Buyer I

Buyer I

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $48,600 - Midpoint: $60,800 (Salaried E7)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Job Summary

The Buyer I supports the formal competitive bid process, development of contracts, service agreements, leases and other written legal agreements under general supervision. Procures items or services in an assigned commodity area at the best total value. Obtains quotations and enters into negotiations with suppliers as necessary. Ensures compliance with University policies, guidelines, and the State of Alabama Bid Law.

Additional Department Summary

The Alabama Water Institute (AWI) is one of four research institutes at The University of Alabama. AWI serves as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration across the University's various colleges, uniting engineers, computer scientists, biologists, social scientists, economists, and more to tackle the pressing water challenges faced by Alabama and the world. AWI-affiliated researchers specialize in water security and quality, remote sensing, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and watershed management through synergies with AWI research entities, including the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology, the Global Water Security Center, and the CONSERVE Research Group. This position provides purchasing and compliance support for research, operational, and cooperative agreement activities supporting hydrologic instrumentation, environmental monitoring, and applied science programs. Ensures compliant, timely, and cost-effective acquisition of scientific equipment, supplies, and services in accordance with university, state, and federal regulations, including sponsored research requirements. Interprets purchasing policies, resolves complex purchasing issues, and supports high-value and technically specialized purchases. Serves as a key resource to faculty, research staff, and leadership by ensuring purchasing activities align with funding requirements, audit standards, and operational priorities.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher and some experience in procurement, purchasing, and/or buying.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications

Due to requirements of the funding source, must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident.

Skills and Knowledge

Knowledge of procurement, contracting, and financial operations in academic, governmental, or regulated environments. Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and institutional regulations, including grant and cooperative agreement requirements. Proficiency with procurement, financial, and reporting systems. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure accuracy in documentation and compliance. Effective communication skills and ability to coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, finance, supply chain management, or a closely related field and demonstrated professional experience supporting procurement, contracting, financial operations, research administration, or other related business functions. Experience may include work in academic, governmental, or regulated environments requiring adherence to policies, procedures, and compliance requirements. Experience supporting complex procurements and resolving procurement-related issues. Experience supporting federally funded research programs, cooperative agreements, or grant-funded projects. Experience with procurement of scientific or technical equipment and services. Experience working with compliance requirements, audit processes, or financial reporting. Professional certification or training in procurement, contracting, or research administration.

Background Investigation Statement

Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC's Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.

The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.