GLENDALE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASS DESCRIPTION

BUYER

DEFINITION

Performs specialized and technical duties in the ordering of materials, supplies, and equipment in assigned categories; prepares and develops specifications for bids.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS BETWEEN CLASSES

A Buyer purchases a variety of standard school supplies, materials, services, and equipment.
The Director, Procurement and Contract Services performs supervisory duties and administers the work of the Purchasing Department.

A Senior Buyer performs the more complex buying and purchasing of school supplies, materials, services and equipment, including the preparation of complete bid packages. The position assists with the supervision of other purchasing activities and trains new staff members.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by the Director, Procurement and Contract Services or an assigned administrator.
Direction is provided to clerical personnel.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Prepares and receives formal bids in assigned categories utilizing a computer; tabulates and recommends award of bids; prepares and distributes addendums when specifications are changed.
Provides guidance to purchasing department clerical staff; distributes work to appropriate staff members.
Issues purchase orders; secures prices by telephone, fax, and correspondence; determines the best source, including availability and shipping/delivery information.
Reviews requisitions for the purchase of materials, supplies and equipment, as assigned.
Meets with vendors to view product demonstrations; evaluates products and advises companies of  District's acceptance or rejection; observes equipment demonstrations in the field, as needed.
Maintains standard lists of supplies for assigned categories using computer spreadsheets; calculates totals and submits figures for budget purposes.
Working with Accounts Payable, contacts vendors by mail or telephone regarding discrepancies in invoices, statements, or deliveries.
Reviews purchasing procedures and specifications with responsible District personnel and committees.
Develops and maintains records, files, and catalogs.
Performs related duties, as assigned.

CLASS QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Public procurement and the Public Contracts Code.
Education Code provisions regarding school district purchasing policies and procedures.
Basic purchasing procedures, terminology, inventory control, and warehousing methods and practices.
Types and sources of supplies, materials, and equipment commonly used in a school district.
Methods of preparing and interpreting standard lists and organizing computer generated reports.
Methods of preparing simple maintenance and lease agreements.
Market practices and trends.
Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment including computer technology.
Technical aspects of field of specialty.
Basic research methods. 

Ability to:

Exercise sound judgment in the purchase of a variety of materials, supplies, and equipment.
Perform difficult or complex clerical work, which includes auditing, checking, and correcting purchasing records; develop computerized spreadsheets.
Prepare clear and concise specifications and reports delineating critical differences in requirements.
Operate a variety of equipment including a computer terminal and printer, typewriter, calculator, copier, and fax machine.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the public, vendors, and District employees.
Exercise tact, patience and courtesy, discretion and confidentiality during the course of work.
Communicate clearly in writing, on the telephone, and in person. 
Train and provide work direction to clerical support staff.
Develop and maintain accurate records and reports.
Make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately.
Work independently with little direction.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Plan and organize work; meet schedules and time lines.
Drive a personal or District vehicle to conduct work, as needed.
Be insured at standard vehicle liability and property damage insurance rates, and maintain insurability.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Minimum requirements:

Education and Experience:

Graduation from high school or evidence of equivalent educational proficiency.
Two years of recent increasingly responsible experience in public procurement, preferably in a school district or other public institution.
Any other combination of education, training or experience that could likely provide the desired skills, knowledge or abilities may be considered. Desirable Qualifications:
Specialized coursework in purchasing, accounting or other related field.
Written and oral proficiency in a second language.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver’s license and the use of personal transportation. Be insured at standard vehicle liability and property damage insurance rates, and maintain insurability.

WORKING CONDITIONS Physical Demands:

Employees in this classification must be physically and mentally able to perform the essential duties of the position without hazard to themselves or others. These include but are not limited to:
Sitting, standing, walking for extended periods of time. Kneeling, stooping, and bending at the waist.
Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling objects generally weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
Agility to move arms in all directions; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate office equipment, computer keyboard, and other assigned tools as needed.
Seeing to read a variety of materials, hearing, and speaking to exchange information.
Walking over rough and uneven surfaces in construction areas and outdoors.
Driving a personal vehicle between work sites, within, or outside the district to conduct work, attend meetings, seminars, or training. Working Environment:
Employees in this classification primarily work indoors. Work environment is generally clean and the noise level can be moderate to high. 
Contact will be required with District staff and the public.









       04/1973 - Established Classification                 

       06/1992 - Major Revision         

       06/1997 - Minor Revision         

      12/2013 - Minor Revision       

06/13/2017 - Minor Revision to Employment Standards       

02/12/2019 - Revisions to Class Description and Working Conditions       

11/02/2012 - Revisions to Class Description, Minimum Requirements, and Working Conditions       

11/09/2021 – Minor Revision