L0280

PURCHASING AGENT (Housing)

Definition:

This is technical work in the purchasing of supplies, materials, equipment, or services for a housing authority.

An employee in this class performs the detailed work involved in purchasing general commodity groups. This includes the review of requisitions, the preparation of bid invitations, the review and award of bids, and the preparation of purchase orders. Work includes contact with vendors and various housing authority officials concerning purchasing problems. Work may also include stock control of storeroom items. Employees work under general supervision and within established procedures, rules, regulations, and laws. Duties may include supervision over clerical employes and stock clerks.

Examples of Work Performed:

Reviews specifications used as a basis for bids on all commodities of an assigned category.

Locates sources of supply capable of furnishing required items or services.

Maintains mailing lists of vendors interested in submitting bids on certain commodities; checks lists periodically to eliminate inactive bidders; maintains other purchasing records and reference material such as supply catalogs; conducts correspondence with vendors regarding bids, delivery, and payment.

Discusses purchase requirements with users and advises on items best suited to individual needs or suggests substitutions for requested items.

Prepares purchase requests, field limited purchase orders, purchase contracts, or stock encumbrances for needed supplies of a housing authority.

Inspects material upon receipt for compliance with specification and purchase order.

Performs related work as required.

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of office practices, and elementary bookkeeping, and accurate and systematic supply, procurement, and inventory methods.

Knowledge of centralized purchasing procedures including methods of bidding, preparation and application of specifications, contacts with vendors, and award of contracts.

Knowledge of the types, characteristics, supply sources, and market factors of commodity or equipment categories frequently required by housing authorities.

Ability to learn housing authority purchasing procedures and regulations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, vendors, and the general public.

Ability to express ideas clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.

Experience and Training:

Three years of purchasing work involving contact with vendors in the procurement of a variety of supplies, materials, equipment, and services;

or

four years of stores or warehouse experience that includes responsibility for maintaining inventory control; requisitioning or ordering supplies, and supervising subordinates;

and

graduation from high school or equivalent certification;

or

completion of college level instruction in business or the liberal arts may be substituted for a year-for-year basis for purchasing or stores experience to a maximum of two years;

or

any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Est. 9/76

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST05