Purchasing Agent

POSITION TITLE: Purchasing Agent
DEPARTMENT: Finance / Purchasing
LOCATION: Longview, WA
REPORTS TO: Purchasing Manager
STATUS: Hourly, fulltime
WAGE RANGE: $34.35 - $41.25 per hour

Close Date: July 24, 2026

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Coordinates activities involved with procuring services and goods such as raw materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and advertising. Assesses suppliers, products, services and negotiates prices and contracts to ensure the optimal price, availability, and delivery of goods and services. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and Administration department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Reviews purchase orders and requisitions; researches and compares vendors, suppliers, goods and services; confers with vendors to obtain product or service information such as price, availability, and delivery schedule.
• Estimates value according to knowledge of market price and does cost and value analysis.
• Determines method of procurement such as direct purchase or bid.
• Selects the most suitable suppliers in terms of reliability, product quality and cost efficiency.
• Requests and reviews bid proposals; negotiates contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority; prepares purchase orders or bid requests.
• Maintains procurement records such as items or services purchased costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories; maintains records of all transactions.
• Discusses defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, users, vendors, and others to determine source of issues and takes corrective action.
• Assists in establishing certified vendors.
• Interfaces with accounting staff to insure proper payment of invoices.
• Schedules and verifies purchase deliveries; expedites delivery of goods to users as requested.
• Monitors inventory levels and determines purchase needs.
• Prepares and processes purchase orders.
• Maintains a positive long-term relationship with suppliers.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of purchasing policies and practices and cost analysis techniques.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, database and accounting software programs in a Windows environment.
• Skill in statistical compilations and analysis.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying cultural and social backgrounds.
• Ability to analyze, compare and interpret facts and figures.
• Ability to analyze financial information and draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to prepare complex, accurate financial statements and reports.
• Ability to read, comprehend, explain and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two years of experience in purchasing and procurement of goods and services.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Travel may be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.