What are the responsibilities and job description for the Purchasing Agent position at SUNY Ulster?
Bargaining Unit: OPAP
Grade: IV
Salary: Exempt
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Priority Screening: May 1, 2026
Position Overview:The Purchasing Agent reports to the Dean for Administration - Financial Services and is responsible for performing a variety of routine purchasing tasks to guarantee that all preparation for departmental competitive quotes, bids, and requests for proposal are prepared following prescribed guidelines. The incumbent obtains prices and quotations of a wide range of materials, supplies, and equipment and works in collaboration with vendors and sales people to ensure that the orders are in compliance with agreed upon terms. The Purchasing Agent will also be responsible to coordinate and process purchasing for all College Departments to ensure timely delivery of supplies, materials, and equipment, and for monitoring vendor compliance with bid specifications, review and drafting of vendor contracts and vendor insurance.
Key Responsibilities:
Additional InformationSUNY Ulster offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, NYS or SUNY TIAA Retirement Plan, SUNY Perks, tuition waivers, including dependent waivers, and tuition assistance.
In addition, OPAP-covered members receive, on an annual basis: 24 vacation days, 12 sick days, 6 personal days, and 12 holidays including 3 floating holidays. In addition, the College is closed on the day prior to Thanksgiving, and between December 26 - January, 1, known as the Holiday Curtailment.
Application Process:The position is open until filled. However, to ensure consideration, application materials should be received via email by May 1, 2026 at 4:00 pm EST to be given priority consideration. Applications received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be reviewed. SUNY Ulster reserves the right to close, continue, cancel, postpone or restart the recruitment at any time.
Applicants must submit the following materials to be considered for the position:
SUNY Ulster is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The college encourages applications from all qualified applicants. This position is contingent upon adequate funding. Offer and assignment of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, credentials, transcripts, fingerprint check, verification of the right to work in the United States and all other required pre-employment conditions are met.
Applicants who are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and who, due to a disability, require accommodations for completing the application process, testing (if required for the position), or the interview, should notify the Human Resources Office 10 working days before the accommodation is required.
Neither the smoking of tobacco (nor other substances) nor the use of electronic vaporizers is permitted on the campus grounds.
SUNY Ulster does not reimburse applicants for travel, lodging or any other costs incurred by applicant to attend interviews. All interviewing costs incurred will be the responsibility of the applicant. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. Internal applicants are not guaranteed an interview.
Conditions of EmploymentEmployment with SUNY Ulster is not complete or official until applicants meet all pre-employment requirements, and the Board of Trustees has approved. Offer and assignment of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, fingerprint check, verification of the right to work in the United States and all other required pre-employment conditions are met.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Grade: IV
Salary: Exempt
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Priority Screening: May 1, 2026
Position Overview:The Purchasing Agent reports to the Dean for Administration - Financial Services and is responsible for performing a variety of routine purchasing tasks to guarantee that all preparation for departmental competitive quotes, bids, and requests for proposal are prepared following prescribed guidelines. The incumbent obtains prices and quotations of a wide range of materials, supplies, and equipment and works in collaboration with vendors and sales people to ensure that the orders are in compliance with agreed upon terms. The Purchasing Agent will also be responsible to coordinate and process purchasing for all College Departments to ensure timely delivery of supplies, materials, and equipment, and for monitoring vendor compliance with bid specifications, review and drafting of vendor contracts and vendor insurance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist departments in the development of bid specifications.
- Consults with departments regarding goods to be purchased which best meet their needs and completes related detail in regard to the same.
- Assist in the development of scope of services for professional service contracts.
- Reviews contracts for purchase of materials.
- Drafts proposals, bids and quotes (RFP, RFQ, RFB) r.
- Staff and participate in RFP review committees.
- Enter requisitions into Banner Financial System.
- Develop an active listing of all annual commodity bidding. Said list shall be compared to existing commodity bids to determine applicability to existing bids (Ulster County, NYSOGS, SUNY, Preferred Sources.)
- Act as the College liaison for all College procurement requests.
- Obtain all applicable vendor forms for vendor approval.
- Coordinate and consolidate College Department’s procurement requests.
- Maintain contracts and insurance records of vendors as needed.
- Recommend process and policy changes to maintain compliance and strong internal controls.
- Coordinates the P-Card program with accounting staff.
- Supervise and provide back-up support for ancillary services.
- Maintains general office supply and toner stock, and processes related departmental orders.
- Prepares reports and answers correspondence.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Associate’s Degree.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Must possess a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to successfully multi-task.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Commitment to community college goals and objectives of providing quality programs and services for culturally, socio-economically, ethnically, and academically diverse students and students with disabilities; personal qualities to work effectively and with sensitivity in a multicultural environment; awareness of and commitment to the needs of non-traditional and/or re-entry students with diverse abilities and interests.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or a related field.
- Prior experience and working knowledge of procurement laws, regulations and processes.
- Experience in the drafting of, and review of contracts to ensure compliance with bid specifications.
Additional InformationSUNY Ulster offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, NYS or SUNY TIAA Retirement Plan, SUNY Perks, tuition waivers, including dependent waivers, and tuition assistance.
In addition, OPAP-covered members receive, on an annual basis: 24 vacation days, 12 sick days, 6 personal days, and 12 holidays including 3 floating holidays. In addition, the College is closed on the day prior to Thanksgiving, and between December 26 - January, 1, known as the Holiday Curtailment.
Application Process:The position is open until filled. However, to ensure consideration, application materials should be received via email by May 1, 2026 at 4:00 pm EST to be given priority consideration. Applications received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be reviewed. SUNY Ulster reserves the right to close, continue, cancel, postpone or restart the recruitment at any time.
Applicants must submit the following materials to be considered for the position:
- Resume or CV
- Cover letter which discusses your qualifications and interest in the position
- Contact information for 3 professional references
SUNY Ulster is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The college encourages applications from all qualified applicants. This position is contingent upon adequate funding. Offer and assignment of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, credentials, transcripts, fingerprint check, verification of the right to work in the United States and all other required pre-employment conditions are met.
Applicants who are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and who, due to a disability, require accommodations for completing the application process, testing (if required for the position), or the interview, should notify the Human Resources Office 10 working days before the accommodation is required.
Neither the smoking of tobacco (nor other substances) nor the use of electronic vaporizers is permitted on the campus grounds.
SUNY Ulster does not reimburse applicants for travel, lodging or any other costs incurred by applicant to attend interviews. All interviewing costs incurred will be the responsibility of the applicant. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. Internal applicants are not guaranteed an interview.
Conditions of EmploymentEmployment with SUNY Ulster is not complete or official until applicants meet all pre-employment requirements, and the Board of Trustees has approved. Offer and assignment of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, fingerprint check, verification of the right to work in the United States and all other required pre-employment conditions are met.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Salary : $52,500