What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Agent position at State of Pennsylvania?
Salary : $44,890.00 - $67,678.00 Annually
Location : Chester County, PA
Job Type : Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number : CSSC-2025-16142-02610
Department : Department of Health
Division : HL Div Op Qlty Assur
Opening Date : 01 / 22 / 2025
Closing Date : 2 / 4 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Eastern
Job Code : 02610
Position Number : 00070485
Union : AFSCME
Bargaining Unit : A1
Pay Group : ST05
Bureau / Division Code : 00077341
Bureau / Division : Bureau of Laboratories / Division of Operations and Quality Assurance
Worksite Address : 110 Pickering Way
City : Exton, Pennsylvania
Zip Code : 19341
Contact Name : John Renninger
Contact Email : jorenninge@pa.gov
THE POSITION
Come join the Department of Health as a Purchasing Agent! The Bureau of Laboratories is looking for a highly motivated individual with strong attention to detail to join our team and support our mission in aiding patient care and improving public health in Pennsylvania. Apply today if you enjoy using your proactive mindset to tackle challenges and find effective solutions!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As a Purchasing Agent, you will support the Bureau of Laboratories through administrative and operational work. Your duties will include processing requests for laboratory supplies and equipment, resolving issues with the receipt of goods or services, and ensuring timely payment of invoices. In this position, you will coordinate engagement with vendors and educate staff on procurement policies and procedures. Additionally, you will work with the Department of Health's Office of Procurement to finalize purchase orders, develop contracts, and complete other purchasing activities.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information :
- Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
- Work hours are 8 : 00 AM to 4 : 30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
- Telework : You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) full-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Exton.
- Salary : In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam / junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements :
Other Requirements :
Legal Requirements :
How to Apply :
Veterans :
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) :
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
your score may be lower than deserved.
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Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work / Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
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Selective Criteria - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
If you answered yes, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N / A in the text box below.
How many years of full-time experience in purchasing work involving contact with vendors in the procurement of a variety of supplies, materials, equipment, or services do you possess?
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N / A in the text box below.
How many years of full-time experience in requisitioning, receiving, storing, distributing, and maintaining inventory of goods do you possess?
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N / A in the text box below.
How much college coursework have you completed?
If you are claiming credits / degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience / training. List the employer(s) / training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience / training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - MONITORING INVENTORY
Monitors inventory by collecting data (such as usage, levels on hand, amount on order / back order) for the purpose of estimating and / or evaluating quantities in preparing contracts prior to ordering, and / or maintaining an adequate inventory of necessary items, authorizing reorder requests when the stock on hand reaches a reorder point. Periodically checks records of frequency and / or amount of items requisitioned by operating departments to estimate the reorder point of stock items, and the amount of items required.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N / A in the box below.
1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.2. The type(s) of inventory you monitored.3. The actual duties you performed.4. Your level of responsibility.
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - ORDERING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Reviews purchase requests initiated by operations personnel to ensure the requests contain accurate, clear, concise and specific service / product specifications. It also includes consulting with operations personnel and / or returning requests to originators for clarification when necessary; placing orders with vendors; checking with operations or warehouse personnel to ensure that products / services are delivered properly and timely, and / or maintaining a list of prospective vendors to include revising the list by addition or deletion of vendors based on their performance.
Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N / A in the box below.
1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.2. The type(s) of products and services you ordered.3. The actual duties you performed.4. Your level of responsibility.
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - CONTACTING VENDORS Contacts vendors to request comments on proposed standards and specifications, expedite late shipments, arrange for exchanges / returns of incorrect / defective products or services and resolve other purchase related problems. This also involves obtaining or clarifying purchasing information such as specifications and standards, product prices and shipping dates, and / or acting as a liaison person between the organization legal staff and vendors to answer vendor questions concerning standards and specifications, and organization purchasing / contracting / bidding procedures and obligations.
Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N / A in the box below.
1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.2. The type(s) of vendors you contacted.3. The actual duties you performed while contacting vendors.4. Your level of responsibility.
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - PREPARING, COLLECTING, AND EVALUATING PURCHASING DATA Prepares, collects, and evaluates data regarding standards and specifications and / or prices, availability, delivery rates / schedules, warehousing, and market trends of general commodities and products, liquor, electronic equipment, automotive, chemical, food, textiles, and / or furniture. This includes evaluating and / or performing extensive visual and physical testing, preparing reports on findings, and making recommendations on findings to administrative superiors so that decisions can be made regarding purchasing and / or usage of alternative products.
Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N / A in the box below.1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.2. The type(s) of data and methods you used to prepare, collect, and evaluate data.3. The actual duties you performed.4. Your level of responsibility.
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - PREPARING, REVIEWING, AND EVALUATING BIDS AND CONTRACTS Evaluates and / or prepares contracts, purchasing requisitions, and / or standardized invitation-to-bid forms to prospective vendors by including product / service specifications, dates of bid submission and product / service delivery, the amount of security payment required in advance to guarantee contract fulfillment. Enforces the deadline for bid submissions. Evaluates and analyzes bids prior to award for conformance to the requirements of the contracts. Awards or recommends the award of a contract to the lowest responsible bidder. In addition, checks with organization legal staff on problems concerning contract language and obligations, approving or rejecting vendor's requests for deviations from contract specifications. Evaluates vendor performance to determine necessity for amendments, extensions, or termination of contracts.
Levels of Performance Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N / A in the box below.
1. The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.2. The type(s) of bids and contracts you prepared, reviewed, and evaluated.3. The actual duties you performed.4. Your level of responsibility.
Required Question
Salary : $44,890 - $67,678
