Senior Buyer

Posting Details

Before applying, be sure to read the "Application Procedure" section below.

Posting Summary


Job Title
Senior Buyer


Type of Assignment
Classified/Staff


Assignment Category
Regular Position


Position Details


MiraCosta College is seeking to fill one regular, full-time, Senior Buyer position, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year on the Oceanside Campus. The normal work schedule will be 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The position is eligible for up to two remote workdays per week, subject to approval by the division's Vice President.

The person selected for this position will be subject to assignment to any district facility during any hours of operation.

The first-level interviews with the screening and interview committee will be conducted via Zoom. The second-level interviews will be conducted in person.

REMOTE WORK:
MiraCosta College supports flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance. Eligible positions may offer telework (remote work) options based on operational needs and policy guidelines. Telework is not guaranteed, and probationary or temporary employees require vice president approval. Full-time telework is not permitted; all employees are expected to maintain regular weekly on-campus presence.



RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:
MiraCosta College Board Policy 7800: Employee Residency requires all classified staff, administrators, and temporary/hourly short-term employees to maintain and permanently reside in a principal place of residence in the state of California that is within two hundred (200) road miles from the employee's regularly assigned district worksite.

The District may consider an individual's request to temporarily reside outside the State of California or beyond the 200-mile limit on a case-by-case basis, provided it does not exceed 12 consecutive months.

Location City
Oceanside, Cardiff, and/or Carlsbad


Location State
California


Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA)


MiraCosta College is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning and working environment. We welcome candidates who share our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). Learn more about our values and initiatives on our IDEA website and in our IDEA policy .

We are committed to creating a racially just campus climate where all identities and cultures are respected and affirmed. MiraCosta actively works to close equity gaps for disproportionately impacted communities, including: Latinx/Chicanx, Black/African American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Native American, LGBTQIA+, Veterans, Former Foster Youth, Adult Learners, and students from low socioeconomic status backgrounds.

As a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) since 2013, MiraCosta supports the success of Latinx and first-generation college students. We are also a veteran- and military-supportive institution and an Achieving the Dream Leader College.

The successful candidate will join a college that values community and equity, and offers robust, culturally responsive programming-including heritage month events and speaker series-through our Social Justice and Equity Center .

Explore our Mission, Vision, and Institutional Goals to learn more about our commitment to student success and inclusive excellence.

Salary Range
25


Compensation

Compensation:
Starting at $84,108 per year (range 1, step 1), with annual salary step increases up to step 5.

Benefits


MiraCosta College offers an array of benefits to eligible employees:

• The district covers 100% of the costs for medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees and their dependents.
• $100,000 Life Insurance Policy
• Up to $250 of monthly benefit credits to help pay for various voluntary benefit options, such as supplemental life insurance, disability coverage, dependent care flexible spending account (FSA), & Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA).
• Vacation, Sick Leave, and up to 18 Paid Holidays
• State Pension System Retirement Benefits (CalPERS)
• Free and Confidential Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Participation in the District's Early Retirement Program
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Tuition Fee Reimbursement

Position Term in Months
12


Application Procedure


To be considered for this position, you must upload all required documents directly into the online application system, complete the application process, and receive a confirmation number. Applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. on 08/12/2026 will receive first consideration. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

1. Application in which you list all relevant experience. (Do not write "see resumé")

2. A cover letter addressed to the "Screening and Interview Committee" specifically describing how your experience aligns with the Essential Duties, Other Duties, and Desirable Qualifications.

3. A current resumé or curriculum vitae summarizing your educational background and experience.

4. Transcripts of college coursework that provide evidence of meeting the minimum qualifications as stated in this job posting. Unofficial or legible photocopies are acceptable. If a degree(s) was earned, the transcripts must state that the degree was awarded . Any degree/coursework used to satisfy the minimum qualifications must be from a postsecondary institution accredited by an accreditation agency recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation.


If your degree(s) is from a college or university outside of the United States, you must submit a detailed evaluation from a professional evaluation agency. Click here to view a list of agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Transcripts or translations in English still require an evaluation to show the U.S. equivalence of your degree.

Applications will be reviewed for up to four weeks following the closing/first screening date. Applicants selected for interview will be contacted by phone or e-mail; those not selected for interview will be notified by e-mail.

Offer of employment to the person selected for this position is contingent upon 1) successful completion of a pre-placement physical exam at district expense; 2) submission of a current tuberculosis test clearance; 3) proof of eligibility to work in the United States; 4) fingerprint clearance; and 5) approval by the Board of Trustees.

Retired STRS members are not eligible for this position.

Basic Function


Under general supervision, lead and perform a wide variety and scope of complex, specialized and technical purchasing/procurement duties related to the acquisition of equipment, goods, services and construction services in accordance with applicable laws, policies, procedures, ethical standards and guidelines; and perform related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics


A Senior Buyer is distinguished from a Buyer in that an incumbent in the latter class applies lesser knowledge, judgement and experience, and performs less complex procurement functions.

California Driver's License Requirement Check
I confirm that this position reasonably requires driving as a primary duty, and no alternative form of transportation would be comparable in travel time or cost to the employer. Note: Per Senate Bill 1100 (effective 01/01/25), including a driver's license


Essential Duties & Responsibilities


The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Perform the acquisition of general and construction-related goods and services; process requisitions, purchase orders, and contracts.

2. Determine and evaluate appropriate procurement requirements; review, participate in developing and process requests for qualifications (RFQs), requests for proposals (RFPs), requests for formal and informal bids, purchase orders and contracts in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with appropriate cost and value parameters, procurement authorizations, applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, ethical standards and guidelines; incorporate and negotiate appropriate terms and conditions.

3. Participate in the development of bid specifications, requests for qualifications, requests for proposals and contracts for the procurement of general and construction-related goods and services; negotiate and incorporate appropriate contract terms and conditions.

4. Perform price, cost and value analysis of bids, quotes and proposals to determine which responses best suit the district's needs; prepare and maintain appropriate documentation for submittal of award recommendations; issue purchase orders; monitor the status and compliance of bids, purchase orders and contracts throughout bid and contract periods.

5. Interpret, explain and provide technical expertise and guidance to district staff, contractors and vendors regarding the acquisition of services, equipment and supplies; analyze emergency requirements accurately and quickly and take effective courses of action.

6. Investigate complaints and discrepancies as appropriate, develop recommendations on purchasing and material management issues, negotiate and resolve conflicts with vendors and contractors to ensure accurate, cost-effective and timely receipt of goods and services.

7. Determine and pre-qualify appropriate supplier chains and commodity sources; establish new vendor and market resources as needed; interview vendors and maintain appropriate vendor lists and supply sources.

8. Support the assigned systems for department's day-to-day operations . Participate in Making assigned systems modification recommendations to the leadership to increase systems functionality and meet department needs.

Other Duties


1. Derive, organize and present complex data to support purchasing and contracting activities and make sound business decisions accordingly.

2. Serve on evaluation committee for requests for qualification and/or requests for proposals or bids.

3. Participate and collaborate with various statewide organizations to develop and execute contracts and agreements to achieve cost savings, value and legal compliance for the district; act as district representative in small-business development activities to support opportunities for local veteran-, women- and minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses with the district.

4. Determine independent contractor status, submit reports to appropriate agencies, and ensure the maintenance of contract documentation and records in a timely and accurate manner.

5. Act on behalf of the Purchasing Supervisor in their absence.

6. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of


1. Principles and procedures of purchasing and material management as utilized in public agency competitive bidding, and procurement including procurement under the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act, contract administration and public works.

2. District organization, functions, rules, policies and procedures applicable to assigned areas of responsibility.

3. Contract negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution methods and techniques.

4. Applicable sections of the uniform commercial code, state education code, public contract code, government code, labor code and other applicable federal, state and local codes, regulations and laws.

5. IRS and EDD, tax and labor laws related to hiring and utilization of independent contractors.

6. Commodity and construction markets.

7. Basic math, statistical math, financial recordkeeping techniques and total-life costing techniques.

8. Accounting procedures related to purchasing.

9. Function and operation of district financial information system and modules.

10. Recordkeeping and report preparation, presentation techniques.

11. Principles and practices of sound business communications, including correct English usage, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

12. Problem solving and conflict resolution in a higher education environment.

13. Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.

14. Telephone techniques and etiquette.

Ability to


1. Perform complex purchasing duties for the acquisition of a wide variety of services, materials and equipment.

2. Evaluate contract, agreement and bid language and subsequent documents, evaluate alternatives and make sound recommendations for improvement and effective courses of action.

3. Organize, set priorities and exercise independent judgment and make decisions based on accurately-derived data.

4. Expedite and prioritize purchasing transactions, mail, deliveries and requests for services as needed.

5. Organize, set priorities and exercise sound, independent judgement within areas of responsibility.

6. Compose routine business correspondence and organize and present analytical data.

7. Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

8. Ensure compliance of local, state and federal regulations and codes.

9. Maintain confidentiality.

10. Operate a computer and standard business software.

11. Make arithmetic and statistical calculations and perform basic cost accounting quickly and accurately.

12. Understand and follow oral and written directions.

13. Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively.

14. Meet schedules, budgets and deadlines.

15. Maintain auditable bid files, records and prepare reports and presentations.

16. Operate district vehicles and carts.

17. Utilize integrated financial management systems in the review and processing of data.

18. Work independently and with minimal direction.

19. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

20. Understand and follow written and oral instructions.

21. Use tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people.

22. Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic and disability issues.

23. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.

Education & Experience

To be eligible for this position, you must meet and provide evidence of the following minimum qualifications:


Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree and four years of progressively responsible purchasing and contracting experience, including at least one year of which was in the public sector; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Bachelor's degree is preferred.

NOTE: For work experience, one "year" is defined as equivalent to 40 hours per week for 12 months, or at least 2,080 hours.

Desirable Qualifications


1. Direct experience with contract services.

2. Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO).

Licenses & Other Requirements


A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the district's vehicle insurance program.

WORK DIRECTION, LEAD AND SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead-level technical guidance and work direction to the Buyer, and other Purchasing and Material Management staff as required.

CONTACTS:
District administrators, faculty, staff, students, other colleges, community organizations, vendors, contractors, attorneys and the general public.

Physical Effort


The physical efforts described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Primarily sedentary with intermittent standing, walking, bending and stooping; occasional light lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds; travel to various locations on and off campus as needed to conduct district business.

Emotional Effort


Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships involving interactions and communications personally, by phone and in writing with a variety of individuals and/or groups from diverse backgrounds on a regular, ongoing basis; ability to work effectively under pressure on a variety of tasks concurrently while meeting established deadlines and changing priorities.

Working Conditions


Primarily business office environment; subject to frequent public contact and interruption; intermittent exposure to individuals acting in a disagreeable fashion; occasional evening, weekend and/or holiday hours required on an as-needed basis.

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number
S_26/27_001_P


Human Resources Contact Information
View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io


Job Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes


First Screening Date
08/12/2026 Applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. on 08/12/2026 will receive first consideration. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.


Direct Link to Posting