The Utica City School District is seeking applications for the following position:

PURCHASING AGENT

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is an important position involving the responsibility for the purchasing activities of a large municipal department or a group of municipal agencies. The work is performed under general supervision in accordance with established policies and objectives permitting wide leeway in the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work. Supervision is exercised over the activities of subordinate employees. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

• Awards contracts of sale to vendors for the purchase of equipment and supplies for a large municipal department or group of municipal agencies;
• Solicits and reviews bids from vendors for a wide variety of commodities;
• Review requisitions from operating departments and maintains related records on expenditures;
• Keeps abreast of current price trends, market conditions and new or improved items of supply;
• Checks on deliveries of materials orders;
• Approves vouchers on equipment and materials for payment;
• Directs the preparation of specifications for items purchased;
• Prepares purchasing policies for consideration by the appropriate governing body;
• Plans and oversees advertising for articles to be purchased;
• Uses judgment and experience in making decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures;
• Assists in the formulation of policies and procedures;
• Consult with administrative and legislative officials regarding purchasing;
• Advises superiors regarding current problems and progress of over all programs;
• Conduct research and recommend improved practices and policies;
• Conduct public relations;
• Maintain payroll records for office;
• Supervise office staff;
• Keeps abreast of city, state, and other rules, regulations, and policies regarding this department;
• Reviews incoming mail and answers general correspondence, applying knowledge of departmental operations and regulations;
• Responsible for preparing a variety of reports;
• Prepares the budget request and monitors expenditures to maintain budgetary control;
• Participates in professional conferences/training programs;
• Operates office equipment as required;
• Requisitions and checks the receipts of supplies and equipment.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Thorough knowledge of markets, trade conditions, business methods and purchasing practices in general, including a knowledge of a wide range of commodities;
• thorough knowledge of current practices dealing with the preparation of purchase specifications;
• good knowledge of business arithmetic and English;
• ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, department heads, and vendors;
• ability to supervise the work of others;
• ability to secure the cooperation of others;
• familiarity with current studies and literature in the field of large scale industrial and governmental purchasing;
• ability to understand technical, oral and written directions;
• integrity;
• good judgment;
• initiative;
• resourcefulness, tact and courtesy.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

(A) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or closely related field and two (2) years of experience in managing, administering, supervising, facilitating or procuring large scale purchasing of a variety of commodities;

OR

(B) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate's Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or closely related field and four (4) years of experience in managing, administering, supervising, facilitating or procuring large scale purchasing of a variety of commodities;

OR

(C) Graduation from High School and six (6) years of experience in large scale purchasing of a variety of commodities."

Additional Information:

• Applicants must be appointed based on eligibility list from Civil Service. If no list exists, applicants are appointed provisionally and must pass the civil service exam when it is administered;
• Fingerprinting Clearance - see additional information on our website under the Department of Human Resources
• Must comply with Civil Service Law; and,
• Must be a resident of the City of Utica.

Please Note: The Utica City School District is affiliated with the City of Utica Department of Civil Service.

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  All interested candidates must apply through our online platform: https://uticaschools.schoolspring.com/

The Utica City School District will only be accepting applications through this site. Please note, you must create an online account in order to apply. If you have questions relating to the application process, please contact Chief Human Resources Officer, Sara Klimek at sklimek@uticaschools.org. *

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer which fully and actively supports equal access for all regardless of Race, Color, Weight, National Origin, Ethnic Group, Religion, Religious Practice, Disability, Sexual Orientation, Gender, Age, Veteran Status or Genetic Information.