Buyer Technician

Location: Nutrition Services, Teacher and Administrative Center, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131

Reports To: Executive Director of Nutrition Services

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 12-month year-round / Salaried Exempt

Salary Schedule: This is a non-negotiated position. Compensation and benefits will be administered consistently with District policy.  Salary schedule S26/91C Technician 3 starts at $70,359.89 per year. Salary credit may be awarded for applicable experience.

Position Purpose:

The Nutrition Services Buyer Technician should be familiar with institutional food service. This position will serve as a liaison between the Nutrition Services staff and supply sources, such as the warehouse, vendors, and other kitchens/cafeterias, to facilitate the purchase of equipment and food and support the successful operations of cafeterias and the Nutrition Services Department.   The position initiates purchase orders, writes, issues, and evaluates bids.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Write, issue, and evaluate bids; coordinate the supply of all food, paper, office supplies, services, and equipment with the warehouse, schools, and/or vendors to meet production schedules, including the annual order, requisitions, purchase orders, and daily purchases.
• Assists in the organization and preparation of complex bid and/or contract specifications.
• Ensures bids meet established criteria and regulations, and attends bid openings.
• Expedites and follows up on late or non-delivered items.
• Arranges the return or exchange of damaged or defective goods.
• Provides information on product source and availability.
• Resolves incorrect shipments for warehouse receiving personnel.
• Organize and sort large and small Nutrition Services' equipment sent to the warehouse from schools.
• Ensure all received items meet the specifications established in the bids, resolve any discrepancies, and track vendor/manufacturer issues.
• Monitor and verify the inventory level of all supplies and equipment for the Nutrition Services Department.
• Arrange and track equipment repairs and warranties for Nutrition Services' equipment.
• Approve invoices for payment and log equipment repairs, which include resolving invoice discrepancies.  
• Compile and prepare auction items and communicate them to the appropriate persons.
• Complete calculations for surveys and other required reports.
• Coordinate transfers of equipment, food, and other materials to district buildings as needed.
• Expected to maintain a high degree of confidentiality at all times.

Additional Duties: 

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor or other central office administrators designated by the Superintendent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management or related field, preferred.
• Preferred successful work experience as a buyer in purchasing supplies, equipment, and services.
• Strong organizational, office management, and time management skills, including the ability to handle multiple projects with strong attention to detail and work effectively under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated skill in basic accounting procedures.
• Demonstrated skill in bid preparation, writing, and analysis, as well as product testing.
• Experience with PeopleSoft preferred.
• Strong knowledge and experience in computer technology as it relates to purchasing procedures and Windows applications.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Skills pertinent to positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with staff members and the community in a multicultural urban setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of good customer and vendor relations.

Equipment:

This position requires the use of basic office equipment, including computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines. Must always comply with OPS's guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Local travel will be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Work in office environments, school buildings, and warehouse settings.
• Ability to lift, move, and reposition objects and materials - frequently exerting force equal to lifting fifty (50) pounds.

Interrelations:

• Contact with district personnel, customers, and vendors.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor to complete day-to-day tasks.
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• For departments and/or schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours on each designated workday, unless they have approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Terms of Employment

This position is considered a full-time, exempt, classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

The offer of employment is contingent upon: 

• Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining "Highly Qualified status," etc.), as identified, and maintaining all licenses, certificates, and requirements for your position throughout employment.
• A background check that demonstrates to OPS that the background is acceptable for the position.
• Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for the position offered).
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for the position offered).

Omaha public schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)   

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact the Talent Services department at 531-299-0240.