What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Services & Fleet Specialist position at Field Institute?
Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000
Location: Bakersfield - Union Ave. (On-site)
SUMMARY
The Business Services & Fleet Operations Specialist is responsible for managing the organization’s business operations, procurement, and fleet logistics. This position oversees the acquisition and tracking of assets, including vehicles, electronic equipment, tools, educational materials, and facilities, while ensuring compliance with procurement policies, fleet management best practices, and operational efficiency across multiple departments. This role requires strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills to manage procurement and fleet operations effectively. The specialist serves as the primary liaison for vendors, service providers, and internal departments, ensuring seamless business and fleet operations while maintaining compliance with company policies and regulations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The following list provides examples of the most typical duties for positions in this job class. The list does not include all of the work that may be assigned to positions in this job class. Other duties may be assigned as needed.
- Oversee the entire procurement lifecycle, including books, vehicles, computers, educational materials, tools, and facility-related purchases.
- Develop, maintain, and implement procurement policies that align with organizational and industry best practices.
- Evaluate and manage vendor contracts, service agreements, and maintenance contracts, providing recommendations for cost efficiency and quality improvements.
- Prepare and analyze reports to support strategic business decisions, procurement planning, and fiscal-year-end processes.
- Create and maintain digital inventory tracking systems for fleet vehicles, tools, and technology assets.
- Conduct periodic audits and reconcile inventory discrepancies to ensure asset accountability.
- Coordinate and oversee fleet vehicle maintenance, repairs, and compliance inspections.
- Maintain records of vehicle registrations, mileage tracking, fuel usage, and adherence to transportation regulations.
- Implement and oversee fleet safety programs, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor fleet utilization and efficiency, optimizing scheduling and dispatching.
- Develop and implement procedures for roadside assistance coordination and emergency fleet support.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors, service providers, and internal staff regarding fleet operations.
- Ensure strict adherence to company policies, safety regulations, and legal compliance in procurement and fleet operations.
- Conduct risk assessments related to asset procurement, vendor selection, and fleet management.
- Enforce safety protocols, conducting periodic reviews and audits to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Support emergency response planning related to fleet operations and procurement risks.
REQUIRED SKILLS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Comprehensive knowledge of procurement and inventory management best practices.
- Strong understanding of fleet operations, logistics, and transportation regulations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and inventory tracking software.
- Ability to analyze data and generate reports to support decision-making.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with experience working with vendors and service providers.
- Exceptional problem-solving and organizational abilities, with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ensure accuracy in procurement processes, reporting, and communication.
- Conduct thorough document and contract reviews to maintain high-quality standards.
- May be required to supervise staff involved in procurement, asset management, or fleet operations.
- Anticipate operational challenges and develop proactive solutions.
- Apply critical thinking to prioritize tasks and mitigate risks.
- Effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Adapt to changing priorities and operational demands.
- Foster positive relationships with staff, vendors, and stakeholders.
- Promote a collaborative and professional work environment.
- Handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
- Uphold organizational values and ethical business practices.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS/ REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in business administration, logistics, supply chain management, or a related field.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
- Minimum of two to four years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, logistics, or business operations.
- Experience in fleet management, vendor negotiations, and contract evaluation is highly preferred.
- Must possess a valid California driver’s license and be insurable under the organization's auto insurance carrier.
- Certifications in procurement, logistics, or fleet management are a plus.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be able to travel as needed for vendor meetings, fleet inspections, and operational support.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business documents, reports, and contracts.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly to stakeholders.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Mobility: Frequently required to stand, sit, walk, kneel, and crouch while performing job duties.
- Lifting: Must be able to lift and move up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Bending/Stooping/Kneeling: Occasionally required to bend, stoop, or kneel.
- Manual Dexterity: Frequent use of a computer keyboard and mouse, as well as other office equipment such as telephones, copiers, and printers.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Primarily office-based, with frequent travel to facilities, vendor locations, and fleet service centers.
- May be exposed to outdoor weather conditions when performing fleet-related tasks.
Salary : $65,000 - $75,000