Buyer III
Eureka, CA - USA
Job Summary
- DEFINITION
- Under general supervision purchases and expedites a variety of materials supplies and equipment for use by all County departments; performs related work as assigned.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSBuyer I is the entry level class in this professional purchasing series. Initially under close supervision incumbents perform the more routine purchasing and expediting duties while learning County policies and procedures and the various commodities and experience is gained duties become more diversified and are performed under more general class is alternately staffed with Buyer II and incumbents may advance to the higher level class after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications for the higher level class.
Buyer II is the journey level class in this series fully competent to perform a wide range of technical purchasing and expediting duties. This class is distinguished from Senior Buyer in that the latter assists the Purchasing Agent in administering all phases of the purchasing function and provides direction for the central services staff.
- EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Analyzes requisitions to verify completeness and accuracy and to determine the type of materials supplies or equipment required; confers with the requesting department to ensure that information is correct that order parameters are understood and to provide information regarding products and suppliers.
- Obtains verbal or written price quotations or prepares formal specifications and bid packages as required; analyses bids recommends award and prepares necessary documentation.
- Interviews salespersons visits manufacturers and vendors attends demonstrations and obtains samples and literature from potential suppliers; explains purchasing policies and procedures to potential vendors; obtains comparative data regarding price quality quantity and availability of materials supplies and equipment.
- Places orders and negotiates with vendors as required if changes in purchase terms are required; expedites purchase orders determining the reason for delivery or other problems and following up as necessary; works with using departments to reconcile invoices and to solve delivery quality and other problems that arise.
- Coordinates vehicle licensing activities for County vehicles; renews licenses in a timely manner and disposes of out-dated licenses and registrations in a proper manner.
- Assists with the auction and disposal of surplus equipment materials and supplies.
- Maintains records and prepares reports including vendor performance; assists in determining reorder points and in determining practicable order quantities for materials and supplies.
- Monitors developments in the purchasing field and recommends improvements to policies and procedures.
- QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of:
- Purchasing principles and practices including competitive bidding procedures.
- Applicable federal state and local laws and regulations.
- Standard price and purchasing reference sources for materials and supplies.
- Principles of business administration and economics as applied to the purchasing function.
- Basic data processing applications as related to the purchasing function.
- Standard office practices and procedures.
Skill In:- Analyzing and relating requisitions and orders to current and future needs of operating departments.
- Reading and interpreting purchase requests plans drawings and specifications.
- Preparing clear accurate and concise reportsspecifications correspondence and other written materials.
- Translating user requirements into appropriate specifications.
- Buying effectively with regard to quantity quality and price.
- Making accurate arithmetic calculations.
- Maintaining accurate records and files.
- Organizing work setting priorities and making sound independent decisions.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Other Requirements:Must possess a valid California drivers license.Desirable Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:
Buyer I: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in business or public administration or a field related to the work.
Buyer II: In addition to the above two years of experience in purchasing and expediting a variety of materials supplies and equipment which has included developing formal specifications and sources of supply at a level equivalent to the Countys class of Buyer I. - WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
A complete original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for.Applicants must apply online through the Countys automated application system at must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.
It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.
Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received the selection process may consist of additional application screening written and/or practical exam(s) oral interview or any combination thereof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to fill out the application
- You should allow 30 45 minutes to fill out your application.
Can I change my application after submitting it
- No. Once an application has been submitted it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.
How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application
- You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your account at the time of notification. To ensure you dont miss any critical information we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your applications progress please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at or
Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam
- Yes you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse inclusive and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC Disabled Persons Veterans LGBTQIA community members etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the recognition of these structural and systemic factors the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways oftentimes outside of formal institutions and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicants qualifications for a position.
If youre excited about this role but your past work experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification in the job description we strongly encourage you to apply.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs activities and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation please contact Human Resources immediately at so arrangements can be made.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race religion or religious creed color age sex sexual orientation national origin ancestry marital status medical condition mental or physical disability military service or any other classification protected by federal state or local laws or ordinances.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.
OTHER EXAMINATIONS
Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.
LICENSES
Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California drivers license.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
It is the Countys intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.