Purchasing Technician

Position descriptions/specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties, tasks, and responsibilities associated with a specified position. Therefore, descriptions/specifications may not include all duties performed by the individual.  

In addition, descriptions/specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the position/class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position/class.

Primary Purpose 

Performs manual and clerical work of a responsible nature in the requisition, receipt, inspection, storage, issuance, and ordering in a moderate size supply room. Position also provides administrative and clerical support of delegated responsibilities which supports finance department operations.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities 

Under general supervision of the Finance Director, the Purchasing/Storekeeper Clerk operates within the City of Sterling’s policies/procedures and quality standards while performing the following essential functions and responsibilities: 

(Essential functions are those functions that the individual who holds the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.) 

• Purchases approved supplies, materials, and equipment for City departments; prepares and maintains purchase orders and follows applicable purchasing and bidding procedures.
• Maintains computerized stock and inventory records; monitors stock levels, organizes warehouse supplies, reconciles physical inventory counts, and assists with periodic and annual inventories.
• Receives, inspects, and documents deliveries at the Service Center warehouse; checks items against orders, invoices, and packing slips; resolves discrepancies and coordinates with vendors.
• Shops locally for authorized City purchases; picks up and delivers supplies, materials, and equipment to City departments and facilities using appropriate City vehicles and safe handling practices.
• Maintains fixed asset and equipment records, including asset additions and related documentation; supports asset management, inventory tracking, and year-end financial audit requests.
• Maintains related records, including City vehicle licensing and registrations, and organizes purchasing and vendor documentation; reviews invoices and codes appropriate general ledger accounts.
• Serves as a liaison between the Service Center, Finance Department, vendors, and other City departments; cross-trains in assigned Finance duties and provides backup support, including collections and other authorized financial or clerical functions. Operates pallet jacks, forklifts, and other warehouse equipment when trained and authorized; follows safety procedures. Performs other related duties as assigned by the Finance Director.

Supervision of Others:

Has no responsibility for supervision.

Qualifications 

The degree of knowledge, ability and physical requirements as outlined under this section is that which is necessary to satisfactory perform the essential functions of this position. Employees should be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential physical functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities and possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to perform safely the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge of:

• City of Sterling purchasing policies, Municipal Code bidding procedures, and purchasing and procurement practices;
• Routine software and business applications including, but not limited, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and databases;
• Purchasing methods, procedures, and techniques of specification writing;
• Scope and application of laws and regulations pertaining to purchasing and general accounting programs;
• Lifting techniques sufficient to be able to move heavy items;
• Modern office practices and procedures;
• Operation of standard office equipment including phones, fax machines, copiers, and computers

Ability to: 

• Organize daily work schedule to optimize daily productivity to meet established departmental goals
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with senior City management, employees, other agencies, and the general public.  
• Maintain accurate electronic inventory, stock, and asset records; reconcile physical counts and review supporting reports;
• Inspect delivered supplies, materials, and equipment for quality, quantity, and compliance with specifications;
• Perform arithmetic computations (examples: add, subtract, multiply, divide, and use percentages  rapidly and accurately and to perform routine clerical tasks such as typing, filing or use10-key calculator;
• Operate a forklift or other power driven equipment to move or lift supplies or equipment;
• Verify invoices, purchase orders, packing slips, and asset documentation; assign appropriate general ledger coding;
• Communicate in an effective, cordial, tactful, and professional manner suitable for the situation while performing activities in which employee must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to  supervised employees  and other members of the general public and vendors;
• Represent department and City of Sterling in a positive, responsive manner to the public, fellow employees, and supporters;
• Comprehend and follow complex written and/or oral instructions, to compile information, to complete and file accurate reports, with minimal supervision; 
• Demonstrate the safe operation, and performance of minor maintenance of  equipment associated with or used in course of  accomplishing  the primary purpose(s) of the position;
• Deal with the public in a cordial, tactful and professional manner which serves to maintain and develop effective working relationships with clientele. 
• Exercise sound judgment, reasoning and decision making which produces logical and consistent results and outcomes

Physical Requirements:

• Physical requirements include ability to extend hands(s) and arm(s) in any direction; pick, pinch, work with fingers and palm as well as whole hand; moderate physical works requiring the ability to lift fifty (50) pounds; some lifting and carrying objects weighing up to twenty-five(25) pounds; some pushing, pulling, and climbing; move about on foot to accomplish tasks; push/pull, lift, move, draw/drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion for extended periods of time. 
• Physical mobility sufficient to negotiate work areas to perform the primary purpose of the position. 
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboard devices requiring repetitive arm/hand movements. 
• Cognitive ability sufficient to perform simple mathematical calculations;
• Visual acuity sufficient to perform work which deals largely with preparing/reviewing reports and records, driving vehicles and for visual inspection which may involve small parts/defects in equipment.
• Hearing acuity sufficient to receive, comprehend and understand detailed information through oral communications, telephone conversations, radio traffic, etc., and to make fine discriminations in sounds in order to perform duties safely.

Working Conditions 

Work is performed in office and Service Center warehouse settings and involves receiving deliveries, local purchasing trips, and travel to various City facilities. Exposure to warehouse equipment, varying temperatures, and routine handling of supplies may occur; applicable safety practices must be followed.

Marginal Functions

• May serve on special City task forces
• Subject to 24-hour call back for emergency conditions;
• May work non-standard hours such as evenings, weekends and holidays.
• May assist in special projects as needed or otherwise delegated.

Education, Experience, & Training 

Education:

• High School or G.E.D.     

Experience:

• One (1) year of purchasing and inventory control experience. Experience with asset management, fixed asset records, stock control, warehouse operations, and receiving and distributing supplies is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Possess and maintain the appropriate CO operator’s license for the type of City owned vehicle which the employee may operate in the scope of employment. Ability to travel locally, pick up and deliver purchases, and complete assigned Finance Department cross-training.

What We Offer

• Health coverage you can count on – Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options.
• Peace of mind – City-paid life and AD&D insurance, plus options to add more coverage for you and your family.
• Support when you need it – Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Time to recharge – Paid time off starting at 7.39 hours per pay period (and growing with service) plus paid holidays.
• Future-focused – 5.37% City contribution to a 401(a) retirement plan after one year, plus voluntary 457(b) pre-tax and Roth savings plans.
• Wellness perks – Incentives for participating in wellness activities, and free access for you and your household to the Sterling Recreation Center and Logan County Shooting Range.
• Extra protection – Optional supplemental insurance plans, plus legal and identity protection options.
• Always here for you – 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Program for counseling, resources, and work-life balance support.

View our full benefits package here.

The City of Sterling is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.

Apply Now – Position Open Until Filled

If you're ready to start a meaningful job with strong benefits, training support, and long-term growth potential, apply today!

Salary : $21 - $28