Job Title: Buyer Associate
| Reports to: | Senior Buyer |
| Job Group: | Non-Instructional Non-Bargaining |
| FLSA: | Non-Exempt |
| Job Code: | 5178 |
| Salary Schedule: | PG01 |
JOB GOAL
Responsible for supporting the department in multiple areas, including review of requisitions, purchasing cards, external bid system, and customer service.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform various purchasing related activities in accordance with established principles and procedures while maintaining confidentiality.
- Communicate procurement functions and procedural requirements with vendors, district departments, and schools as required by Board policy and Florida State Statutes.
- Review requisitions and purchasing card transactions to ensure compliance with all required policies and procedures.
- Perform preliminary contract reviews submitted by schools and departments to ensure complete and accurate information.
- Advise staff and provide technical assistance on best methods for purchasing required goods and services.
- Conduct product and vendor research to forecast price trends, determine future availability, advise on new products, and anticipate future problems or opportunities.
- Communicate with schools and district staff to determine the need for specific commodities and services and the best way to address those needs.
- Develop and prepare written price estimates for departments and schools.
- Assist with tabulating quotes, bids, and evaluation of request for proposals.
- Maintain documents related to quotes, bids, proposals, contracts, and renewals in a systematic and auditable manner.
- Regularly review and maintain the external vendor bidding system.
- Identify and communicate contractual issues with buyers and managerial staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Ability to create purchasing documents in a professional manner for distribution to internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including electronic media
- Ability to organize, prioritize, manage, and carry out duties efficiently and within established timeframes
- Operating knowledge of computer programs, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all stakeholders
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or equivalent
- One year of experience in government purchasing or related field
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS
None
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced Excel and Microsoft office skills
- Experience assisting in the development of bids, quotations, contracts, and/or request for proposals
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk and hear; stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Specific vision ability required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Indoors and Outdoors: The worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT
- General office equipment, including personal computers, fax machines, copiers, telephones, etc.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District’s approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be established by the District.
Performance of the job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the School Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Pasco County Schools will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of the job when such individuals request an accommodation.
