About This Position
Over 52 million passengers traveled through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in 2024, one of the busiest airports in the country and in the nation's 5th largest city. Sky Harbor is the largest of three airports in the Phoenix Airport System (Phoenix Sky Harbor, Deer Valley, and Goodyear airports) which is operated by the City of Phoenix Aviation Department and has an economic impact over $44 billion annually.
The Aviation Department has a Senior Buyer apprentice vacancy in the Aviation Department Contracts & Services Division. The successful candidates will be part of a dynamic and innovative procurement team with career growth opportunities within the division and the department. Senior Buyers are responsible for arranging the purchase of assigned commodities and services, overseeing the full life cycle of assigned contracts, conducting and completing full procurement processes, award and administration of general goods and services contracts in conformance with City's Administrative Regulation, Procurement Code, federal and State laws, rules, and regulations.
Job duties for the Senior Buyer position include reviewing procurement requests, assisting Client Divisions develop the procurement scope and specification of contracts, analyzing specifications/requirements, managing vendor selection processes, contract modifications, purchase order issuance, contract expenditure monitoring, and preparing and conducting public presentations. This position will also be responsible for explaining contract processes to users, managing computerized databases, and preparing specialized reports.
No experience is required prior to starting the program. All required training is paid for and provided by city of Phoenix while on the job and being employed full-time.
Ideal Candidate
Intermediate level of business writing skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects at once to meet deadlines.
Ability to prepare clear and concise written and oral communication.
Ability to break down complex information into comprehensive parts, ask questions, synthesize, and analyze.
Strong customer-service skills with a focus on engaging both internal and external stakeholders.
Salary
- 25.43 / hour starting wage as an apprentice.
- 26.70 / hour after 1,000 hours of OJT of successful performance as an apprentice.
- 28.04 / hour after 2,000 hours of OJT of successful performance as an apprentice.
- 29.44 / hour after 3,000 hours of OJT of successful performance as an apprentice.
- 30.92 / hour after 4,000 hours of OJT of successful performance as an apprentice, including promotion to Senior Buyer.
A one time retention incentive payment of $3,500 upon successful completion of the program in compliance with AR 2.55.
Benefits
Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information.
401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions.
Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plans.
Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan.
Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually.
Dental, vision, and life insurance options.
Employer paid long-term disability.
Free Bus/light rail pass.
Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year.
Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days.
Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period.
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi.
Minimum Qualifications
Must be 18 years old.
Must have a bachelor's degree.
Ability to:
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Comply with department's policies and procedures while demonstrating superior seamless customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and fiscally responsible activity.
All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
The following list is not all inclusive but are TSA general factors for disqualification of employment for working at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Other factors will be assessed that may also lead to disqualification. Qualified candidates should consider these factors when applying. Aviation Employment Disqualifiers.
This position requires the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here.
The City job description can be found here: Senior Buyer and General Apprentice.
Recruitment Dates
Recruitment closes September 28, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.
This recruitment and any interview process as a result of this recruitment may be used by multiple hiring managers and multiple departments throughout the City to fill any related current or future vacancies; other recruitments and appropriate eligible lists may also be considered.
Reference
General Apprentice - U7 (NC), JC:00070, ID# 62920, 9/25/26, USM, GO, Benefits:007
Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.
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City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.
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