Purchasing Agent

If you possess a talent for managing both physical goods and financial resources, the Berks County Maintenance Office has an exciting opportunity for you as a Purchasing Agent. In this dynamic role, you will play a crucial part in ensuring that the county's expenditures remain within budgetary limits while also overseeing the procurement process. Your daily responsibilities will include evaluating bids and purchase orders, organizing the stock room, and even operating a forklift to manage inventory. Collaborating closely with County Managers, you will help foster a safe and financially sound environment through comprehensive purchasing and inventory control practices. This position offers a unique blend of technical and hands-on tasks, making it ideal for someone who thrives in a multifaceted work setting. If this sounds like the perfect fit for your skills and interests, we encourage you to apply today!

An employee in this role is tasked with evaluating requisitions for TR Berks County and determining the most effective procurement methods through requests, specifications, bids, and purchase orders. This position requires regular interaction with vendors, requesters, and other commonwealth personnel to address purchasing needs, manage delivery logistics, and resolve payment-related issues. Additionally, employees are responsible for various warehouse or storeroom activities, which include requisitioning, receiving, storing, distributing, and overseeing inventory management. Communication with the public is also a key aspect of the job, primarily conducted through phone and electronic channels. Furthermore, employees may be called upon to support operations related to the Winter Maintenance Program and are expected to participate in ongoing training to ensure compliance with all Commonwealth policies and procedures. In this capacity, the employee will serve as the designated Purchasing Card Holder for the county office and may undergo additional background checks as part of the hiring process.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Overtime and shift work required. Work hours subject to change based on seasonal requirements and operational needs.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Berks County. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $45,907.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Three years of experience in purchasing work involving contact with vendors in the procurement of a variety of supplies, materials, equipment, or services; or
• Three years of experience in requisitioning, receiving, storing, distributing, and maintaining inventory of goods; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training. Post-high school education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for purchasing or stores experience to a maximum of two years.

• Must possess keyboarding skills to meet standards for speed and accuracy.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Have experience with SAP (Systems, Applications & Products) for purchasing.
• One year of moderately complex clerical experience with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, TEAMS).
• One year of experience sorting, filing, and retrieving documents using a specific system to keep them organized and to be able to retrieve documents/files as needed.
• Two years of experience requisitioning, storing, and retrieving materials or supplies using a specific system to keep them organized and to be able to order or disperse unique items as needed.
• Two years of customer service dealing with inquiries from the general public.
• Two years of contract or bid preparation and execution for goods and/or services.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
  

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of

your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.