CLASS TITLE: BUYER BASIC FUNCTION: Perform specialized duties in the purchasing of supplies, materials, services and equipment; ensure the timely processing of requests for goods and services; ensure compliance with established policies and procedures. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Individual positions may not perform all of the duties listed nor do these examples include all responsibilities of positions in this class. Place orders for purchases of District goods and services according to established procedures and dollar amount; compile, write and evaluate bids, quotations and specifications; make recommendations on purchases. E Obtain prices by telephone, letter and quotation; assist with bid process; negotiate prices and conduct product analysis for items to be purchased; recommend products to be purchased by the District. E Contact vendors by mail, telephone or in person regarding prices, orders, needs, discrepancies or other problems pertaining to purchases. E Research complaints regarding damaged or substandard materials; prepare related forms to return unsatisfactory items. E Calculate requisitions, quotations and bids for accuracy and completeness; enter purchases on terminal, log receipt of goods and submit to appropriate personnel as required. E Respond to questions concerning items to be purchased. E Develop files and maintain records of purchasing transactions, including MSDS records for compliance with hazardous and toxic materials purchased by the District; maintain up-to-date list of vendors; maintain files on issuance of District gasoline credit cards. E Receive service calls and request repair on business machines and other equipment. E Operate a variety of office equipment including computer terminals, printers, fax machines and other related equipment. E Participate in the sale, auction or trade-in activities of District obsolete or surplus equipment as assigned. Plan, schedule and perform a variety of complex clerical work related to the specialized function to which assigned. Respond to oral and written requests for information; compile information from various sources and type a variety of forms, letters, memoranda, reports and other documents. Perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: District purchasing policies, practices and terminology. Use and processing of requisitions, purchase orders, invoices and related documents. Local vendors and sources of supply. Operation of a computer terminal and data entry techniques. Oral and written communication skills. Basic research methods. Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies. Record-keeping techniques. Basic bid and quote procedures. ABILITY TO: Perform specialized duties in the purchasing of supplies, materials, services and equipment. Learn and apply established rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to the purchasing function. Prepare and write formal bid specifications. Learn sources of supplies, commodity markets and marketing processes. Purchase a variety of equipment, materials, supplies and services. Obtain verbal and written price quotations. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Operate a computer terminal to enter data, maintain records and generate reports. Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Work independently with little direction. Meet schedules and time lines. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: high school diploma or equivalent supplemented by either college-level course work in accounting, business administration or closely related field or responsible experience in a purchasing department, ordering, processing orders or purchasing. WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: Office environment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard. Sitting for extended periods of time. Bending, kneeling or crouching to file materials. Board Approved 11/2/99