Purchasing Agent

The Department of Health Services (DHS) is currently recruiting for a Purchasing Agent that will work at Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI) and Central Wisconsin Center (CWC) under a shared business office model.

Both MMHI and CWC are located on the north side of Madison. MMHI and CWC offer a beautiful campus environment, convenient free parking and an onsite workout facility. MMHI is an inpatient psychiatric facility, with one outpatient program, specializing in serving patients with complex psychiatric conditions, often combined with certain problem behaviors. MMHI is an integral part of the entire Wisconsin mental health service delivery system.

CWC provides short-term and long-term residential services to assist people living with intellectual disabilities in acquiring the personal skills needed to reach their highest potential. CWC also has a 24/7 fitness center, free parking, and is on the Madison Metro bus route.

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time.
• Top rated health plan options starting at $42/month for single plans and $104/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• Exceptional pension plan with a 6.95% employer match in 2025 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High Deductible Health Savings.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

This position has the ability to work remotely up to 2 days per week and is required to report to the MMHI facility located in Madison. This schedule is based on training and operational needs.

Work hours for this position are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

As the Purchasing Agent, you will assist with the procurement of goods and services for both MMHI and CWC. This includes conducting Simplified Bids, Purchase Requisitions, Purchase Order creation and contract management. This position is also responsible for:

• Creating, Monitoring, and/or maintaining purchase order for department purchases.
• Focusing on procurement and contract administration of inventory.
• Researching for alternative products and getting the approvals necessary.

The salary is between $31.00 and $32.50 per hour (approximately between $64,400 and $67,600 per year) plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required.

Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is in the classification, Purchasing Agent Objective and is in pay schedule and range 07/04.

All applicants will be required to allow DHS to conduct a Caregiver background check to determine whether the circumstances of any convictions may be related to the job being filled.

All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by the facility or medical personnel directed by the facility within 30 days of the start date.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Experience with purchasing in a warehouse or inventory setting including purchase requisitions and orders.
• Experience reviewing purchasing specifications for accuracy, budget and delivery time frames.
• Experience using computer software (e.g., Excel, Word, Access, STAR/Oracle, etc.) to enter or process financial information/transactions (e.g., requisitions, purchase orders, account coding, etc.).
• Experience providing customer service (e.g., answering questions, responding to inquiries, etc.) to both internal and external customers on the procurement process.

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience with government purchasing using mandatory and statewide contracts.
• Experience purchasing in a long-term care or health care facility.
• Experience using WI STAR Financial System (an Oracle software).

Your letter of qualifications is limited to one (1) page. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Sign in to your account or click “Register Now” to create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Helpful Information:

• Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
• Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above.
• Please monitor your email for communications related to this position.
• Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.
• If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs.
• For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Rachel Libera in Human Resources at rachel.libera@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s Affairs, click here.

The deadline to apply is 04/01/25 at 11:59 pm. Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.