Purchasing Agent - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington • King County - Seattle – Other, WA

4d

About The Position

Washington State Ferries (WSF), a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), is seeking a Purchasing Agent to lead purchasing services that support safe and reliable ferry operations. The role helps ensure vessels, terminals, and facilities have the goods and services required to serve Washington’s ferry communities. It supports vessel preservation and responsible stewardship of public resources by guiding purchasing staff and overseeing complex, specialized procurements in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and WSDOT requirements.

The Purchasing Agent conducts complex procurements, including federally and grant-funded purchases; reviews requisitions, selects procurement methods, obtains budget approvals, and issues purchase orders. The position has delegated authority to approve purchases up to $100,000 and escalates purchases above that amount. It also leads Buyer 2 and Buyer 3 staff, resolves purchasing and payment issues, and assists the Purchasing & Facilities Manager with improvements to purchasing programs, policies, procedures, specifications, and practices.

WSF is undertaking a major transformation to decarbonize its system. The organization emphasizes its values of Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow, and Navigate, as well as the strategic priorities of Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People. The first consideration and/or preference is for current Washington State Ferries OPEIU members.

Requirements

• Experience contributing to a work environment that supports respect and equal opportunity.
• Experience taking action to meet the needs of others.
• Demonstrated commitment to learning and growth through training, skill development, or application of new knowledge.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and complete complex procurements of goods and services in accordance with purchasing laws, regulations, and delegated authority; experience may be gained through work, personal, or lived experience.
• Knowledge of procurement principles, methods, and ethical standards, such as those covered by professional purchasing certifications including CPPB or CPPO.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Experience working with contracts and contract language, including the ability to understand and interpret contract provisions.
• Knowledge of procurement methods and procedures and purchasing laws and regulations.
• Ability to communicate procurement information verbally and in writing with diverse employees and vendors.
• Ability to use automated procurement management systems to perform purchasing activities.
• Ability to analyze bids and determine procurement awards.

Nice To Haves

• Technical writing skills related to developing procurement specifications.
• Experience performing complex procurements in a public sector or marine environment.
• Knowledge of Washington State Ferries operations.
• Experience using the purchasing functions of the WSF Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) System.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex WSF procurements, including federally and grant-funded purchases, in compliance with purchasing laws, regulations, and WSDOT requirements.
• Review EAM requisitions, select procurement methods, obtain budget approval, and issue purchase orders; approve purchases within $100,000 delegated authority and escalate higher amounts.
• Prepare solicitations and technical specifications, conduct public bids, evaluate and award bids, and negotiate agreements and contracts.
• Research vendors, evaluate supplier performance, plan long-lead purchases, coordinate inventory use, and conduct procurement site visits.
• Process emergency purchases, document competitive-process exceptions, and resolve issues with WSDOT PMMO and DES.
• Lead Buyer 2 and Buyer 3 staff by assigning and reviewing work, providing technical guidance, ensuring compliance, and overseeing complex procurements.
• Resolve overdue requisitions, asset tracking, shipping, invoice, and payment issues with vendors and agency staff.
• Assist the Purchasing & Facilities Manager in improving purchasing programs, policies, procedures, specifications, and practices.
• Embed WSF’s strategic priorities and values in its culture through leadership actions.

Benefits

• 12 paid holidays.
• Full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year.
• Permanent employees have options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, participating-college government discounts, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options.
• Choice of state retirement programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed