FISCAL SERIES

SALARY RANGE 32

BUYER

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, purchases materials, supplies, equipment, and services used by the school dis­trict; performs other work as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Purchases goods, supplies, materials, equipment, and services.
• Researches and provides information on product source and availability.
• Reviews and makes necessary changes to purchase requisitions including better qualified suppliers.
• Prepares specifications for bids and quotations.
• Ensures bids meet established criteria and regulations, and conducts bid openings.
• Receives, reviews, and enters requisitions into computer-generated purchase order system.
• ·         Contacts vendors and obtains quotations, discusses procedures and availability of goods, and evaluates product quality and delivery timelines.
• Creates and maintains vendor files.
• Researches and responds to complaints about non-payment, quality, shortages, and damaged or duplicated orders.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of purchasing catalogs, calendars, and information records on bidders and vendors.
• Answers inquiries from schools and district offices regarding purchasing procedures.
• Prepares reports and correspondence.
• Train and provide work direction and guidance to clerical staff.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Education and Experience:  Graduation from high school or equivalent and three years of responsible experience in purchasing supplies, equipment, materials and services.  Experience in a school district is highly desirable. Completion of training or courses in purchasing or related field at an accredited college may be substituted for up to two years of the required experience.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

 Knowledge of:

• District policies, rules, and practices pertaining to the purchase of materials, supplies, and equipment.
• ­Governmental codes and purchasing practices.
• Sources of supply, marketing, and pricing methods.
• Research methods.
• Material handling, inventory control, shelf life, and delivery turn-around times.
• Fixed asset procedures.
• Current office practices, procedures, equipment and filing systems.
• Assigned computer software programs.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations, including those in the Education Code and Public Contract Code.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with district person­nel, vendors, the public, and other agencies.
• Communicate tactfully and courteously, both orally and in writing, with the public, vendors, and administrators.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports and correspondence.
• Learn and use assigned computer programs.
• Utilize the Internet to locate vendors and products.
• Meet schedules and timelines.
• Operate required office equipment such as a calculator, scanner and computer.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions: Positions are located in an office and involve sitting for extended periods of time, along with walking/standing on hard or carpeted floors, bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, lifting of materials, and carrying moderately heavy materials.  Dexterity of hands/fingers to operate office equipment, including a keyboard, computer work station and 10-key.  Vision to read computer screen and complex written reports and materials; hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and by telephone.

ADOPTED BY THE PERSONNEL COMMISSION:  6/19/91

REVISED:   4/4/84 (delete typing requirement); 8/19/91 (educational requirement); 7/1/98 (computer use); 7/11/12; 2/11/15

REVIEWED: 3/16/17