Job Description
Job Number
CLA00487P
Position Title
Buyer
Position Type
Classified Full Time
Percentage Employee
100%
Number of Months Assignment
12
Starting Date
As soon as possible
Current Work Schedule
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Days and hours of employment may change depending on District needs.
Salary Range
32
Salary
$5,776.77 – $7,390.69 monthly – Successful candidate will start at step 1 except in cases where District deems appropriate.
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Location
Main Campus
Department
Contract Management and Vending Services (Dept)
Open Date
08/26/2024
Closing Date
09/09/2024
About Rio Hondo College
About Río Hondo College
Río Hondo College welcomes and embraces all students in their educational and career pathways. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), our College has a student population of 22,000, of which 18,000 are Latinx students. We were the first college in Los Angeles County to provide two years of free tuition to first-time, full-time college students through our Río Promise program. We are proud to acknowledge that many of our students have transferred to high ranked institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, USC and UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, Cal State LA, Cal State Long Beach, and Whittier College to name a few.
Strengths
Our caring and dedicated student-centered staff, faculty, and administrators are devoted to the advancement of educational justice, equity, and opportunity for all our students. Our College’s 900 employees, with close to 600 faculty, hold themselves accountable for the academic success of disproportionately impacted student populations. Our entire staff, with unwavering team collaboration, work hard to ensure our students reach their full potential by eliminating gaps in academic outcomes that traditionally hinder students of color.
Río Hondo College is committed to the recruitment of qualified and diverse employees who are dedicated to our students’ success. We recognize that diversity in an academic environment fosters cultural awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for our students. We are steadfast in our hiring practices and staff development processes which reinforce the goals of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion. Our practices and processes also support the importance of a workforce that reflects the community and the diverse student population we serve.
Río Hondo College employs approximately 55% tenured track faculty of color; 60% part-time faculty of color; 85% classified staff of color; and 50% administrators of color.
Río Hondo College offers 30 associate degrees that guarantee transfer (ADTs) to Cal State Universities, a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology, more than 60 certificates, a Pathway to Law School, dual enrollment with K-12 districts, state championship speech & debate team and excellent athletic teams, student leadership opportunities, travel abroad experiences and more.
In collaboration with the communities in Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, El Monte, South El Monte, Whittier, portions of Norwalk, La Mirada, Downey, La Puente, the City of Industry, Los Nietos and Avocado Heights, Río Hondo College provides an exceptional academic curriculum to meet the unique needs of our region.
Basic Function
Under the direction of an administrator or manager, independently performs complex, specialized, and technical purchasing responsibilities for a variety of materials, supplies, services, goods and equipment in accordance with District standards, policies, procedures, and all applicable legal requirements.
Representative Duties
1. Provides support on public works projects, such as, bid openings, job walks, preparation and issuance of Field and California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA) contracts, project document filing, contractor database, updates of project bid information at District website, submission of Public Works Project Registration (PWC-100) to administration as required; obtains insurance and other forms, coordinates filing of Notices of Change (NOCs), and sends invitation to bid to suppliers, etc.; coordinates and posts legal ads with appropriate advertising agencies and publications; responds to public works compliance inquires as needed. E
2. Develops and issues standard bid proposal packages; solicits vendors and obtains quotes; prepares and distributes advertisements; handles and resolves bid inquiries and discrepancies; analyzes and evaluates bids according to conformance with requirements; verifies licensing and references; reviews and evaluates submitted data for accuracy and completeness; in accordance with applicable laws, policies and procedures, recommends awarding of contracts and draft awards to the Board in compliance with educational and legal codes. E
3. Receives, reviews, and processes purchase requisitions for a broad array of materials, equipment, supplies, and services; verifies compliance with pertinent laws, regulations, codes, and District policies and procedures. E
4. Serves as the liaison for department in interactions with customers, management, other District personnel and vendors on procurement matters; regularly confers with department managers, staff, and committees regarding needs; receives, responds to, investigates, and resolves customer or other procurement-related inquiries, concerns, complaints and problems, including but not limited to accounts payable, invoice discrepancies, vendor relations, and service-level issues, or non-compliance with procurement policies, practices and procedures; interprets and explains applicable laws, regulations, codes, and policies. E
5. Works with management and departments to obtain all necessary information and resolve questions or concerns regarding requirements and specifications; reviews information to ensure purchasing requests are complete, accurate, and in compliance with District policies and procedures. E
6. Reviews, tracks, and monitors vendor delivery dates; identifies past-due dates and contacts vendors to develop a course of action to expedite orders, negotiates, administers, amends, extends, and terminates a variety of agreements. E
7. Reviews, and prepares reports on a variety of purchasing activities; maintains detailed and comprehensive purchasing records and files. E
8. Provides information, assistance, and support on resolving problems and complaints with internal and external customers regarding sourcing and procurement of goods and services, discrepancies on requisitions, POs, quotes, invoices, and other related matters. E
9. Assists internal customers on requisition and PO queries, vendor set up, update, and sourcing of suppliers for various goods, equipment, supplies and services. E
10. Assists internal customers on requisition and PO queries, vendor set up, update, and sourcing of suppliers for various goods, equipment, supplies and services. E
11. Maintains a variety of e-files, hard copy records, shared files for the Contract Management and Vending Services Department, which includes, purchase orders, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), agreements, project files, etc. E
12. Updates, tracks, and monitors equipment lease and maintenance agreements; updates, monitors, and assists Accounting and vendors to distribute lease and maintenance invoices and renewal notices to various Division staff to process requisitions. E
13. Reviews POs with invoices and forwards to Accounts Payable for payment. E
14. Sets up, updates, monitors, and assists staff with District-approved vendor accounts such as Staples, Grainger, etc. E
15. Follows up with suppliers to ensure expediting and delivery of procured goods, equipment, supplies, and services; resolves problems with suppliers and discrepancies on orders as appropriate; refers matters needing escalation and management review as needed. E
16. Assists internal and external auditors and Accounting by providing lease and bid documents, as requested. E
17. Requests, maintains, and organizes supplier catalogs and pricing information. E
18. Works with suppliers and District staff to coordinate and arrange returns or replacement of damaged or incorrectly ordered goods, equipment and/or supplies in need of repair or replacement. E
19. Updates and monitors registration, titles, and insurance coverages for District vehicle fleet. E
20. Reviews, analyzes, and recommends procurement awards for goods, equipment, supplies, and services on assigned transactions. E
21. Provides training, directives, and guidance to other Department and/or Division staff; provides work direction and supervision to student workers, student assistants, and short-term, temporary staff as instructed. E
22. Serves as a liaison for Contract Management staff with and for Director.E
23. Conducts data research and analysis on various District procurement processes. E
24. Monitors and tracks a variety of District equipment leases such as copier and print shop equipment leases; assists with facilitating equipment maintenance; collects Print Shop meter usage data for Contract Management and Vending Services Program Review; contacts suppliers and/or assists staff with arranging or following up on equipment repair, maintenance, and/or service when needed. E
25. Monitors Print Shop print orders and completes orders as needed; monitor and fills copiers consumables, troubleshoots equipment errors as needed. E
26. Generates and prepares a variety of purchasing reports, as needed; prepares and submits Purchase Order Board reports for Board approval. E
27. Prepares and submits Facilities and Information Technology (IT) workorders on behalf of Contract Management and Vending Services Division. E
28. Prepares equipment lease exemption forms for Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office. E
29. Operates various office machines including personal computers and copiers; utilizes a variety of software applications and programs, such as, Microsoft Office and District Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. E
30. Performs a variety of clerical and administrative duties in support of the department’s day-to-day activities and/or operations including but not limited to greets and directs visitors, answers phone calls, responds to callers, and directs incoming phone calls; opens, screens, and distributes mail and correspondence; photocopies documents and requests duplication services; ensures maintenance and repairs of assigned work areas, facilities, or equipment; enters various requests for services from IT, Facilities, and Maintenance; contacts vendors for equipment service, when needed; follows-up with vendors to ensure satisfactory completion or requests; may perform simple repairs or maintenance standard office equipment. E
31. Performs related duties that support the overall objective of the position.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:
· District policies, procedures, rules, and regulations as they related to the area of assignment.
· District policies and objectives as related to the District’s Contract Management and Vending Services function.
· Principles, practices, rules, and regulations related to public-sector procurement, including competitive bidding procedures.
· Sources and types of products, commodities, and services used by a community college district.
· Federal and state laws, codes, and regulations and District policies and practices pertinent to areas of responsibility.
· Basic knowledge of applicable statutes related to public procurement.
· Sources of supply for goods, equipment, supplies and services.
· Basic best practices in public procurement.
· Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
· California Education Code, Title V, and other applicable laws and regulations related to the area of assignment.
· Operations and functions of the District’s enterprise financial system applicable to purchasing and accounts payable.
· Principles and practices of source business communication.
· Principles, practices, and techniques of drafting and administering purchase contracts and enforcing contract provisions.
· Methods of conducting product and vendor research.
· Best practices and procedures on the use of various office equipment.
· Record-keeping, filing, file sharing, and filing system methods and techniques.
· Effective communication techniques and interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
· Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
· Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
Ability to:
· Independently perform the essential responsibilities of the position.
· Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop sound, independent conclusions, and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules, and policies.
· Develop the knowledge of District procurement policies and procedures and applicable statutes.
· Develop the knowledge for sources of supply for goods, equipment, supplies and services.
· Develop the basic knowledge of applicable statutes related to public procurement.
· Develop the knowledge to do sourcing and procurement of various goods, equipment and supplies for the District within scope of authority.
· Analyze and evaluate purchase requisitions and other purchasing related documents.
· Efficiently conduct vendor and product research.
· Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
· Understand, interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and ordinances.
· Present technical information clearly, logically, and persuasively.
· Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgement within areas of responsibility.
· Sourcing and procurement of various goods, equipment and supplies for the District within scope of authority.
· Comply with District policies and objectives as related to the District’s Contract Management and Vending Services function.
· Perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
· Handle competing tasks and priorities with a customer centric approach and meeting schedules and timelines.
· Effectively communicate using different platforms (phone, email, etc.) with staff, faculty, students, and the public.
· Work with minimum direction and adherence to District policy on work conduct.
· Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
· Exhibit effective communication techniques and interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
· Plan, organize, and prioritize workload; handle competing tasks and priorities with a customer centric approach and meeting schedules and timelines.
· Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues and/or situations.
· Understand and follow verbal and written directions.
· Perform research, data mining, and analysis; generate and prepare reports as requested.
· Meet with District staff, vendors, and suppliers to determine procurement needs and requirements.
· Effectively communicate (both orally and in writing) using different platforms (phone, email, etc.).
· Type accurately at an acceptable rate of speed.
· Operate various office machines (including personal computers and copiers) and use of software programs, applications, and databases, such as, Microsoft Office and District Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system such as Banner.
· Operate a computer and standard business software.
· Make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately.
· Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Education and Experience
· Associate Degree with coursework in procurement, business administration, finance, or related discipline; AND
· Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in purchasing, preferably in a public procurement setting;
· Or, any combination of education and experience which would provide the required qualifications for the position.
Foreign Degrees
Any degree from a country other than the United States, including Canada and Great Britain, must be evaluated by an Evaluation Service prior to the closing date. Certification must be attached with copies of transcripts.
Desired Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.
· Experience working in purchasing and procurement within an educational environment.
Distinguishable Characteristics
The Buyer is the experienced, senior level classification within the Buyer series; performs complex, specialized, and technical purchasing responsibilities exercising due diligence in researching new and/or approved vendors and/or contractors; refers to District policies and procedures to ensure vendors and/or contractors meet established procurement requirements in accordance with District standards, policies, procedures, and requirements; the incumbent exercises independent judgement under broad guidelines within the District’s purchasing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as well as making, recommending, and/or approving purchases that fall outside established guidelines.
The Buyer is distinguished from the Assistant Buyer in that the latter is the entry-level classification within the Buyer series. The incumbent performs routine activities in the sourcing and procurement of various products, goods, equipment, supplies, and services for the District using standard POs and P cards. The incumbent provides broad support in purchasing products, goods, equipment, supplies, and services using well-defined and established administrative policies and procedures.
Working Conditions
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit or stand for extended periods of time; talk or hear, in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel, operate personal computers and other standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, use of both eyes, ability to distinguish basic shades and colors and the ability to adjust focus.
Employees are frequently required to walk and stand and occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
MENTAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this class, incumbents are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data; use math and mathematical reasoning; analyze and solve problems; learn and apply new information and skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; and interact with District, students, vendors and others encountered in the course of work, some of whom are dissatisfied or abusive.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Employees work under typical office conditions, with constant interruptions, and the noise level may vary depending on activities of the office.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires us to identify the essential duties/functions of the position. We have indicated those duties with an E on the job description.
Position Description
Applications are currently being accepted for Buyer position. This is a Full-Time 100%, 12 month position.
Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PT on the closing date.
Applicants must submit a complete online application that includes the items listed.
- Rio Hondo College online application (which includes supplemental questions)
- Résumé/Curriculum Vitae
- APER APPLICATIONS AND APPLICATION MATERIALS SENT VIA MAIL, FAX, OR EMAIL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
- NOTE THAT ALL CORRESPONDENCE, INCLUDING INTERVIEW INVITATIONS, WILL BE SENT VIA EMAIL.
Additional Information
- The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires the District obtain documentation from every individual who is employed which verifies identity and authorizes his/her right to work in the United States.
- Successful candidate is responsible for verifying all prior work experience and providing all academic transcripts for purposes of salary placement.
- As a condition of employment, the selected applicant must provide a set of fingerprints (at the applicant’s expense) taken by an official LiveScan agency.
- Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial employment (The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
- For positions requiring a valid California driver’s license, proof of insurability is required.
- Applicants who are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and require accommodations for completing the application process, testing (if required for position), or the interview, please notify the Human Resources Office.
- A copy of this announcement will be provided in Braille to visually impaired applicants upon request.
Commitment to Diversity
All applicants must have demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff.
Cancel RTF Policy
WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO RE-OPEN, RE-ADVERTISE, DELAY OR CANCEL FILLING THIS POSITION.
THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL FUTURE VACANCIES.
EEO Statement
Rio Hondo College is committed to employing qualified administrators, faculty and staff members who are dedicated to student success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters cultural awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide equal consideration for all qualified candidates.
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