SCHOOL PURCHASING AGENT                                                                                     0395

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class is responsible for establishing and carrying out a central purchasing procedure for a large school district.  Work requires the supervision of a small clerical staff engaged in processing requisitions and bids.  The incumbent is personally responsible for the preparation of specifications, the opening of bids and recommending and analyzing the award of bids on the basis of the analysis made.  Work is performed under the general direction of the chief business official and the School Board with whom the incumbent confers on matters affecting general pur­chasing policies and procedures; but the incumbent is expected to exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment and initiative in the performance of his duties. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

          Prepares specifications on bid items, and distributes information to sales representatives and prospective vendors;

          Interviews vendors and their representatives regarding product characteris­tic, prices and market practice;

          Prepares schedules for opening bids; opens and tabulates bids; recommends awards of bids on the basis of analysis made;

          Consults with departments with regard to supply and equipment needs; reviews purchase requests and makes decisions regarding methods of purchasing;

          Supervises the computation of statistics covering sales by vendor, category and item; and the keeping of other records necessary for systematic purchasing;

          Corresponds with and interviews vendors and their representatives regarding price changes, discounts, shipping methods, adjustments and cancellations.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of large scale purchasing methods and procedures, including writing of specifications for a wide variety of purchases and of shipping methods and stock control; thorough knowledge of the laws, regulations and procedures governing school district purchasing; thorough knowledge of sources, prices, market factors, product characteristics applicable to the needs of the school district; some knowledge of office management practices, proce­dures and appliances; ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of a small clerical staff in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to develop procedures and techniques for locating sources of supply, solicitation of goods and the tabulation and analysis of goods with special reference to competitive bidding; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors and school district officials; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

          OPEN COMPETITIVE

          Either:

          a) Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree, and four (4) years of experience in purchasing, marketing or buying; or,

          b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and eight (8) years of experience in purchasing, marketing or buying; or,

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

 

 

 

R88/01/07

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

RR1/28/03