Procurement Specialist I

Procurement Specialist

Performs specialized procurement and complex administrative work for the Procurement Office. The work involves the procurement of large dollar cost and/or complex goods and services for the County. The position serves as a technical resource to County departments/divisions regarding procurement. Assists the Procurement Division Chief in procurement management and carrying out assigned administrative and office tasks associated with the County's procurement program and relative to the procurement of materials, equipment and services. Independently performs work handling new, complex problems and deviations encountered. Work is performed under general supervision of the Procurement Division Chief and Senior Procurement Specialist.

Essential Job Functions

Develops and prepares formal Invitation to Bids (ITB) and Request for Proposals (RFP) to include invitation, instructions, specifications, scope of services, special conditions, general conditions, proposal forms, and legal advertisements for procurement involving $30,000 or more, as established by the County.

Develops and prepares informal Request for Quotes (RFQ) and Request for Proposals (RFP) to include specifications, scope of services, special conditions, general conditions, proposal forms, and required notification to potential bidders for procurement.

Maintains procurement website and develops formal and informal bid specifications with input from end users for amounts set by the Director of requesting department.

Works closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors to develop and implement procurement strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs while ensuring compliance with Section 6-101 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Calvert County and established Calvert County Government Procurement System Administrative Procedures and other directives and expressed policies.

Schedules and conducts pre-bid meetings; conduct public bid openings.

Performs detailed analyses of all elements of cost, compliance with contract provisions, verifies insurance and bonds, and conducts other due diligence on received submittals to determine responsiveness and responsibility of proposers.

Awards contracts for informal bids.

Prepares contract amendments for legal review by the County Attorney's Office. Obtains required signatures by all parties for full execution.

Responds to Freedom of Information Act Requests (FOIA) regarding bid submittals and contract documentation in conjunction with the County Attorney's Office.

Reviews purchase requisitions for accuracy and completeness. Ensures compliance with established Calvert County Procurement Administrative Policies & Procedures, other directives and expressed policies. Provides procurement advice to using agencies on policies and procedures.

Solicits prices, interviews, and negotiates contracts with vendors in accordance with procurement procedures. Inspects samples and procures materials, stock and equipment based on quality and price.

Conducts orientation for prospective bidders.

Communicates orally and in writing with internal staff, external clientele, and the general public to provide information and to interpret and explain procurement policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Interacts with department heads, division chiefs, vendors, and contractors on procurement matters. Recommends actions in accordance with procurement regulations.

Assists contract project managers on matters such as payments, claims, and contractual changes to ensure requirements of the contract are met.

Contacts state and local governments to determine if contracts are available in which the County can participate.

Updates and manages the County's Procurement page on the County's public website.

Works with other procurement personnel to ensure efficient utilization of funds.

Provide hands-on support to County employees in utilizing procurement Workday software and database. Offer guidance on navigating the systems, entering data, and generating reports.

Other Duties

Performs related work as required. May collaborate with the Procurement Division Chief in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Procurement Office and assume the responsibilities of the Procurement Division Chief during their absence.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (These are pre-employment KSA that apply only to Essential Job Functions.)

Knowledge of--

• County procurement policies and procedures and Federal, State and Local laws pertaining to Public Procurement.
• Administrative practices and procedures as applied to the operations of a procurement function.
• Use of various computer software applications, including financial information systems and Microsoft Office, to include but not limited to, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Ability to--

• Execute technical procurement tasks proficiently.
• Proactively solve problems in a positive environment.
• Effectively interact with the public and collaborate with other County staff.
• Demonstrate independent thinking while actively participating as a team player.
• Efficiently organize and manage multiple tasks and priorities.

Required Qualifications (Note: Any acceptable combination of education, training and relevant experience that provides the above knowledge, abilities and skills may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis.)

Training and/or Education:

Associate degree in business administration or related field including or supplemented by courses and experience in federal, state and local procurement laws and regulations.

Experience:

Three years of progressively responsible procurement experience.

Licenses or Certificates:

National Institute of Government Purchasing certification desirable.

Special Requirements:

None

Physical Demands:

Operation of keyboard devices.

Unusual Demands:

Work is subject to deadlines and frequent interruptions.

FLSA Status:

Nonexempt

Compensation Steps:

Pay rate: $32.18 - $36.91 per hour; $58,568 - $67,176 annually

Grade 722, full-time position, 35 hours per week

Finance & Budget, Procurement

Position closing date: June 16, 2026

This position allows for telework, meaning the employee may be able to work from home or another offsite location for part of the workweek, but they are still required to come into the office regularly. This arrangement is at the supervisor's discretion and may change based on business needs.

Calvert County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• 15 days of sick leave
• 10 days of annual leave
• 5 days of personal leave
• 13 paid holidays *14 in an election year
• Defined Contribution Plan
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Up to 80% tuition reimbursement
• Gym membership discounts

Please Note: A complete application is required to be considered for a position within Calvert County Government. All prior work experience, education, and other certifications should be entered into the application and supplemental questions should be answered completely. Calvert County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io with as much notice as possible.