Staff Buyer

Pay Schedule I, Grade 30, Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week

A vacancy exists in the Office of Budget and Finance.  

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time. 

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application.  Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note:  Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered.  A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position.  Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You MUST attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered.  Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Under general supervision, prepares technical specifications for commodities and services; prepares, evaluates and awards informal bids and advertised solicitations, and purchases supplies, materials, and equipment of moderate complexity for various County agencies.

• Locates suppliers, compares costs, and purchases a variety of supplies, materials, and equipment used by County agencies. 
• Reviews requisitions and determines most efficient method of procurement. 
• Determines and prepares technical specifications for commodities and services.
• Prepares, evaluates, and awards informal and formal bids and requests for proposals. 
• Issues blanket orders and price agreements and monitors usage.
• Coordinates changes in design, specifications, or parts. 
• Maintains good working relationships with vendors and manufacturers. 
• Interviews salespersons and vendors.
• Keeps informed of governmental purchasing policies and supply functions. 
• Reviews trade publications, periodicals, and journals. 
• Analyzes price listings and changes in market trends. 
• Uses computer, prepares reports, and maintains records.

Examples of Other Duties

• Assists in performing cost analysis and value analysis. 
• Assists in developing standards for materials and supplies. 
• Acts as lead worker and trains subordinate purchasing personnel. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.

plus

Two years' professional experience in purchasing a variety of commodities and writing original specifications.

(Additional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required education. Education beyond a bachelor's degree may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two years for the required experience. Designation as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or a Certified Associate Contracts Manager (CACM) may be substituted for one year of the required education or experience. Designation as a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), or Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) may be substituted for two years of the required education or experience.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level):
Knowledge of a variety of commodities and market conditions. Knowledge of purchasing and material management principles and practices. Knowledge of business law applicable to purchasing. Knowledge of office procedures. Knowledge of basic statistical methods.

Writing skill necessary to prepare specifications for goods and services, proposals, and reports. Skill in performing mathematical calculations. Negotiation and mediation skills. Oral communication skills.

Ability to plan and schedule purchasing activities. Ability to locate sources of supply. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with County agencies and vendors. Ability to understand and interpret Federal, State, and local laws and regulations pertaining to governmental purchasing. Ability to use a computer in performance of duties. Ability to maintain records.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance):
Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and regulations governing public purchasing activities. Knowledge of County and departmental purchasing procedures and requirements. Knowledge of County and Departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to performance of duties.

Skill in preparing specifications, proposals, and reports. Skill in locating sources of supply. Skill in planning and scheduling purchasing activities. Skill in maintaining records.

Ability to perform cost analysis and value analysis. Ability to evaluate specifications and to develop standards for materials and supplies. Ability to lead and instruct others.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN: Staff Buyer
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204

You MUST attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions.  Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Physical and Environmental Conditions
These positions are essentially sedentary with occasional walking, lifting, or other restricted physical activity.

Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education, and fingerprinting checks.

Salary : $60,729 - $69,269