JOB
The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified candidates for Purchasing Agent Trainee.This Job Announcement will remain open until a sufficient number of applications are received and may close at any time.The Purchasing Agent Trainee (Trainee) key responsibilities include performing purchasing functions and supporting Purchasing Agents during the preparation, solicitation, and award of contracts. The Trainee would work under close supervision, according to Purchasing Division procedures. The Trainee would be responsible for small procurements (research, preparing, advertising, and processing of awards), assisting with the procurement contract renewal process(including standardizations), purchase order modifications, vendor outreach, and preparing files and memoranda, as directed.This is an exciting opportunity in the Purchasing Division, which provides a unified purchasing system for Broward County Board of County Commissioners agencies. The Purchasing Division ensures integrity and fairness, with centralized responsibility for oversight of solicitation, vendor selection, negotiation, award, contract management, reporting and emergency logistical support. The Trainee would support the Division's functions, while gaining valuable experience and knowledge.General Description: Performs support duties in an agency in order to gain knowledge, skills and professional experience. Works under close to general supervision according to set procedures and work is reviewed through observation of performance, frequent conferences and reports.Employees participating in the Trainee Program/Classification receive hands-on work experience and on-the-job training, which may be supplemented by related educational activities. These activities may include participation in County training or skills development programs, requisite external educational coursework, and/or completion of certificate programs.Through this Trainee Program, an individual who does not meet all minimal requirements for a specific job classification has an opportunity to gain the job experience and/or training necessary to qualify and potentially transition into the job classification.Minimum Education and Experience RequirementsTo be eligible for participation individual must be at least 18 years of age and able to comply with all applicable County employment guidelines.Must also be able to fulfill the minimum job requirements of the associated job classification the employee is training for within a maximum of two (2) years from the date of hire.Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business, public administration, or closely related field.(One year of relevant experience may be substituted for each year of required education.)Requires two (2) years in a large centralized public or private sector purchasing operation with some lead work experience or closely related experience.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Duties and responsibilities depend significantly upon the classification the incumbent is in training for Purchasing Agent. The functions listed below are general in nature for time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job as necessary.Receives training and performs duties related to the area of assignment.Observes experienced workers/management to acquire knowledge of work methods, procedures and standards required for successful performance in the job the incumbent is training for.Performs hands-on work and receives on-the-job training relevant to the training position/area.Applies research techniques and analytical methods to the study of administrative systems, organizational structures, policies and procedures related to the area of assignment.Conducts special studies in conjunction with a project; analyzes data and makes recommendations based upon research; Prepares project reports and related data.Responsible for project assignments, research and analysis.Provides administrative and/or operational support to the agency which may include relevant reporting, data-entry, presentation creation, strategic planning or customer service.Performs related work as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
CompetenciesDecision QualityMakes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward. Seeks coaching from others to address routine problems; learns to handle these issues effectively. Bases decisions and actions on relevant rules and procedures.Action OrientedTakes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. Tackles what needs to be done with enthusiasm, working quickly and without undue oversight.Demonstrates Self-Awareness-AwarenessUses a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses. Seeks and responds to constructive feedback in a positive and professional way. Seeks to understand own impact on others; acknowledges mistakes and finds ways to avoid repeating them.Self-DevelopmentActively seeks new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels. Takes advantage of available opportunities to update knowledge, skills, and abilities and to apply them on the job. Seeks guidance concerning opportunities and resources for continuous learning and development.Nimble LearningLearns through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder. Shows a clear desire to learn and questions others to gain new knowledge. Deals appropriately with first-time or unusual problems; seeks relevant guidance and support. Learns from mistakes.County Core ValuesAll Broward County employees strive to demonstrate the County's four core behavioral competencies.Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.Customer focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.Instills trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.Values differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ComplianceBroward County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion. Broward County is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. We support the hiring of people with disabilities; therefore, if you require assistance due to a disability, please contact the Professional Standards Section in advance at 954-357-6500 or email Profstandards@broward.org to make an accommodation request.Emergency Management ResponsibilitiesNote: During emergency conditions, all County employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. County employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and are expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.County-wide Employee ResponsibilitiesAll Broward County employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies.All Broward County employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.