Placer County

Buyer - I (#14755)

$28.94-$36.16 Hourly / $5,016.27-$6,267.73 Monthly / $60,195.20-$75,212.80 Yearly

Buyer - II (#14757)

$31.92-$39.85 Hourly / $5,532.80-$6,907.33 Monthly / $66,393.60-$82,888.00 Yearly


DEFINITION

To purchase, or negotiate to purchase, materials, supplies, equipment, and services for use by County departments; to consult with departments in assessing requirements and developing specifications for the procurement of goods and services; and to prepare and conduct formal and informal competitive solicitations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Buyer I
This is the entry level class in the Buyer series. This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series. Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Buyer II 
This is the full journey level class within the Buyer series. This class is distinguished from the Buyer I by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.  Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Buyer I 
Receives general supervision from higher-level professional staff.

Buyer II
Receives direction from higher level-professional staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Analyze, evaluate, and make recommendations for solicitation awards for the purchase of goods and services utilized by County departments.
  • Conduct formal solicitations and prepare specifications for acquisition of a wide variety of goods and services utilized by County departments.
  • Conduct informal solicitations by telephone, letter, personal contact, computerized system, or any other manner appropriate for acquisition of goods and services utilized by County departments.
  • Maintain a variety of records relating to the purchasing function; prepare reports and correspondence.
  • Provide liaison assistance between County departments and vendors.
  • Negotiate and administer contracts to ensure that goods and services are delivered consistent with contract and bid specifications.
  • Conduct research on market conditions, product developments, and relative merits of individual products and vendors.
  • Assist County departments in assessing their needs; advise departments on quantities to be purchased to obtain better prices; provide information on how to prepare specifications for purchases and requisition procedures.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in an indoor office and/or warehouse environment with controlled temperature conditions. Position may require travel to and from other locations in a variety of outdoor weather conditions and lifting various materials and supplies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Buyer I 

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: One year of purchasing experience is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college with major course work in business administration, public administration, economics, or a related field.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.


Buyer II

Experience and Training 
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years of responsible purchasing experience with a large business or governmental agency.

Training: Equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college with major course work in business administration, public administration, economics, or a related field.

Required License or Certificate: 
  • May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain the Certified Professional Public Buyer or equivalent certification is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Buyer I

Knowledge of: 
  • Purchasing principles and practices.
  • Techniques of organization and planning.
  • Basic record keeping, statistics, and data processing principles, including the use of common spreadsheet and word processing software used on personal computers.

Ability to:
  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and solve problems relating to operational and technical policy and procedures.
  • On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; lift heavy weight.
  • Keep abreast of market conditions, product developments, and the relative merits of individual vendors.
  • Learn the methods of purchasing by specifications and competitive bidding.
  • Learn to use specialized financial, procurement, and data management software utilized within County departments.
  • Learn pertinent local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, and rules applicable to public procurement.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.


Buyer II

In addition to the qualifications for Buyer I:

Knowledge of:
  • Pertinent local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, and rules applicable to public procurement.
  • Solicitation methods  for the purchase of goods and services.
  • Characteristics of materials, supplies, equipment, and contracted services used by large public agencies.
  • Statistical methods, analyses, and the use of statistics in reports.

Ability to:
  • Exercise independent judgment and initiative on purchasing matters.
  • Prepare detailed and complex numerical and narrative reports.
  • Prepare for and conduct effective meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Interpret and explain pertinent local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, and rules applicable to public procurement.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Length of Probation:
All permanent appointments from open eligible lists to positions in the classified service shall serve a probationary period of twelve (12) months or two thousand eighty (2,080) hours, whichever is more.

Bargaining Unit:
General


CLASS: 14755; EST: 9/2/1995; REV: 1/13/2020;
CLASS: 14757; EST: 9/2/1995; REV: 6/1/2004;