Procurement Specialist-YRTC-Kearney
About The Position
Procurement Specialist Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Location -Youth Rehabilitation & Treatment Center (YRTC) – Kearney, Nebraska At the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, our mission is Helping people live better lives. We’re seeking a detail-oriented Procurement Specialist to support operations at the Youth Rehabilitation & Treatment Center (YRTC) in Kearney. In this role, you’ll ensure the timely, compliant, and cost effective acquisition of goods and services that directly support youth care and facility operations. Under limited supervision, the Procurement Specialist performs procurement transactions for goods and/or services ranging from standardized items to those of moderate complexity. Purchases are conducted through informal bidding procedures and firm fixed‑price contracts using standard clauses, in accordance with statutes and regulations of the State Purchasing Bureau. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to work alone and independently with minimal supervision, demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, and be a highly motivated self‑starter with a proactive, "go‑getter" approach and strong follow‑through.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, procurement, supply/inventory operations, or a related field AND procurement‑related experience.
- Education may be substituted with experience on a year‑for‑year basis
- Valid driver's license required.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in procurement, supply chain, inventory management or purchasing operations.
Responsibilities
- Perform detailed reviews of purchase requests for standard and specialized goods, equipment, and services to ensure adequacy, consistency, appropriate specifications, and compliance with administrative requirements.
- Determine appropriate procurement methods based on procurement history, estimated cost, urgency, proprietary considerations, availability of competition, and applicable directives.
- Solicit sources of goods and/or services; analyze pricing, discount rates, delivery dates, transportation charges, supplier performance, financial responsibility, and other factors to recommend the most advantageous offer.
- Solicit oral or written quotes using Open Market Purchase Authority and informal/formal procurement processes.
- Receive and review informal and formal bids and quotes; assess price reasonableness and verify competition requirements.
- Evaluate offers considering price, discounts, transportation costs, and delivery timelines; negotiate with vendors on procurement issues.
- Prepare purchase orders and perform post‑award follow‑up; place orders using appropriate methods, including purchase orders against established contracts.
- Prepare final contracts with required documentation and award recommendations.
- Assisting with loading and unloading equipment when necessary
Benefits
- 156% state-matched retirement — one of the best in the nation
- 13 paid holidays + generous leave starting immediately
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- $20,000 employer-paid life insurance
- Tuition reimbursement & professional development
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Fun, mission-driven, and supportive team environment
- Job stability in public service
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
