CLASS CODE: 0818
PAY GRADE: 021

CLASS TITLE:PURCHASING SPECIALIST

ALLOCATION FACTOR(S)

This is work implementing, administering and interpreting centralized purchasing policies and procedures which includes researching and compiling information necessary for developing standards, bid specifications and/or contract specifications on a multi-agency statewide basis.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

(Note: The examples of work as listed in this class specification are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position. Examples of work performed are not to be used for allocation purposes.)

  • Analyzes, develops and initiates complex specification and conditions for bid contracts, price agreements, and/or maximum price regulations.
  • Conducts research to determine each commodity's production processes, location, organization, distribution, facilities, pricing structure, service facilities, and policies.
  • Processes bids for all non-contract commodities, exceeding the category II threshold, for all institutions of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services and the Department of Corrections.
  • Develops and recommends awards for and administers complex statewide term contracts for a variety of commodities.
  • Testifies as a procurement expert at protest hearings and bidder's conferences; represents the State Division of Purchasing.
  • Organizes and conducts pre-bid conferences and user committee conferences.
  • Conducts workshops to inform agency personnel on a statewide basis of all procurement policies and procedures.
  • Provides technical assistance to agency purchasing directors, purchasing agents, and general services personnel.
  • Develops and maintains master commodity specification file for the FFAMIS statewide computerized purchasing system.
  • Acts as a liaison with departmental offices.
  • Supervises the sale of used equipment.
  • Determines bid specification needs for goods, services and commodities.
  • Acts as a mediator between agency and contractor in disputes involving compliance with contracts.
  • Makes field inspection trips and conducts technical assistance reviews.
  • Develops computer systems which manage functional areas such as property and supplies.
  • Researches and evaluates information of test results used to write bid specifications.
  • Provides approval or disapproval authority for purchases which exceed nonexempt agency purchasing authority such as sole source single bid and contract exceptions.
  • Prepares formal and informal bid invitations.
  • Provides input in the administration of purchase policies.
  • Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

(Note: The knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) identified in this class specification represent those needed to perform the duties of this class. Additional knowledge, skills and abilities may be applicable for individual positions in the employing agency.)

  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of purchasing.
  • Ability to research and analyze specifications, conditions and regulations pertaining to bids, contracts and/or prices.
  • Ability to apply and implement rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to the purchasing process.
  • Ability to put specifications, conditions and regulations pertaining to bids, contracts and/or prices in writing.
  • Ability to maintain purchasing records.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with four courses in business and four years of professional purchasing or procurement experience, one year of which must have been professional public purchasing experience; or
  • Possession of a Certified Public Purchasing Officer certificate or Certified Purchasing Manager certificate and three years of experience as described above, one year of which must have been professional public purchasing experience; or
  • A master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of study in business and three years of experience as described above, one year of which must have been professional public purchasing experience.
  • Professional or nonprofessional experience as described above can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.

EFFECTIVE:

5/4/1988

HISTORY: