County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, to evaluate, specify and purchase treatment plant, laboratory, maintenance and other materials, supplies, services and equipment; to assist Zone 7 staff in the preparation of technical equipment specifications, bid notices and selection of bidders; to coordinate the timely shipping and delivery; and to perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Buyer II, Zone 7 is the journey-level classification working independently to provide a professional purchasing program for Zone 7 - ACFC/WCD. The incumbent works closely with Zone 7 staff to develop specifications and coordinate provision of necessary materials, supplies and equipment. The class is distinguished from the Buyer I, Zone 7 in that the latter receives direction and assignments from the Buyer II, Zone 7. This position reports to the Accounting Manager, Zone 7.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Secures and compares information regarding prices, quality, availability and related information for varied materials, supplies, and equipment; interviews vendors, attends demonstrations, obtains samples and literature, tests products, and may visit manufacturers to obtain information regarding potential purchases.

2. Works closely with engineering, laboratory, operations, maintenance and administrative staff to develop specifications and prepare, release, evaluate and select bids for technical and specialized equipment, material, services and supplies; serves on various project teams and committees as needed.

3. Negotiates prices, contract terms and related items with vendors and suppliers, completes purchases, selects and terminates vendors, and arranges blanket purchase orders and standing requisitions.

4. Prepares contracts, arranges payments and terms, and prepares other vendor and agency documents related to purchasing and supply agreements and required documentation.

5. Conducts periodic reviews and special studies to evaluate discount levels, bids and contracts to ensure optimal pricing and quality of purchases.

6. Expedites purchase orders, arranges schedules and shipping and delivery, follows up on contracts and orders, and arranges for change orders as required.

7. Reconciles purchasing discrepancies; follows up over, short and damaged orders received.

8. Computes price extensions for supplies purchased.

9. Oversees systems and maintains purchasing records and reference files; prepares correspondence and other written materials.

10. Performs a variety of calculations related to pricing, buying, extensions, discounts, contracts, and special studies.

11. May assign work to support staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of two years of experience as a Buyer I, Zone 7 or Buyer I in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II
Education:

Completion of some college-level course work in business or public administration or a closely related field.
AND

The equivalent of three years full-time professional purchasing experience, including developing and preparing contracts, specifications, and cost analysis, in a public agency.

License

Possession of a valid California Driver’s license is required.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

· Principles, practices and methods of purchasing in a public agency, including techniques of price negotiation and preparation and evaluation of technical and other bid specifications.
· Applicable laws and regulations.
· Materials, equipment and supplies commonly used by the agency, including specialized water treatment and laboratory equipment.
· Basic financial record keeping and contract management.
· Basic mathematics as applied to purchasing.

Ability to:

· Determine optimal buying levels with regard to price, quantity and availability.
· Analyze purchasing issues, conduct special studies, and make sound recommendations.
· Negotiate with vendors, suppliers and manufacturers to secure optimal prices, schedules and quality.
· Prepare contracts, specifications, and records and files related to purchasing.
· Reconcile discrepancies, expedite transactions, and independently follow up on purchasing matters.
· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of the work.
· Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

RS:dj
5/18/94
Old document: 1248h
New document: Jobspecs/4954
ys/5/01
CSC Date: 5/18/94
RC:pf Revise/Retitle 6/22/04
[old title: Buyer, Zone 7]
CSC Date: 8/4/2004

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.