State of Maryland

An Agency Buyer IV is specialized work involving the total responsibility for the materials operations of a very large State institution involving the purchase, receipt, storage, distribution and disposition of supplies, materials and equipment and authority to make annual expenditures.  Employees in this classification have extensive but relatively routine contacts with vendors and with the Purchasing Bureau of the Department of General Services and work within DGS established policies and guidelines to initiate requisitions and purchase orders for materials, supplies and equipment.  Employees in this classification determine the sources of supply for exempt items ordered and must directly contract for a wide variety of services and equipment.  Employees in this classification develop or modify product specifications to meet specific needs and provide technical advice regarding specifications, standards, standard packaging, most economical ordering quantities, and product suitability to the agency.  Employees in this classification may also assist in preparing the operating and capital budgets for the agency by furnishing current prices for supplies, equipment and trade-in items.  Employees in this classification do not supervise.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from the chief administrative officer, superintendent, business manager or other designated official.  Employees must work within the policy and guidelines established by the agency and by the Purchasing Bureau.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the Agency Buyer Job Evaluation Supplemental Standards.

Directs the purchasing operations and functions of a very large State institution;

Prepares or reviews all final financial documents for all supplies, materials, equipment and service contracts purchased by a very large State institution and ensures all transactions are recorded in the State purchasing system;

Establishes practical inventory levels as well as inventory control measures;

Directs the operations of all storerooms, handling the receipt, storage, and issuing of supplies, materials, and equipment;

Directs all office and storeroom procedures directly related to the purchasing section;

Secures bids and awards contracts on specific lines of merchandise not purchased through the Purchasing Bureau;

Keeps records of prices and sources of supply;

Prepares template specifications and standards for purchases;

Studies market conditions, quality and price of goods;

Approves all purchase orders and requisition forms;

Follows up orders and irregularities;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge, at the expert level of proficiency, of the quality and value of various kinds of merchandise;

Knowledge of the different methods of buying;

Knowledge of the sources of supply and market value of various commodities;

Ability to develop and establish operational procedures and evaluate their effectiveness and efficiency;

Ability to maintain important records and inventories;

Ability to prepare and present financial, statistical and special reports;

Ability to determine the need for personnel, equipment and supplies;

Ability to exercise initiative and make sound decisions;

Ability to give clear directions and instructions;

Ability to communicate ideas effectively;

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees, technicians, office personnel, craftsmen and operators, professional employers and administrative officials;

Ability to prepare template specifications for buying commodities.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Four years of experience in receiving, storing, issuing, purchasing and requisitioning supplies, materials, and equipment.

Notes: Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours of education at an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G, Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation. An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.