THE POSITION

Are you interested in a career in purchasing where you have opportunities for professional growth? The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) is searching for a Purchasing Agent to work in the Southeast Regional Purchasing Group. The purpose of this position involves purchasing supplies, materials, equipment, and services for the State Correctional Institutions at Camp Hill, Chester, and Phoenix.

The DOC operates as one team, embraces diversity, and commits to enhancing public safety by providing individualized treatment and education to inmates, resulting in successful community reintegration through accountability and positive change. It takes a collective effort of several bodies of work to meet this mission, and we are looking for an experienced purchasing professional to join our team! This is your opportunity to bring public service to new heights while developing new skills and amplifying your career so apply today to not miss out on this opportunity!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As a Purchasing Agent, you perform technical purchasing work for the DOC. Duties include providing assistance and instruction to DOC staff in determining the appropriate methods for purchasing supplies, materials, equipment, or services. Also, you utilize purchasing computer systems used by the Commonwealth in compliance with regulations and polices, maintain the local agency purchasing request system, and utilize the Commonwealth's purchasing card to pay vendors. In addition, you are responsible for evaluating and resolving routine purchasing problems through contact with the Comptroller’s Office, Central Office procurement staff, and vendors.

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-hour work week
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, 1 day per week, after the successful completion of your 180 day probationary period and with approval of your supervisor. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Collegeville, PA.
• This position is eligible for retirement at age 60 or 65.
• Salary:Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $44,010 (before taxes).
• 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:

• Three years of experience in purchasing work involving contact with vendors in the procurement of a variety of supplies, materials, equipment, or services; or
• Three years of experience in requisitioning, receiving, storing, distributing, and maintaining inventory of goods; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training. Post-high school education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for purchasing or stores experience to a maximum of two years.

Additional Requirement:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirement:

• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

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.

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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.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.