Purchasing Agent I

General Description The Purchasing Agent I role carries significant responsibility for executing technical procurements in accordance with established policies, practices, methods, and procedures. The role involves managing specialized purchasing activities across a broad spectrum of materials, equipment, supplies, services, construction projects, and professional services. Essential Job Functions Writes, prepares and negotiates complex contracts with vendors and contractors in the best interest of the County. Monitors and evaluates contracting vendor performance to ensure compliance with contracts, agreement and law. Coordinates procurement of mainly construction projects, but also a variety of supplies, services, materials and equipment for County departments within policy guidelines and in conformance with applicable statutes, ordinances and regulations. Reviews and finalizes specifications for bid document incorporation; attends pre-bids, bid openings, reviews, tabulates and analyzes bids; reviews bids with department personnel to determine the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Maintains contract documentation for solicitations and contracts assigned to this position, i.e., bonding, insurance certification, licensing, etc. Interfaces with other purchasing operations as necessary to provide a cohesive procurement system. Performs other related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of procurement practices and procedures, both public and private, including vendor and source identification, pricing methods, bid preparation, contracts and pricing agreements. Ability to exercise independent and impartial judgment, recommendations and decisions. Ability to analyze a variety of purchasing problems, make sound recommendations as to their solutions and prepare working procedures. Ability to interpret contractual language, particularly relative to construction contracts. Ability to prepare and/or review bid documents and responses for compliance with policies, procedures, conditions and regulations. Minimum Requirements Physical Skills Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication. Education, Training and Experience Graduation from an accredited college or university, with a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration or related field is required and two (2) years of experience in procurement OR an Associate degree and four (4) years in procurement is required. Proficient using a computer word processing, spreadsheet and presentation programs including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint is required. Government procurement experience is preferred. Licenses, Certifications or Registrations Must possess a valid Florida driver's license. Current or previous certification as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or closely related certification is desired. ADA Statement A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of this position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Benefits Florida Retirement System (FRS) retirement plan PTO (Paid Time Off) Paid holidays Group insurance Tuition reimbursement Deferred compensation Medical leave pool Annual medical leave buy-back Mid-management/Professional grade, and management personnel may receive 40 hours of admin leave per calendar year. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Rancho Cucamonga