Part-Time Temporary Purchasing Assistant

Western Municipal Water District • Riverside, CA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

At Western Municipal Water District ("Western Water") our vision is to integrate the best-in-business processes and business systems while developing a leading-edge workforce that continuously creates greater efficiency and value for our customers. About Western Water Western Water is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County providing water and sewer services to nearly one million people; and We see ourselves as more of a business than a bureaucracy; and We view our customers as an essential partner in ensuring long-term water security for our region; and Together, the Western Water team is focused on being the definitive leader in water and sewer services, upholding the highest level of stakeholder trust. Western Water was awarded the Top Workplace Award for 2023. The Top Workplace Award recognizes organizations that excel in creating a positive working environment for their employees. This award is based on employee feedback regarding various aspects like workplace culture, values, leadership, compensation, benefits, and work-life balance. Western Water’s values include: Service Excellence Efficiency Water Supply Reliability Fiscal Responsibility and Value Public Trust, Accountability and Transparency Environmental Stewardship Employee Empowerment Innovation Western Water is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to nearly one million customers across Riverside County. As one of the region's largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Our Finance Department plays a pivotal role in realizing Western Water's vision of being the definitive leader in our industry, upholding the public trust through exceptional performance and customer-centricity. Composed of highly talented professionals across three distinct sections ( Purchasing and Contracts, Accounting and Reporting, and Budgeting), the department is responsible for overseeing fiscal management and adherence to monetary policies and providing expert guidance to support optimal decision-making across the enterprise.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED Required
• Minimum one (1) year of professional office/administrative experience in the following: Use of modern office equipment and computer software applications including Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, and other standard office productivity and collaboration tools such as ClickUp.
• Ability to learn and effectively use department-specific systems, databases, recordkeeping platforms, scheduling tools, and document management software.
• Utilize exceptional customer service and communication skills both verbally and in writing, with the ability to cultivate professional business partnerships, inspire team collaboration, and interact courteously and professionally with the public, consultants, contractors, and staff at all levels.
• Demonstrate strong grammar, spelling, proofreading, and business writing skills with the ability to prepare, review, and format correspondence, reports, forms, and other office documents accurately and professionally.
• Maintain a high degree of professionalism, reliability, discretion, and tact in handling sensitive information, representing the department and supporting daily office operations.
• Adherence to Western Water personnel rules, policies and labor contract provisions.
• Use principles of effective safety practices including the use of equipment in a proper and safe manner, use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques, and maintaining safe personal and common workspaces.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical assistance and guidance to Western Water employees involving purchasing standards, procedures, issues, and trends; interprets and explains applicable laws, regulations, codes, and policies.
• Assist in review of electronic requisitions submitted to the purchasing department and tracks them through to completion.
• Ensures purchase orders are created and distributed to vendors and internally as appropriate.
• Assist in maintenance of active vendor database within Western Water's computerized financial system.
• Assist in reviewing product or service descriptions on purchase orders are accurate, clear and precise.
• Verifies that supporting documentation (i.e. quotes or proposals) is provided and supports the request.
• Maintains good working relationships with vendors.
• Assist in reviewing vendor insurance documents are scanned and uploaded to the Western Water's insurance compliance system.
• Performs various administrative duties for the department including: word processing, filing, scheduling meetings, scanning and photocopying documents, and processing mail.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED