Job Description: Buyer

SALARY

Classified salary schedule, range 45. Initial placement shall be determined according to training and experience; maximum salary placement will be at mid-range. This position is covered by employee selected insurance plan. Benefits include holidays, vacation and sick leave.

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the purchasing coordinator, perform technical duties in the purchase of district materials and equipment; obtain price quotations and bids and order items in accordance with district policies and procedures.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Perform complex and technical duties in the purchase of materials and equipment; develop purchasing specifications for supplies and equipment; review and process requisitions in accordance with district policies and procedures; contact vendors regarding prices, quotations, detailed specifications and shipping and delivery information; request product information, prices and industry trends; update and maintain vendor lists and files; prepare purchase order reports for Board meetings; prepare vendor proposal reports and other records and reports related to assigned activities; communicate with vendors and district staff to exchange information, resolve discrepancies, correct errors and clarify issues related to purchase orders, invoices, statements, deliveries and payments; prepare Request for Proposal and bid specifications documents; and place advertisements for bids as required. Analyze products, services and vendors and make recommendations for award of contract; operate a variety of office equipment including a computers and digital copiers; use various contemporary software programs to enter retrieve, sort and analyze data; assist school sites and district staff with proper use of the on-line requisition system; assist in verifying that general and restricted district funds are appropriately encumbered and expended; assist in the proper disposition of surplus material and equipment; oversee warehouse acquisitions; train and provide work direction to assigned staff; participate on quality teams and continuous improvement projects. Perform related job duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Education and Experience: Any combination equivalent to two years college-level course work in business or related field and three years experience in the purchasing field.

Knowledge and Abilities: Knowledge of district and department purchasing policies and procedures; applicable sections of State Education Code and other applicable laws; purchasing procedures, terminology, methods and procedures; types and sources of materials and equipment used in a school district; technical aspects of researching, comparing and purchasing district supplies: materials and equipment, modern office practices, procedures and equipment, record-keeping techniques, operation of a computer terminal, basic bid specification preparation, basic research methods, interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy, telephone techniques and etiquette, oral and written communication skills. Ability to perform technical duties in the purchase of district materials and equipment; exercise sound judgment in the purchase of a variety of materials, supplies and equipment; prepare complete and concise specifications.; interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures; operate a variety of office equipment including computer and others; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; understand and follow oral and written directions; plan and organize work; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; maintain records and prepare reports; meet schedules and time lines; work independently with little direction; add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.

Physical Abilities: Hearing and speaking to exchange information; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard; seeing to read a variety of materials; sitting for extended periods of time.