Buyer

Thank you for your interest in a career with us! The Northshore School District is committed to a diverse workforce that reflects our students and our community, one that embraces and models equity and cultural competency.  

JOB SUMMARY

This position works under the direction of the Lead Buyer, reports to the Contracts and Procurement Manager, and is responsible for assisting school and department staff with their purchasing needs in compliance with District, State, and professional business standards related to the procurement of goods and services.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary in consultation with the employee(s) involved.  

1. Reviews, edits, and approves district general fund requisitions in the district’s financial system under the direction of the Lead Buyer; serves as back up for ASB and Capital Fund purchase orders as needed; edits requisitions to district standards and coordinates with the Lead Buyer when necessary. Acts on requests for change orders and purchase order disencumbering for general fund; serves as back up to Lead Buyer for requests for change orders and to disencumber purchase orders for ASB and Capital Projects funds. Submits district-approved purchase orders for Manager/Authorized signatures.
2. Researches and makes recommendations regarding district products/standards when appropriate.
3. Acts on follow-up requests from schools/departments relating to purchase orders; contacts vendor for verification of receipt of order; notifies schools/departments of anticipated delivery dates; follows through with necessary documentation.
4. Facilitates return requests from schools/departments relating to general fund and serves as backup for ASB and Capital Projects when requested.
5. Works with Lead Buyer on training schools/departments on district’s purchasing processes; provide assistance to vendors and district staff. Assists in developing training material and guidance.
6. Assists with maintenance of district vendor database; updates when necessary; coordinates with accounting when necessary; assists schools/departments with selection of appropriate vendor; requests W9 form from vendors when necessary and updates vendor database.
7. Assists as needed on requests for additional information on products from vendors.
8. Assists Contracts and Procurement Manager with quotes and bids.
9. Maintains district’s Capitalized Fixed Assets records; coordinates annual inventory process under guidance of Contracts and Procurement Manager; tracks purchases of capitalized fixed assets and oversees the tagging of those assets.  Coordinates with departments and schools to collect annual inventory data.
10. Assists Contracts and Procurement Manager with Surplus requests, reviewing forms, obtaining approvals, and forwarding to Warehouse as appropriate.
11. Monitors the status and invoicing of Public Works projects as appropriate; collects and files all related paperwork, prepares projects for close-out. Identifies general fund public works contracts and tracks appropriate documentation
12. Performs related duties consistent with scope and intent of employee assignment.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports to the Contracts and Procurements Manager.     

WORKING CONDITIONS  

Required to sit for pronged periods; required to meet inflexible deadlines; required to assist in facilitating groups and communicate effectively, requires mental and visual concentration; requires prolonged exposure to visual display terminal; ability to lift 30 lbs.; may occasionally be required to work flexible and irregular hours to complete tasks.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS  

Education and Experience

Associates Degree or equivalent, with four years of related experience in procurement or purchasing , with hands-on experience in a fiscal software program.  Experience with a variety of technology equipment, software programs and product knowledge essential.  Experience interpreting statutes and/or regulations and applying to routine decision making.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with document editing or other activities requiring attention to detail.  Experience with procurement or purchasing in a public-sector position.  A familiarity with relevant RCWs and purchasing requirements for school districts.  Experience with the billing and close-out process for public works projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to read, write, speak, calculate, and communicate effectively.  Knowledge of purchasing practices and procedures; researching products, and preparation of large and complex orders.  Exercise high degree of independent judgement and make decisions within the scope of the job responsibilities to ensure the successful completion of task at hand.  Able to interpret and apply District policies and procedures daily. Strong technical skills, which includes dexterity and precision using a personal computer in order to streamline process/procedures when necessary.  Ability to handle flexible deadlines; frequent interruptions and must be extremely skilled in multi-tasking; ability to prioritize workload to meet deadlines. Good public relation skills essential, both within the district and outside, in dealing with staff and vendors.  Ability to train and instruct others.

Licenses/Special Requirements
Ability to operate computers and learn specific software programs.  Proficient with systems such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe.

SALARY $43.16 - $49.52. Salary is based upon the current 2025-26 NEOPA Professional/Technical Salary Schedule Salary (Level I); placement on the salary schedule will be determined by Human Resources DOE. FLSA Non-Exempt.

WORK YEAR 8.0 hours per day, 260 days per year.

BENEFITS  Washington state health insurance coverage (SEBB) and a Washington state retirement package, for eligible positions.  Generally, you are eligible for SEBB benefits if you are anticipated to work at least 630 hours per school year (September 1 through August 31). The School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) benefits include:

• Medical plans with prescription benefits
• Dental plans
• Vision plans
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Medical Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Dependent Care Assistance Program

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of background checks with prior employers and/or character references; satisfactory outcome of a criminal history background check (includes fingerprinting); satisfactory outcome of sexual misconduct information from prior school district employers; and approval by the Northshore School Board.  

Click here to view our Non-Discrimination Statement and Accommodation Policy.

Salary : $43 - $50