Buyer I/II

Buyer I Salary: $32.77- $39.12 HourlyBuyer II Salary: $38.08 - $45.60 Hourly
We are accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Buyer I/II position located in Santa Barbara for the General Services Department.

We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list to fill current and future Buyer I/II vacancies. Please be sure to select all of the locations you are willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Buyer I/II is a flexibly staffed series. Buyer I is distinguished from Buyer II in that the latter prepares and analyzes more complex and higher profile contracts, and works with relative independence within established guidelines.

Candidate may be appointed at the I or II level, depending on the candidate's qualifications and the needs of the department.

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. For information about the benefits for the position, click here.

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with major coursework in purchasing, materials management, supply chain management, business administration, public administration or another closely-related field;
• Two or more years of professional experience in quantity buying for a public agency and/or large private organization;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to convey information in a clear, concise, organized and relevant manner to help others understand objectives and priorities;
• Analytical skills and the ability to assess problems, secure relevant policy information, identify possible causes, develop options for solutions, and make logical recommendations;
• Strong project management skills;
• Ability to work well in a team environment, making positive contributions and assisting others as necessary;
• Ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with diverse people;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally with managers, executives, operations staff, other agencies, vendors, and regulators;
• Strong customer service skills and experience working with the public;
• Knowledge of the basic principles of supply chain, procurement materials, best value procurement, and/or environmental green building;
• Ability to work independently, prioritize work, keep records organized accordingly and meet critical deadlines;
• Professional experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access;
• Experience using numerous computerized data software management systems.

• Analyzes market conditions; keeps abreast of trends; explores sources of supply; studies new products; and researches departments' requests for all products and commodities.
• Confers with departmental representatives to determine specific needs, arranges for demonstrations, and distributes literature and samples.
• Processes requisitions; groups purchases to secure price advantages of quantity buying; composes and edits specifications; solicits formal bids in accordance with standard procedures and solicits informal bids by telephone, FAX, or personal contact; and compares and analyzes price quotations.
• Studies quality of products; determines vendor from whom purchases will be made; places orders; negotiates and renews contracts; investigates complaints and secures adjustments; follows up on deliveries.
• Maintains data and prepares reports using office automation software.

• One year of experience in the field of quantity buying, for a public agency or large private company, of end items such as services, supplies, and equipment; OR,
• One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Buyer's Assistant with Santa Barbara County; OR,
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review application and supplemental questionnaires to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Application Ranking: Applications that meet the employment standards will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their application. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than eleven (11) qualified candidates.