Procurement Specialist

Description
* Now Hiring: Procurement Specialist *
Looking to build a stable, rewarding career in the public sector with an organization that values your growth?
The City of Gardner is seeking a detail-oriented, organized Procurement Specialist to anchor vital supply-chain, accounts payable, and inventory operations for our municipal electric utility. This dynamic role acts as the central logistical hub for our department-balancing sharp administrative data management (auditing credit card logs, verifying fuel tracking, processing vendor invoices) with hands-on inventory coordination in our utility warehouse and equipment yards.
No direct utility experience? We will train the right person!
If you have 2 to 4 years of experience in bookkeeping, warehousing, accounts payable, or general inventory tracking-coupled with strong Excel skills, a great driving record, and an eagerness to learn-we want to hear from you.
Apply today to join a dedicated team, support our frontline utility crews, and keep the City of Gardner powered!
Requirements
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Public Procurement Policy: Direct, verifiable ability to interpret and rigidly apply municipal purchasing policies, spending thresholds, statutory procurement processes, and competitive bidding rules.
• Work Order Synchronization: Advanced ability to audit technical field work orders and translate complex material logs into accurate software updates.
• Technical Data Standards: Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel (vlookups, pivot tables) and dedicated ERP/Utility Inventory Management software. Enforces a zero-error tolerance on manual entries.
• Industrial Equipment Operation: Ability to safely and effectively operate utility inventory machinery, forklifts, and utility transport vehicles.
• Professional Communication: Ability to communicate clearly, assertively, and professionally with internal departments, field crews, and external corporate vendors.
• Accountability & Time Management: Demonstrates active listening, manages multiple conflicting tasks accurately, and adheres rigidly to management deadlines under minimal oversight.
• Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to independently recognize subtle accounting or inventory errors, trace the root cause, and proactively execute practical solutions.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Education: Associate's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Licensure: Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License with a good driving record.
• Certification: Must possess or obtain a valid Forklift Operator Certification within 30 days of appointment and maintain it continuously.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 to 4 years of progressive experience in Accounts Payable, Technical Inventory Control, or general purchasing workflows. Experience directly within a utility, construction, or public works environment is highly preferred, but the City is willing to train the right individual who possesses strong technical data skills and operational adaptability.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Requires walking, bending, or climbing over rough, uneven utility inventory yard terrain and working outside in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to safely lift, move, or maneuver warehouse items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Operates industrial tools, warehouse machinery, and standard office equipment.
• Works dynamically between an outdoor industrial yard environment and a professional office setting with moderate to loud noise levels.