PURCHASING AGENT                                                                                      0343

 

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for carrying out the purchasing procedures for the procurement of a group of commodities of moderate complexity, as part of a central purchasing operation.  The work includes communication with vendors and departmental officials on purchasing problems.  The incumbent super­vises clerical personnel who assist with purchasing details.  Work is reviewed by an administrative supervisor to assure conformance with state and local laws and departmental procedures.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

            Receives and reviews purchase requisitions; adjusts any discrepancies in requisitions; notifies departments of adjustments; explains purchase procedures;

            Reviews and revises specifications used as a basis for bids on all commodi­ties within an assigned field;

            Obtains competitive bids or quotations from vendors; tabulates and analyzes bids to determine lowest and best bidders; prepares and places purchase orders; keeps file of vendors to whom bids have been sent; records bids;

            Makes studies and collects data on current market conditions to keep informed on market trends; interviews sales people regarding the ordering of supplies;

            Checks prices and approves invoices on purchase orders; schedules delivery dates; follows up on delayed deliveries;

            Processes invoices for payment by checking extension and additions, match­ing and comparing with purchase orders, and performing related work prior to the approval of invoices for payment.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of large scale purchasing methods and procedures; good knowledge of the grades, qualities, supply sources and market factors of commod­ity categories frequently required by County or municipal departments; some knowledge of elementary bookkeeping methods in the keeping of accurate and systematic procurement records; ability to maintain detailed records and to perform a variety of related clerical tasks; ability to obtain and interpret market prices and trends and to apply such interpretations to procurement problems; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, vendors and departmental officials; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

            OPEN COMPETITIVE

            Either:

            (a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree, and two (2) years of experience in large-scale purchasing, marketing or buying for a commercial, industrial or governmental enterprise or agency; or,

            (b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and six (6) years of experience in large-scale purchasing, marketing or buying for a commercial, industrial or governmental enterprise or agency; or,

            (c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).

           

            PROMOTIONAL

            One (1) year of permanent competitive status as a Purchasing Technician.

 

R3/23/83

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review 4/11/19