Senior Purchasing Agent
Rancho California Water District is seeking an experienced and collaborative procurement professional to join our Finance Department as a Senior Purchasing Agent. This position reflects the District's continued growth and commitment to strengthening procurement practices, contract administration, regulatory compliance, customer service, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Working under the general direction of the Procurement & Contracts Administrator, the Senior Purchasing Agent will prepare and administer formal solicitations, coordinate proposal evaluations, prepare contracts and amendments, negotiate terms and conditions, conduct market research, and provide procurement support to District departments. The position plays an important role in ensuring the timely, efficient, and compliant acquisition of goods and services that support the District and the Santa Rosa Regional Resources Authority (SRRRA), while helping maximize value from public expenditures through effective competition, contract management, and procurement best practices.
Rancho California Water District proudly serves more than 160,000 residents throughout Temecula, Murrieta, and surrounding communities. The District provides reliable water, wastewater, and recycled water services while maintaining a strong commitment to operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and customer service.
The Purchasing Department currently consists of a Procurement & Contracts Administrator, Purchasing Agent II, Senior Warehouse Technician, and Student Intern. Purchasing and warehouse functions operate as an integrated team under the direction of the Procurement & Contracts Administrator, with staff working collaboratively to support procurement, contracting, warehouse operations, and other District business needs.
Over the past several years, the Department has implemented significant improvements, including updates to the District's Purchasing Policy and Procedures, implementation of a contract management module, expanded contract administration processes, and enhanced regulatory compliance practices. These efforts have strengthened procurement controls, improved contract oversight, and enhanced the District's ability to obtain competitive pricing and best value for the goods and services it acquires. The addition of the Senior Purchasing Agent position reflects the District's commitment to continuously improving procurement services and support provided to departments throughout the organization.
The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and customer-focused procurement professional who enjoys working collaboratively with staff, vendors, contractors, and consultants. They will have experience preparing and administering formal solicitations, coordinating proposal evaluations, drafting and administering contracts, and managing vendor relationships within a structured procurement environment.
The successful candidate will be organized, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and professionalism. Strong communication skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to ethical procurement practices and exceptional customer service are essential. This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional seeking to expand their experience and contribute to a growing and progressive public agency procurement program.
Approach to work...
We ensure a strategic and unified workforce committed to being a leader in the industry. Through professional development, collaboration, and communication we consistently work through any challenges that we encounter. Work Schedule...
All full-time employees work a 9/80 schedule. Benefits...
All full-time employees receive are enrolled in CalPERS Pension (2.7% at 55 + EPMC for Classic Members and 2.0% at 62 for PEPRA Members). Medical, dental, vision, basic life and AD&D, and long-term disability are fully covered for employees.
Qualification Guidelines...
The appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities can be achieved through a variety of combinations of experience and training. A typical example is:
- 5 or more years of purchasing experience, or 2 years as a Purchasing Agent II
- Associates of Degree, or equivalent, in Purchasing, Business, or Accounting
- Certificate in forklift operation
Compensation - $44.39 - $53.27, hourly
Schedule of Events (subject to change) First look of applications - Monday, July 6, 2026 Panel Interview - TBD
How to Apply... Interested individuals must complete an application at to be considered for this position. Interested applicants should apply ASAP as this recruitment can close at any time.
Benefits
The District provides eligible employees the opportunity to participate in various employee benefits. A few of those benefits are listed below:
Medical Insurance Eligible employees and dependents have the opportunity to enroll in medical insurance in accordance with District policies and applicable plan documents. Enrollment is available the first (1st) day of the month following the date of hire. Medical premium costs are shared between the District and the employee.
Medical Insurance Waiver Eligible employees may waive their medical insurance with proof of other health insurance. The monthly cash payment in lieu of medical insurance benefits will be equal to the lowest medical insurance premium for the employee only rate.
Dental and Vision Insurance Eligible employees and dependents have the opportunity to enroll in dental insurance and vision by 100% by the District. Enrollment is available the first (1st) day of the month following the date of hire
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Eligible employees are able to participate in a FSA for out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses through the District's Flexible Spending Account Program.
Life Insurance The District provides eligible employees Group Insurance at twice their annual salary, capped at a maximum of $375,000 no cost to the employee. Employees will pay taxes based on the appropriate IRS Tax Table or Schedule for life insurance amounts in excess of $50,000 according to current Federal and State Tax Schedules.
Short Term Disability Insurance The District participates in California's State Disability Insurance (SDI) program. All employees are subject to the state program's tax withholding.
CalPERS The District participates in the CalPERS pension system requiring both an employer and employee contribution and include the 1959 Survivor Benefit plan. Employees shall pay the employee (member) contribution in the amount determined by CalPERS and in accordance with applicable employee agreements. The District also reports the value of any Employer Paid Member Contribution (EMPC) as special compensation for CalPERS for Classic Members.
- PERS 2.7% @ 55 for employees hired on or before December 31, 2012 (Classic Member)
- PERS 2% @ 62 for employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 (PEPRA Member)
Retirees The District provides a retiree benefit plan that provides group insurance to eligible employees retiring from the District. Benefits include medical, dental, and life insurance with premium costs shared between the District and employee. Eligibility for benefit based on date of hire and years of service
Deferred Compensation The District's Deferred Compensation Plan enables Board Members to defer a portion of their income. The Plan is intended to qualify as an eligible deferred compensation plan within the meaning of Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Plans are administered in accordance with federal requirements and allow a member to:
- Contribute up to amount specified annually by the IRS
- Catch-up plan for those 50+ of up to amount specified annually by the IRS
- Is portable, can be rolled over into another qualified retirement plan
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) All District employees are eligible to obtain confidential counseling as well as other work life benefits through EAP. Counseling is provided for problems such as marital issues, family relationships, depression and anxiety, alcohol and drug issues, and/or problems within the workplace at no cost to the employee.
Supplemental Benefits The District offers supplemental benefits to employees at their expense.
Vacation Eligible employees may accrue vacation hours beginning on their first day of employment. Exempt employees begin accruing 4.62 hours per pay period effective their first day of employment or promotion.
Service Years Hours Earned a Pay Period Hours Earned Per Year
- 0 up to 5 Years 3.08 Hours 80 hours
- 5 up to 6 Years 4.62 Hours 120 hours
- 6 up to 7 Years 4.93 Hours 128 hours
- 7 up to 8 Years 5.24 Hours 136 hours
- 8 up to 9 Years 5.54 Hours 144 hours
- 9 up to 10 Years 5.85 Hours 152 hours
- 10 + Years 6.16 Hours 160 hours
Sick Leave Eligible employees may accrue sick hours beginning on their first day of employment at the accrual rate of 3.69 hours per pay period.