Staff Buyer

Job Title

A vacancy exists in the Office of Budget and Finance.

Examples Of Duties

Under general supervision, prepares technical specifications for commodities and services; prepares, evaluates and awards informal bids and advertised solicitations, and purchases supplies, materials, and equipment of moderate complexity for various County agencies.

• Locates suppliers, compares costs, and purchases a variety of supplies, materials, and equipment used by County agencies.
• Reviews requisitions and determines most efficient method of procurement.
• Determines and prepares technical specifications for commodities and services.
• Prepares, evaluates, and awards informal and formal bids and requests for proposals.
• Issues blanket orders and price agreements and monitors usage.
• Coordinates changes in design, specifications, or parts.
• Maintains good working relationships with vendors and manufacturers.
• Interviews salespersons and vendors.
• Keeps informed of governmental purchasing policies and supply functions.
• Reviews trade publications, periodicals, and journals.
• Analyzes price listings and changes in market trends.
• Uses computer, prepares reports, and maintains records.

Examples Of Other Duties

• Assists in performing cost analysis and value analysis.
• Assists in developing standards for materials and supplies.
• Acts as lead worker and trains subordinate purchasing personnel.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.

Plus

Two years' professional experience in purchasing a variety of commodities and writing original specifications. (Additional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required education. Education beyond a bachelor's degree may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two years for the required experience. Designation as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or a Certified Associate Contracts Manager (CACM) may be substituted for one year of the required education or experience. Designation as a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), or Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) may be substituted for two years of the required education or experience.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level): Knowledge of a variety of commodities and market conditions. Knowledge of purchasing and material management principles and practices. Knowledge of business law applicable to purchasing. Knowledge of office procedures. Knowledge of basic statistical methods. Writing skill necessary to prepare specifications for goods and services, proposals, and reports. Skill in performing mathematical calculations. Negotiation and mediation skills. Oral communication skills. Ability to plan and schedule purchasing activities. Ability to locate sources of supply. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with County agencies and vendors. Ability to understand and interpret Federal, State, and local laws and regulations pertaining to governmental purchasing. Ability to use a computer in performance of duties. Ability to maintain records.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance): Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and regulations governing public purchasing activities. Knowledge of County and departmental purchasing procedures and requirements. Knowledge of County and Departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to performance of duties. Skill in preparing specifications, proposals, and reports. Skill in locating sources of supply. Skill in planning and scheduling purchasing activities. Skill in maintaining records. Ability to perform cost analysis and value analysis. Ability to evaluate specifications and to develop standards for materials and supplies. Ability to lead and instruct others.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. ( ) Mail or deliver documents to: ATTN: Staff Buyer Office of Human Resources Baltimore County Government 308 Allegheny Ave. Towson, MD 21204

You MUST attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Conditions Of Employment

Physical and Environmental Conditions These positions are essentially sedentary with occasional walking, lifting, or other restricted physical activity. Employment Background Investigation Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education, and fingerprinting checks.

Employment Benefits For Full-Time, Merit Or Classified Employees

Employment Benefits for Full-Time, Merit or Classified Employees Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time,merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise. Equal Opportunity Employer Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants. Smoke free workplace All Baltimore County offices are smoke free. Drug free workplace Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination. Salary Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated. Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County. Employee Assistance Program Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life. Health Insurance Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include: Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs. Life Insurance Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000. Retirement Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions. Paid Leave Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification. Sick Leave Vacation Leave Personal Leave Holidays Bereavement Leave Jury Leave Military Leave Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services. Direct Deposit Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required. Educational Assistance 70 to 80 percent tuition reimbursement following successful completion of pre-approved courses related to position. Amount of reimbursement and fiscal year dollar limitations vary with bargaining group. Deferred Compensation Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice. Disclaimer This is