Buyer

Job Description

Buyer (270)

Education and Experience

Education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in public or business administration or related field, and two years of experience in purchasing of materials, supplies, and equipment, preferably in the public utility field. Experience may be substituted for education on the basis of one year full-time paid responsible purchasing experience for each year (30 semester units) of education.

License

Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver's license is required.

Typical Duties

Provides technical guidance to departments in regard to the centralized procurement requisitioning process; receives, processes, and approves requisitions for material, equipment, and services; prepares bid specifications and other necessary documents in conjunction with end-user department representatives; locates sources for goods and services; solicits, receives, compares, and analyzes price quotations for goods and services; issues purchase orders and processes distribution to departments and suppliers; performs routine purchase order expediting and follow-up; authorizes purchase order changes; acts as City's liaison with suppliers; assures that proper business relations are maintained with suppliers; advises departments of new products, market conditions, and trends; assists in the disposal of surplus material and equipment; prepares and reconciles bids for scrap and surplus material; prepares necessary forms for City auctions; administers and monitors contracts/programs as required; places orders on the office supply contract; maintains and updates vendor information and zip code files in mainframe computer; maintains computer software programs supporting Purchasing Services Division functions; maintains files and office records; prepares and types correspondence and council agenda items; prepares departmental payroll, budget documents, and reports; acts for the Purchasing Services Division Manager in his/her absence; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: principles and practices of large scale purchasing, markets, marketing practices, and pricing methods. General knowledge of the methods of purchasing by specifications and competitive bidding. Ability to: maintain accurate and up-to-date records; operate a computer for data input and retrieval; communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing; plan and schedule buying activities; establish and maintain effective public relations with vendors and departments; and type accurately at a speed of 25 wpm.

Supervision Received

Works under general supervision of Purchasing Services Division Manager or other supervisor.

Supervision Exercised

May supervise others as assigned.

Other Requirements

Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.

Conflict of Interest

Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.

Approved, July 1996