Procurement Officer Trainee

If you are looking for an exciting career with great benefits, pension, generous leave, competitive salary, and the opportunity for advancement and professional growth, apply to join the DPSCS team today!

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking dedicated candidates to fill important roles within our department. We are one of the largest departments in Maryland with nearly 12,000 employees and a budget of more than $1 billion. In order to fulfill our mission of promoting safety, we have increased security at our institutions while leading the way in innovative restorative justice projects that will help offenders reintegrate into society upon release.

As a member of the DPSCS team, you can have a fulfilling career, while also enjoying a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave), becoming vested in the State pension, supplemental retirement options, and even joining the Maryland State Employees Credit Union.

The main purpose of this position is to learn how to procure equipment, commodities, and/or services under the Department’s delegated authority in order to meet the operation needs of the Department. This position is responsible for ensuring procurements are conducted and performed in accordance with the State Finance and Procurement Articles and the Code of Maryland Regulation Title 21.
 
Position Duties

• Ability to review and analyze purchase requisitions submitted electronically and determine the most appropriate procurement method to be utilized, such as small procurement categories I, II or III, competitive sealed bid or multi-step bid, competitive sealed proposal, sole source, PORFP, purchase orders issued against statewide contracts and/ or emergency procurements
• Understanding of the process and compliance regarding all policies and regulations, including designating procurements through the preferred provider programs such as Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE), Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM), and Community Services Providers (MD Works); evaluating procurements for designation to the Small Business Reserve Program; and  designating Minority Business Enterprises/Veteran Small Business Enterprise goals and/or sub goals to procurements as appropriate.
• Ability to ensure contract compliance by both the vendor and the institutions.
• Ability to evaluate contract performance and ensure deliverables are met.  
• Ability to educate and inform requestors regarding correct procurement practices, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to assist in the development or improvement of procedures, desk references, training materials and related process documentation.

Applicants must meet all minimum (and selective) qualifications to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.

Experience:  Four years of professional contract management experience or professional procurement experience.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute certification as a Certified Public Manager from the National Association of Purchasing Management; Certified Professional Contracts Manager from the National Contract Management Association; Certified Public Purchasing Officer or Certified Professional Public Buyer from the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council (National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. or National Association of State Purchasing Officers) for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Contracting, Industrial Management or logistics specialist classifications or administrative support specialty codes in the procurement or financial management fields of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience. 

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

1. Experience working in a professional office setting.

2. Experience working in procurement, purchasing, or contract management - in either the private or public sector.

1.  Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.  Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

2.  Employees in this classification must obtain possess a certification as a Procurement Professional from the Maryland Department of General Services within one year of appointment.

The ideal candidate must be fluent in spoken and written English. The ideal candidate must effectively and respectfully communicate with diverse populations, providing services to individuals with different beliefs, behaviors, and interpersonal styles in confinement or community settings. Professional working fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, or any other language is a plus.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

• Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date)
• Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year
• Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year 
• Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child 
• Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year
• Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension