Buyer Trainee

CSU Careers•Fullerton, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a community dedicated to advancing student achievement, career success, and economic mobility. The Division of Administration and Finance serves as the backbone of the CSUF campus, managing a wide array of operations from maintaining and enhancing university buildings and grounds to providing important business support services. Campus beautification, classroom improvements, and technological advancements, continue to be a priority as we enhance the learning environment and facilities. It is the mission of the Division to provide customer-focused administrative support and steward our physical and financial resources in order to fulfill the university’s mission and support student success. Partnership with our campus community and its many stakeholders are important in helping our operations provide excellent customer service and results. The Contracts and Procurement department provides the campus community with cost efficient and effective handling of acquisitions and contracting needs in accordance with State laws and CSU policies. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Buyer Trainee. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Requirements

Equivalent to two years of general work experience in accounts payable, ordering, shipping and receiving, or financial record keeping or purchasing or successful completion of course work in purchasing, accounting, marketing, general business or other appropriate field at the junior college or college level may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Knowledge of general office procedures, methods, and practices.
During training, the following knowledge and abilities must be acquired: basic methods and procedures of purchasing; process of competitive bidding as required by the California State Statutes and Codes; writing of routine, non-specialized specifications; purchasing of standard items; recording and documenting purchasing activities; ability to communicate clearly in English in writing and speaking.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment.
CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.
Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
A valid California driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Two years of college education preferably in Business.
Knowledge of general office procedures, methods, and policies.
Experience in a procurement organization and CSU system.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director of Contracts and Procurement, the Buyer Trainee will be engaged in a formal, structured program of an eleven-month duration to acquire the essential knowledge and abilities to perform the duties of a professional buyer.
The position will perform work under close supervision with assignments in the major aspects of purchasing.
Upon successful completion, the trainee may be moved into a Buyer I classification.
During the training, the following knowledge and abilities must be acquired: Basic methods and procedures of purchasing utilizing the CSUF Financial System.
Purchasing commodities and services.
Learning the fundamental concepts of contracting for CSU Clinical, Affiliation, and Student Learning Agreements.
Process of competitive bidding as required by the California State Statues and Codes
Recording and documenting purchasing and contracting activities.
Ability to communicate clearly in writing and speaking.
Other duties as assigned.