Senior Purchasing Technician

Coachella Valley Water District•Palm Desert, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction, performs a diverse range of purchasing and contract related activities; collaborates with departments to identify and prepare Requests for Proposal (RFP), Requests for Qualifications (RFQ’s) and related methods of soliciting professional services; applies contractual standards and provides support for the consistent administration and management of contracts and bidding; coordinates the proposal review and evaluation process; assists management in completing purchase agreements; and performs related work as required. This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing professional duties in support of purchasing and contract related activities for all District procurements. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, business administration, accounting, finance, or a related field.
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible. experience in purchasing, contract administration, procurement services, or a related field.
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
Knowledge of: Operations and services of a comprehensive purchasing and contract administration program.
Modern principles, practices, and methods of public and governmental purchasing and procurement programs and processes and their application to District operations.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Competitive bidding and pricing procedures.
Methods and techniques of researching and sourcing goods and materials.
Multiple methods of procuring goods and services.
Principles and practices of contract administration.
Mathematical principles.
Principles and practices of comprehensive record keeping.
District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Review requisitions for accuracy and completeness and determine proper purchasing methods.
Understand, interpret, explain and apply District, local, state and federal laws and regulations applicable to areas of responsibility.
Review, interpret, and assist in negotiating vendor/contractor terms and conditions.
Draft clear, well written contracts and agreements consistent with all applicable legal requirements for review and approval by legal counsel and management.
Evaluate scopes of work and make recommendations for changes to comply with requirements.
Research and utilize data and information to achieve cost effective results.
Negotiate bids, purchase orders, and/or pricing schedules for services, supplies, and equipment, for final approval by management.
Advise and explain purchasing policies, procedures, and standards.
Maintain accurate financial records and reports for informational, auditing, and operational use.
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
Perform accurate mathematical calculations.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Responsibilities

Collaborates with departments to determine the best methods of obtaining goods and services; reviews scopes of work; completes and publishes formal and informal bids ensuring that all applicable legal and contractual provisions are included to safeguard the District’s interests; works with departments to ensure requirements are clear and understood, and to gather data and develop specifications; determines insurance and bond requirements; enters data into automated system.
Coordinates and participates in the solicitation, evaluation and award of bids, conducts pre-bid briefings, proposer interviews, and scoring meetings; ensures contractor compliance with all bids, terms, conditions, insurance, and cost provisions of the contracts; issues addenda and attends public bid openings.
Completes purchase agreements, contract services agreements, professional services agreements, and public works agreements, routes for electronic signature by the parties.
Creates and provides correspondence related to bids and RFP's including Notice of Award letters, Notice to Proceed letters and Unsuccessful Bidder and termination letters as needed.
Maintains and updates contract and agreement files; distributes contract documents to parties of interest and upon request; maintains contract logs and related specialized records.
Works with District counsel to maintain and update both standard and nonstandard contracts and legal agreements for professional services, request for proposal and bids.
Assists in the development of contractual standards and District-wide policies and procedures in accordance with District rules and regulations, and in compliance with all applicable laws.
Responds to public records requests for bids generated through the Procurement and Contracts Division.
Attends and participates in meetings related to procurement as a District representative.
Observes and complies with District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Performs other duties as assigned.