County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, assists the Buyer II, Zone 7 with performing purchasing work including working with various agency sections to specify materials, supplies, services and equipment needed, assists with bid notices and selection of bidders; tracks and ensures delivery of ordered items; and does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Buyer I is the entry level Purchasing class in which the incumbent receives on the job training and develops expertise to work independently. Incumbents in the class of Buyer I function in a supportive role and are assigned projects of a less complex nature where work is subject to review while in progress and upon completion. The Buyer I, Zone 7 receives direction and assignments from the Buyer II, Zone 7. This position differs from the Buyer II, Zone 7 in that the latter is responsible for overseeing the entire purchasing program for Zone 7. This position reports to the Accounting Manager, Zone 7.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Receives, reviews, and checks requisitions for accuracy; analyzes the request in terms of amount budgeted, needs of the section, market conditions, and products available.

2. Works closely with engineering, laboratory, operations, maintenance and administrative staff to develop specifications/statement of work (S.O.W.) within a limited scope and describe the exact characteristics desired in the items or services to be purchased.

3. Compiles and maintains a database of vendors according to the nature of product, taking into consideration capabilities, limitations, facilities, past performances, and location of the vendor; issues requests for bids.

4. Assists in analyzing bids for conformance to specifications and suitability for required use, and may test samples submitted, advising on the selection of the bid most economically fulfilling the needs by analyzing products, requisitions, past purchases, and usages, determining whether commodities could be purchased more economically on a blanket purchase order basis.

5. Assists and participates in interviews of vendor representatives; attends demonstrations and trade exhibitions; reads trade publications and consumer reports; keeps abreast of market conditions, product developments, and relative merits of individual vendors.

6. Expedites purchase orders, arranges schedules, shipping and delivery; follows up on contracts and orders, and arranges for change orders as required.
7. Reconciles purchasing discrepancies; follows up on over, short and damaged orders received.
8. Performs a variety of calculations related to pricing, buying, extensions, discounts, contracts and special studies; prepares correspondence and other written materials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of two years full-time experience in the class of Buyer's Assistant in the Alameda County classified service (Non-classified includes the District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

The equivalent of three years full-time increasingly responsible purchasing experience that included developing/reviewing purchase orders, specifications and cost analysis in a public agency. (Completion of two years of education in business administration or a closely related field from an accredited college or university or a purchasing management certificate from a nationally recognized organization may be substituted for one year of the required experience.)

License:

All candidates must possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Characteristics of the different materials, supplies, and equipment, including specialized water treatment and laboratory equipment used by the agency.
• Applicable purchasing laws and regulations.
• Marketing principles and practices as they relate to purchasing.
• Principles and practices of purchasing for a public agency including techniques of price negotiation and preparation and evaluation of bid specifications.
• Practices and methods of purchasing by specification and competitive bidding.
• Basic financial record keeping, contract management, and mathematics as applied to purchasing.

Ability to:

• Gather and analyze data.
• Reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, department division, and the general public.
• Analyze and evaluate commodities of competitive bidders from vendors' descriptions or samples and award bids and contracts in accordance with established policy and law.
• Prepare accurate and concise product specifications.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

RC:pf 6/22/04
Newspecs: 4953.doc
CSC Date: 8/4/2004

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.