PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST
About The Position
The Office of State Procurement (OSP), part of the Arkansas Department of Shared Administrative Services, supports state agencies in purchasing the goods and services needed to operate. The summer 2027 NASPO Procurement Internship provides hands-on experience in public procurement and the opportunity to apply classroom concepts in a government setting. Interns work under the guidance of a procurement manager or team lead, collaborate with OSP staff, and learn how procurement supports state agencies and their missions. The internship lasts 11 weeks and is full-time at 40 hours per week, with dates listed as May 24 through August 6, 2027, and flexible start and end dates. The position is in-person at the Little Rock office, and state-issued equipment and access are provided and must be returned at the end of the internship. The posting also includes a Procurement Specialist career-path position summary: assisting with procurement of goods and services for state government under senior procurement staff, in compliance with state laws and regulations and with an emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and accountability. The internship is intended for current Arkansas college students entering their junior or senior year in Fall 2027. Compensation is listed as $21–$23 per hour for the internship; the separate Procurement Specialist position information lists an annual salary range of $47,397–$70,148.
Requirements
- Current Arkansas college student entering junior or senior year in Fall 2027.
- Major in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or Technical Writing; other majors are considered.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to maintain accurate and thorough records, review documents carefully, and identify discrepancies or inconsistencies in procurement documents.
- Strong attention to detail when assisting with contracts, orders, and invoices.
- Ability to communicate procurement requirements and status updates professionally and clearly.
- The separate Procurement Specialist minimum qualifications require a bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, supply chain management, or a related field.
Responsibilities
- Assist with contract management.
- Support the development of training materials and communications.
- Help with vendor maintenance and contract analysis.
- Contribute to reporting and data analysis.
- Support senior procurement staff in managing the procurement cycle, including requisitioning, issuing requests for proposals, evaluating bids, and drafting purchase orders.
- Help ensure procurement procedures are followed accurately and in a timely manner.
- Assist in preparing documentation related to vendor selection, contracts, and purchase agreements.
- Communicate with vendors and suppliers about procurement needs, requirements, and contract terms.
- Assist with reviewing vendor proposals and contracts for compliance with state specifications.
- Coordinate with vendors to track order status and delivery schedules and ensure goods and services are received as agreed.
- Maintain accurate records of procurement transactions, including purchase orders, contracts, and vendor communications.
- Ensure procurement documents are filed and accessible for review or audit.
- Assist in tracking contract renewals, extensions, and modifications, ensuring contracts are up to date and compliant with state policies.
Benefits
- Hands-on experience in public procurement.
- Opportunities to apply classroom learning in a professional government setting.
- Professional skills applicable to other career paths.
- State-issued equipment and access are provided during the internship.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
