Purchasing Assistant

City of Yakima; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Free healthcare clinic

PERS pension

457 plan

Paid time off

Bilingual pay

Life insurance

Job summary

City of Yakima seeks a meticulous clerical professional to support the Purchasing division. The role focuses on processing requisitions and purchase orders, maintaining inventory, and ensuring compliance with state wage rules.

You will handle vendor communications, prepare documents, and assist in auctions and bid processes. The position requires reliable attendance and the ability to work under limited supervision in an office setting.

Qualifications

• Two years of clerical experience or equivalent.
• At least one year in inventory control, vendor or contractor contact, or purchasing related to the position.
• Must possess and maintain / obtain a First Aid/CPR certificate within six months of appointment.
• Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.

Responsibilities

• Process requisitions and purchase orders and issue POs within limits.
• Maintain the central supply store and inventory levels.
• Review contracts for Prevailing Wage requirements and assist with bidding processes.
• Assist with city auctions and surplus property activities.

Skills

Inventory control

Purchasing

Vendor contact

Clerical work

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Specialized software

Job description

Salary $22.26 - $26.60 Hourly

Location Yakima, WA

Job Type Full-time

Department Finance

Division Purchasing

Opening Date 10/21/2026

Closing Date 11/4/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit AFSCME

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.

Overview And Minimum Class Requirements

MINIMUM CLASS REQUIREMENTS

Any combination of experience equivalent to two years of clerical experience including at least one year of experience in inventory control, direct vendor or contractor contact or purchasing relating to the position.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Must possess and maintain / obtain a First Aid/CPR certificate within six months of appointment.

Job Summary

Under general to limited supervision performs a variety of responsible, complex clerical and administrative tasks within the Purchasing division. Typical duties include providing general clerical support to Purchasing staff; creating a variety of written documents; resolving complaints and problems; interpreting complex guidelines and regulations; processing requisitions and purchase orders; maintaining the central supply store; reviewing and tracking a variety of contracts and related documents to ensure compliance with state statutes and City policy; and assisting with auctions of surplus property and the local bidding process. Work is performed with considerable latitude and flexibility for exercising independent judgment in making responsible decisions. Work is reviewed by direct observation, customer input, results attained and conferences.

Essential Functions

Receives, screens, and answers inquiries from the public, vendors, City departments/divisions, contractors and representatives from governmental agencies relating to various aspects of the Purchasing Division either in person, by telephone, paper or electronic communications. Takes messages and complaints and resolves within internal guidelines or refers to appropriate staff. Types a variety of letters, memoranda, reports, requisitions, forms or other documents from notes, drafts or personal composition; proofreads, corrects grammar, spelling, punctuation and ensures documents are in appropriate formats. Reviews files, researches and prepares a variety of specific, special or recurring reports as needed. Recommends new or revised policies or procedures and assists in implementing changes; updates and maintains appropriate policy and procedure manuals. Processes requisitions and purchase orders; issues requisitions within established limits; prepares purchase orders; and may issue emergency purchase orders in the absence of other staff. Reviews and tracks Public Works jobs to ensure contracts reflect Prevailing Wages required by state statute; maintains required documentation for state audit and/or inspection; advises and instructs contractors of state Prevailing Wage requirements and requires appropriate document to ensure compliance with statutes. Maintains files of contractor certificates of insurance and ensures all required contracts provide appropriate and required documentation. Verifies contractors and vendors possess appropriate and current business or contractor’s licenses and that Worker’s Compensation requirements are satisfied. Monitors and interprets applicable state and federal statutes and advises of impact on division operations as necessary. Maintains limited central stores of commonly used items; maintains inventory and places orders with vendors for replacement items as necessary; issues stock from central store as necessary; orders specific items for City users from vendors not previously established. Receives orders and audits to verify quantity, quality and amount charge and ensures ordering departments are appropriately charged or billed. Maintains vendor files for emergency purchases. Prepares appropriate reports as required. Issues business credit cards and tracks recipients and length of possession. Assists with the preparation for City auctions; makes and distributes auction tags, logs and records items for auction; tracks surplus items entering and leaving storage. Assembles bid specification packages and mails to prospective vendors/bidders; explains bid process as necessary. Assists in bid openings as necessary. Requires regular and reliable attendance. Performs other related duties as necessary.

Major Worker Characteristics

Knowledge of: modern clerical and office management principles, practices and techniques; correct and effective use of letters, memoranda and other business communications, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and business mathematics, and modern filing and record keeping systems. Knowledge of: manual and automated inventory control procedures and methods; office supply materials. Knowledge of: purchasing processes and procedures.

Ability to: understand and execute complex oral or written instructions, to anticipate departmental requirements and to identify alternative or new methods and approaches to service delivery; and to exercise independent judgment and decision making to resolve problems and perform job duties. Ability to: establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees of departments and divisions, vendors, contractors, representatives of regulatory agencies, and the public; and communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to: operate personal computers using up-to-date word processing, spreadsheet and specialized software programs, fax machine, copier, and ten-key accurately and rapidly.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or while standing for a period of time. Occasionally needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/fingering while performing duties operating on computers. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs and ladders while maintaining balance. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. May work in remote locations or in noisy work area. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is generally performed within an office but may require movement and handling objects weighing in excess of 50 pounds and the use of hand trucks or other devices for handling stock. May deal with upset or irate vendors, contractors or the public.

The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.

The City Of Yakima Is a Premier Employer In The Yakima Valley With Extensive Opportunities For Training And Growth. The City Offers a Competitive Benefit Package Including

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic!
• WA State PERS pension plan
• 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
• Leave accruals:
  • Vacation – Starting at 7.67 hours/month
  • Sick – 8 hours/month
  • Personal holiday – 2 days
  • Observed holiday – 11 holidays
• Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
• Life Insurance
• Much more!

The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima’s Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.

City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.

This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit. Click here to view the union contract and benefits.

Employer City of Yakima
Address 129 N. 2nd Street
Yakima, Washington, 98901
Phone [phone]
Website http://www.yakimawa.gov