Frequently communicate in person or by other means of technology.
• Spend a major portion of time using a computer.
• Travel required (state vehicle provided).

DOCJT offers great EMPLOYEE benefits package, including:

• Paid time off (sick and vacation) plus paid holidays
• Overtime and compensatory time
• First day coverage health insurance with optional health reimbursement account
• State-paid life insurance with options for additional self and family coverage
• Retirement (If not previously retired from KPPA)
• Wellness incentives program
• Training and career development opportunities
• Optional Deferred Compensation program (401K)

A background check is required. Final job offer is contingent upon successful completion of backgroundinvestigation.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Four years of purchasing experience.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: Additional experience in purchasing, administrative, accounting, procurement or a related field will substitute for the required college on a year-for-year basis. Certification as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) from the Universal Public Certification Council will substitute for one year of the required education. Certification as a NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), or Certification as a Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) from the Universal Public Certification Council, or Certification as a Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) from the National Grants Management Association will substitute for two years of the required education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE

Working Conditions

Incumbents working in this job title perform duties in an office setting.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

Contact

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Diana Fleming at [e-mail] or 859-622-8635.

Equal Opportunity

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D