PURCHASING SPECIALIST

Purchasing Specialist

The City of Visalia Purchasing Division is recruiting for Purchasing Specialist. This position will be assigned to the City's Purchasing Division which is part of the Finance Department. The department operates under the supervision of the Finance Director and is made up of various divisions including Budget & Analysis, Capital Improvement, Audit, Accounting, Purchasing, Solid Waste (Call Center & Public Counter), Business Tax, Information Systems, and Affordable Housing. The City Purchasing Division is responsible for all contracts, bids, proposals, quotes, and purchases. In addition, staff ensures all Public Contract laws and regulations are being followed.

The Purchasing Specialist will perform a variety of technical procurement and related services within the division. This position will serve as a point of contact for all purchasing inquiries and will coordinate purchasing for other departments and outside vendors. Incumbents are expected to provide all levels of purchasing support and coordination on a citywide basis with minimal assistance. Some of the primary responsibilities include :

• Receive, examine, and process purchase requisitions, check for correct ordering, accounting and department approval information.
• Prepare Requests for Proposals and Requests for Bids in accordance with City's purchasing policies and guidelines and consistent with requester's specifications; provide supporting documentation and necessary back-up information; distribute to appropriate vendors; monitor the receipt of responses to ensure timeliness and adherence to the bidding process.
• Serve as a resource to City staff regarding all aspects of the purchasing process; advise on purchasing policies and processes; assist in the preparation of specifications and purchase orders, researching specialty products, and / or services; gather data and provide alternatives.

The ideal candidate will be a self-managing, detail oriented individual with the ability to communicate in written and oral form. They will possess analytical skills, with previous experience in writing and interpreting contracts, or a related field is desirable. The ability to research, interpret, and implement State and Federal regulations is a key requirement for this position. Managing and prioritizing projects and deadlines are essential. The candidate should enjoy working with vendors and maintain a cooperative working environment with coworkers throughout the City. The successful candidate will be able to organize and speak at vendor meetings, answer questions on materials presented and follow up with vendors.

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skill and ability is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skill and ability would be :

Positions in this class are typically situated in a standard office environment. Application and supplemental material will be evaluated and applicants who appear to be the most qualified will be invited to participate in a job related interview and / or examination process. Successful candidates may be required to pass a background, physical examination, and / or drug screen. The City of Visalia offers a competitive total compensation package that includes : Monthly Salary : $5,515 - $6,934 CalPERS retirement program Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Longevity Pay Onsite City Health and Wellness Clinic (no out of pocket expenses) Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave and much more! If work-life balance is important to you, consider living in a thriving community that offers the most affordable housing in California with a typical commute time of less than 20 minutes. With a population of over 146,000, Visalia offers small town charm with metropolitan amenities. Visalia has a world class health care system, our own Sequoia Symphony Orchestra, a flourishing arts community, a minor league baseball team, a downtown convention center, and numerous fine dining establishments. As the Tulare County seat, Visalia is the principal retail center in the region, and home to several large industrial employers. Visalia has a vibrant downtown district, safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, institutions for higher learning, and low cost of living. The City has many community parks, organized team sports, a municipal golf course and private country club, a multi-sport family-oriented regional sports park, and numerous outdoor and recreational activities. Located in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley, Visalia offers easy access to the nearby mountains, national parks, lakes and rivers which provide year-round opportunities for sports and recreation within an hour or less. Visalia was ranked as the top Central Valley community and one of seven California cities in the top 25 of Gallup Sharecare's latest State of American Well Being Index. Our strong sense of community and social well-being keeps Visalians happy, healthy and moving forward. Come discover all Visalia has to offer! The City of Visalia is an equal opportunity employer.