Purchasing Agent

Description Manages the purchasing of equipment, supplies, construction services, and general services for the County; does related work as required. Class Specifications | Purchasing Agent (J) | Class Spec Details Examples of Duties Researches, develops specifications, and prepares Invitations for Bid (IFB), Requests for Proposals (RFP) and Request for Qualifications (RFQ); Receives and analyzes quotations and bids for price and consistency of deliverables with specifications; prepares price quote requests, when required; Consults with department heads concerning current and future purchasing and contracting needs, procurement concerns and budgeting; Mediates conflicts between County departments and vendors; Schedules and attends pre-bid meetings for invitations for bid and price quote requests; Attends the opening and public reading of bids; Reviews proposals received by County departments to determine if contracts are required; Prepares contracts, issues purchase orders and recommends the award of contracts to the Board of County Commissioners; Reviews purchase requisitions and determines method of purchase; works with Finance Director to ensure County compliance with financial requirements under state and federal grant programs as they pertain to the purchase of goods and services; Identifies and analyzes purchases for cost effectiveness; assists County departments with management of projects when required or requested; Prepares legal notices and obtains and disburses all pertinent information relating to public bids. Minimum Qualifications Education/Experience/Training: Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Business Administration, or closely related field; and Three (3) years' experience in purchasing or contracting a variety of services, supplies, materials and equipment; or Any equivalent combination of experience and training totaling seven (7) years. Desired: Construction experience. Finalist(s) must pass a background check. Supplemental Information This is administrative work in the purchasing and contracting of County services, supplies, materials and equipment. The work is performed under the broad direction of the Finance Director. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain close cooperative working relationships with all County divisions and department heads, vendors, contractors, and state and federal compliance personnel. Benefits We offer a complete benefits package to full‑time employees including: Employer paid health insurance, which includes dental and pharmacy benefits Employer paid life insurance, short-term disability and long‑term disability State of Montana PERS retirement Vision plan coverage 457 deferred compensation plans and ROTH plans Flexible spending accounts, dependent care accounts, limited purpose accounts and health savings accounts (HSA) Education assistance program EAP - Employee Assistance Program Weight Management program Annual wellness screenings Paid holidays 12-days sick leave per year 3-weeks' vacation your first year! Part‑time employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week, receive benefits on a pro‑rated basis. To learn more details, visit our benefits page. #J-18808-Ljbffr