BUYER I

Buyer I

Under general supervision, the purpose of this position is to purchase a wide variety of supplies, equipment, services, and material for the City; and perform related work as required.

Essential Functions

Assists in the purchase of supplies, materials, equipment, and services within budgetary and legal limitations; provides purchasing support for assigned capital, renovation, and maintenance projects as it relates to area of assignment; locates sources of supply and places orders; confers with other departments to determine purchasing needs; compares costs and evaluates the quality and suitability of supplies, materials, and equipment; interviews and corresponds with vendors and other representatives; keeps informed of new products, market conditions, trends, and quantity discounts; takes advantage of quantity discounts; examines and processes departmental requisitions; prepares and maintains accurate reports and records, both manually and electronically; conducts research on materials and services, comparative prices, and price trends; investigates complaints and discrepancies as appropriate regarding inadequate requisitions, delinquent orders, and errors in materials received on invoices; assists in preparing specifications for supplies, materials, and equipment; reviews and issues annual contract renewals; maintains the City's approved vendor list, catalogs, price lists, and bidder indexes; registers all city-owned vehicles with Department of Motor Vehicles; assists with conducting public bid openings; administers various city-wide contracts; drives on City business.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards : Knowledge of principles and practices of purchasing; material as utilized in competitive bidding and procurement, including procurement under the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act; contract administration and construction methods; contract negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution methods and techniques; supplies and equipment frequently used by municipalities; spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Skill in effective customer service practices; organizing and prioritizing assignments; operating modern computers and related software.

Ability to evaluate bids and make sound recommendations on awards; locate sources of information regarding supplies, equipment, and market trends; learn technical purchasing needs; prepare purchasing specifications; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare, maintain, and accurately complete records; establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, supervisors, fellow employees, and the public.

Education / Training : Completion of two years from an accredited college with a major in business administration, public administration, or related field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

License & Certificates : All required licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this classification.

Supplemental Information

Desirable Qualifications : Possession of a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certificate from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council; possession of a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) certificate from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council.