Purchaser IV or V - Procurement Division

Purchaser IV

Performs highly technical purchasing functions for the Department. Work involves research, study, and evaluation of assigned commodities, supplies, and/or services. Advises district and division personnel on purchasing procedures and quality of commodities, supplies, and/or services. Work requires contact with other governmental agencies and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Purchaser V

Performs advanced purchasing duties for the Department. Work involves research, study and evaluation of assigned commodities, supplies and/or services. These procurements require a high level of skill and detail. Works with district and division personnel on purchasing procedures and quality of commodities, supplies and/or services. Work requires contact with other governmental agencies and private entities. Employees at this level are knowledgeable of public purchasing rules and procedures and establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the lead or supervisor.

Essential Duties:

Purchaser IV:

• Develops and writes highly technical equipment and material specifications, and/or service statements of work (SOW) and reviews specifications prepared by others.
   
• Develops and writes highly technical equipment, material and/or service solicitations including requests for proposals and reviews specifications prepared by others.
   
• Prepares and coordinates the preparation of specifications and SOWs which involves conducting market research, obtaining literature, data, and tabulating and comparing features to user's needs.
   
• Answers questions, provides guidance and acts as liaison between districts, divisions and vendors.
   
• Prepares correspondence to departmental staff, vendors and/or the CPA regarding updates on literature, clarification of specifications, bid reviews, expediting delivery and coordinating testing/evaluation of products.
   
• Assists in preparing justifications and compiles files of items purchased.
   
• Represents the Department at various meetings and may serve as a member of one of the division specification committees.
   
• Responsible for the achievement of established Historically Underutilized Business participation goals.
   
• Reviews and analyzes bids and makes award recommendations to management and/or the of Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA).
   
• Makes field visits to discuss requirements for materials, supplies and/or services and arranges for demonstrations and evaluations of new equipment and/or supplies.
   
• Makes recommendations on standardization of equipment, materials, supplies and services.
   
• Coordinates and compiles basic and/or complex reports.
   
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Purchaser V:
All of the above and

• Keeps abreast and reports on the impact of technological and price changes in goods and/or services; determines impact of changes and recommends necessary actions.
   
• Provides guidance and technical expertise to personnel in the districts and the divisions on quality of goods and services; acts as liaison between districts, divisions and vendors.
   
• May train other employees
   
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: 

Bachelor's Degree in related discipline. Related experience and/or relevant technical training may be substituted for education on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 

Purchaser IV - 2 years purchasing, which includes 1 year of public purchasing. 
Purchaser V -  3 years purchasing, which includes 1 year of public purchasing.

(Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).

Licenses and Certifications: 

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Purchaser IV - Must obtain the Certified Texas Contract Developer Certification within (12) months of the date of hire.
• Purchaser V - Must be Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) and Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) dual certified within 18 months of hire.

Competencies: 

Purchaser IV:

• Technical specification writing
   
• ERP systems and operations
  
  Considerable knowledge of:
   
• Inventory/stock control procedures
   
• Goods and Services Purchased by the Department
   
• State rules and procedures associated with expediting, ordering, purchasing and warehousing laws, policies and procedures Communicate effectively
  
  Proficient Skill in:
   
• Evaluating bids and making awards
   
• Administrative support practices and procedures to include writing, editing and report writing techniques, recording meeting notes, record keeping and records management

Purchaser V:
All the above and

• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting policies and state and federal laws and regulations specific to functional area
   
• Developing and giving presentations

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: 

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
   
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment: 

Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions.