Procurement Specialist I

Salary Note: Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are made at the range minimum. THE CITY: Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley, is known for its luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. Picture waking up to fresh air, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoying stunning mountain views. This city offers a perfect blend of nature and modern living for both residents and visitors. Palm Springs is ideal for families, offering numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves for leisurely activities and wildlife encounters. With a wide range of attractions and events, there’s always something fun for everyone in the family. To see the exciting things going on visit the Engage Palm Springs website. The City of Palm Springs is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, from policies to inclusive healthcare, and making people of various backgrounds feel welcome and supported. To view our recent Human Rights Campaign, visit the Municipal Equity Index website. THE POSITION: This position is a member of the Finance & Treasury department and handles the complex procurement of commodities as well as maintenance, repair, and operating services; prepares and processes purchase orders and contracts; administers procurement procedures in accordance with City policies and ordinances; and performs a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility, including but not limited to procurement cards, insurance, emergency preparedness, auditing, and assisting the Procurement and Contracting Manager with complex projects. Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Obtain price quotations; analyze responses to determine best value to City and conformity to City’s requirements. Consult with various City department personnel regarding their procurement needs. Provide technical assistance in preparing complex specifications and statements of work and prepare and conduct competitive solicitation processes for both commodities and services. Conduct product and source research and identify cost saving opportunities. Administer procurement procedures in accordance with City policies and ordinances. Process electronic Requisitions into Purchase Orders and prepare Change Orders and Blanket Purchase Orders. Analyze bids and proposals; negotiate; prepare and process contract service agreements, including insurance, city business license and bonds. Assist with staff recommendations for award of competitive processes for presentation to City Council. Administer the City’s Procurement Card (P-Card) program including monthly audit and maintain the Procurement Emergency Preparedness Plan. Maintain department office supply inventory, receive, and process invoices for payment. Conduct basic procurement training for other departments on the use of the electronic procurement system, on-line requisitions, blanket purchase orders, P-Cards, and insurance requirements. Analyze requisitions and follow procurement protocol. Process and coordinate annual insurance renewal applications for all City departments. Prepare and maintain various purchasing reports as required. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered as this information will be used to determine minimum qualifications. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the “Work Experience” section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications. (One year of work experience is the equivalent of 12 months of full-time work. “Full-time work” means at least 36 hours of work over a period of one week or 1,872 hours of work over a period of at least 12 months.) Qualifications noted as “desirable” or “preferred” are not included as part of the minimum requirements. Experience One (1) year of professional procurement experience in the public sector is required. (Public sector agency includes State, County, School, or City Government, Law Enforcement, or other Public Sector Agency). Three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional procurement experience is preferred. Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERPS), Tyler Munis, or any Finance or Procurement/Purchasing Software Systems is preferred. In addition to the above, the ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following: Key Competencies Relationship management Analysis and complex problem solving Communication Independent sound judgment Core KSA's: Principles and practices of contract negotiation, processing, execution, and administration Principles of purchasing, procurement, contracting, accounting, auditing, and cost analysis Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations Education and Training Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business or public administration, or a related field; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities is required. License or Certifications Possession of a valid NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) is preferred. Possession of a valid Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is preferred. Possession of a valid Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is preferred. Possession of a valid Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) is preferred. Special Requirements Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation, fingerprints, and physical. Working Conditions The following work environment and physical conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. This position works in an office environment and may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, or sitting for prolonged periods; and stretching, lifting, squatting, and climbing. Required applications, resume, and supplemental questionnaire are required by the closing date and time. As a candidate for the position, you will want to be sure your application accurately reflects your skills and abilities as they relate to the position to achieve maximum opportunity. Applications will be reviewed carefully and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered as this information will be used to determine minimum qualifications. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the “Work Experience” section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications. Resumes and other documents may be submitted, however, they will not be used to determine minimum qualifications, please do not use phrases such as “see attached” or “see resume” as they will not be considered. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the process. Minimum requirements must be met at the time of application submission unless stated otherwise. Selection Process Information The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: application review, qualification review, written exam, practical exam, oral panel exam and department interview. Candidates must successfully pass each stage of the selection process above in order to continue to the next step. This process may be modified or changed depending on the number of qualified candidates. Please remember to submit all your application materials by the closing date and time. Incomplete or applications received after the closing date and time cannot be considered. All information on the application is subject to investigation and verification. Applications must be received by 4:00pm, August 4, 2026, in order to be considered for this opportunity. The City of Palm Springs reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received. The City of Palm Springs is an equal employment opportunity employer and we encourage all persons to file applications. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, family or marital status, disability, medical condition or pregnancy, genetic information, religious or political affiliation, or veteran status. Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of Palm Springs Employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly. City of Palm Springs 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 View phone number on click.appcast.io The City offers an excellent benefit package and membership in the California Public Employees' Retirement Systems (CalPERS). Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS. #J-18808-Ljbffr