Buyer

Position Title: Buyer

`Reports To: Director of Visitor Services

FLSA Status: Exempt, Salary

Schedule: Full Time / 40 hours

Salary / Pay Range: $70,000 – $90,000

Location: Twentynine Palms, CA (Travel between locations required)

Benefits: Sick and Annual paid leave accrued per pay period/all employees. Medical, Dental and Vision options. Simple IRA available with 3% match after 90 days of employment

Position Summary

The Buyer is responsible for overseeing inventory planning, purchasing, and product strategy across JTNPA’s visitor center retail locations. This role ensures appropriate product selection aligned with JTNPA’s mission, optimizes sales performance, and maintains efficient inventory levels.

The Buyer develops vendor relationships, analyzes sales trends, manages purchasing processes, and collaborates with internal teams to support retail operations and visitor experience. This position also supervises support staff and ensures compliance with National Park Service (NPS) partnership expectations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Research, evaluate, and select products for visitor centers in alignment with cooperating association guidelines and JTNPA’s mission.
• Present product selections through required approval channels and ensure compliance with NPS partnership standards.
• Forecast purchasing needs and maintain appropriate inventory levels across all locations to ensure product availability while minimizing overstock.
• Analyze sales trends, seasonal demand, and customer purchasing behavior to inform buying decisions.
• Monitor product performance using key metrics (sell-through, margins, inventory turnover) and adjust purchasing strategies accordingly.
• Identify and discontinue underperforming products and recommend new product offerings.
• Develop and maintain strong vendor and wholesaler relationships, including negotiating pricing, terms, and delivery schedules.
• Identify and onboard new vendors aligned with organizational values and visitor needs.
• Create and manage purchase orders; ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices in coordination with accounting.
• Partner with Finance to support budget tracking, expense reconciliation, and inventory-related reporting.
• Oversee full physical inventories and cycle counts; investigate discrepancies and maintain inventory accuracy.
• Implement and maintain inventory control procedures and audit readiness.
• Maintain organization and efficiency of warehouse operations to support distribution to all locations.
• Collaborate with merchandiser and store leadership to ensure strong product presentation and availability.
• Plan seasonal product assortments and coordinate promotional strategies aligned with peak visitation periods.
• Identify and support monthly sales initiatives to drive revenue.
• Utilize retail and inventory systems to track product performance, maintain accurate records, and generate reports.
• Ensure accurate product setup including pricing, SKU creation, and categorization.
• Supervise and support Assistant Buyer and warehouse employees; provide training, direction, and performance feedback.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Visitor Services, Marketing, and Leadership teams.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, safety standards, and NPS partnership expectations.
• Conduct annual merchandise and price point evaluations for the Scope of Sales report to the park.
• Oversee the procurement, inventory, and distribution of park passes.
• Attend at least one annual industry convention, including multi-day and out-of-state travel

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position directly supervises the Assistant Buyer and warehouse employees.

Required Qualifications

• Several years of experience in retail buying, merchandising, inventory management, or related field
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales and inventory data.
• Experience with purchasing processes, vendor management, and inventory systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel required), experience with accounting or POS systems.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and collaboratively.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Relevant work experience required; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations

Must possess a current California State Driver's License

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use hands for extended periods.
• Frequent use of computers and office equipment
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to reach, bend, and perform repetitive motions.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a combination of office, warehouse, and retail environments. Conditions may include:

• Moderate noise levels typical of retail and office settings
• Occasional exposure to outdoor conditions and varying temperatures
• Travel between JTNPA locations may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

JTNPA is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by California or federal law.

At-Will Employment

Employment with JTNPA is at-will. This means that either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

JTNPA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $70,000 – $90,000 annually. Placement within this range will be based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, education, and job-related skills.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) 3% Match
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000 - $90,000