Buyer I

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.

Overview and Minimum Class Requirements

Join the City of Yakima’s Procurement Team! We are seeking a detail-oriented professional to drive cost-effective solutions in local government operations through purchasing, vendor relations, and contracts. Make an impact—apply today!

Two years of verifiable professional experience in procurement or any combination of equivalent experience. Post high school education in a related field may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES:

Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Job Summary

Essential Functions

• Provides consultation to City and County divisions in order to facilitate procurement and contracting decisions, as well as project planning services, the development of requirements, technical specifications and scopes of service for all related projects.
  
• Applies a thorough understanding of pertinent federal, state and local regulations; provides accurate interpretations to user departments/divisions and vendors.
  
• Develops solicitation documents.
  
• Effectively, strategically, and collaboratively utilizes economies of scale in order to maximize the City and County's ability to command the best services, prices, and the most cost effective, value-added solutions.
  
• Performs in-depth research, fact finding and other due diligence as may be required to support project requirements and contracting strategies.
  
• Researches technical aspects of goods, services and construction; consults with industry specialists to secure information regarding new products, improvements and cost-cutting alternatives.
  
• Performs due diligence related to business, technical, and legal issues to ensure that City and County departments/divisions have the requisite information to identify service providers, products, and detailed specifications and requirements.
  
• Sources all potential vendors by utilizing all available means; (i.e. internet and web posting, legal advertisement in newspapers, newsletter posting, bid/vendor lists, and specialized data searches) to make vendors or service providers aware of purchasing and contracting opportunities.
  
• Performs all formal bid statute guided processes such as advertisement, schedule and addenda posting, pre-bid meeting, site visit, bid opening, evaluation, tab preparation, notification of award and project close-out.
  
• Assists management with the resolution of bidder's protest in a timely manner.
  
• Verifies vendor/contractor insurance requirements, licenses and government accounts are valid and up-to-date as well as all bonding requirements met.
  
• Enters bid information into automated financial system; confirms order with vendor; in absence of senior staff signs purchase order; initiates contract and other pertinent paperwork/documentation; expedites completion/delivery.
  
• Handles dispute resolution by auditing charges with project manager(s) if required, contacts vendors and contractors to request documentation on disputed charges and/or discrepancies, ensures that terms of contract are met, provides responses to contract disputes and negotiations, handles adjustments and/or replacement of substandard materials, products and services and works to ensure a strong contractually-guided professional business relationship with all vendors, contractors, service providers, subcontractors and consultants.
  
• Develops and maintains procurement and contracting files as part of a system of contract administration and monitoring. Compiles data for reports and budgeting.
  
• Takes an active role in applying new creative technologies, trends, and efforts (E-Procurement, Cooperative Purchasing) to City and County procurements with the goal of keeping these entities at the forefront of best practices.
  
• Utilizes City and County Women and Minority Business Enterprise/Disadvantage Business Enterprise (WMBE/DBE) programs to ensure participation and inclusion of small businesses in contracting opportunities while also supporting the program where appropriate in outreach and networking activities.
  
• Meets with vendors, contractors and suppliers. Advises vendors on appropriate governmental procurement paperwork and process. Provides information on selling to the City and County, applications for vendor mailing list and the County's Small Works Roster, reviews all vendor, contractor and supplier applications and interviews vendors to obtain information related to product, price, service and availability. Contacts interested parties to advise them of upcoming opportunities.
  
• Writes business letters and creates documents.
  
• Assist Senior Buyer and Buyer II with the City Surplus Disposal Program.
  
• Requires regular and reliable attendance.
  
• Performs other job functions as assigned.
  

• Knowledge of modern governmental procurement principles, methods and best practices; pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and ordinances; freight and shipping; grades and quality of merchandise, sources of supply and price trends as related to procurement for both City and County.
  
• Knowledge of common business, industrial, and trade practices.
  
• Working knowledge of formal contract procedures.
  
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills, along with strong negotiation, communication and presentation skills.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, department/division managers, City and County employees, vendors and the public. Ability to deal with vendors to ensure adequate and timely response to purchasing needs.
  
• Ability to research purchasing issues for both City and County, evaluate information, and prepare summary reports.
  
• Working knowledge of computer spreadsheet, database, word-processing applications and office equipment.
  
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction. Ability to prioritize workload, multitask and manage multiple diverse projects with competing deadlines.
  

Major Worker Characteristics

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. May require constant focus on a computer screen for 2 hours at a time. Constant precise control of fingers and hand movements. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift and/or occasionally carry up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

None.

The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.

The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic!
• WA State PERS pension plan
• 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
• Leave accruals:
  • Vacation – Starting at 7.67 hours/month
  • Sick – 8 hours/month
  • Personal holiday – 2 days
  • Observed holiday – 11 holidays
• Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
• Life Insurance
• Much more!