BUYER
Apply NowCompany: City of Carson, CA
Location: Carson, CA 90745
Description:
Salary : $7,233.20 - $9,230.00 Monthly
Location : CITY OF CARSON, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 2400135
Department: FINANCE
Opening Date: 04/02/2025
Closing Date: 5/2/2025 6:00 PM Pacific
THE POSITION
The Ideal Candidate Profile:
An ideal candidate for the Buyer position in the purchasing division of the Finance department would have a bachelor's degree in business administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field. They should possess confidence, demonstrating self-assurance in decision-making and negotiation while maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. The ability to work collaboratively is essential, as the role requires fostering strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.
Resiliency is a key attribute, as this candidate should excel under pressure, delivering high-quality results even when facing tight deadlines. Strong analytical thinking is important to evaluate supplier proposals, market trends, and financial data for informed purchasing decisions. They should also have expertise in negotiation, skillfully achieving favorable terms with vendors while balancing cost, quality, and efficiency. Attention to detail is critical, ensuring contracts are meticulously reviewed, orders are accurately tracked, and all actions align with company policies.
The ideal candidate is results-driven, adaptable to dynamic environments, and possesses excellent interpersonal communication skills. They should be enthusiastic, innovative, and eager to contribute to process improvements within the team.
Vacancy Information
There is one (1) current full-time (FSLA Non-exempt) vacancy, with a 4/10 schedule: Monday to Thursday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm (includes a 1-hour unpaid lunch break). Work hours and/or work schedule may be changed based on the needs of the City.
Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Purchasing Manager, assists in the purchase of equipment, materials and services for the City of Carson. Incumbents in the Buyer classification perform a variety of responsible duties in the purchase of equipment, materials and services for the City of Carson. The Senior Buyer classification is the advanced level in the Buyer series. Incumbents perform specialized technical buying requiring knowledge of detailed and technical specifications and operate in a lead capacity over other purchasing personnel as assigned.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
(These functions are representative and may not be present in all positions in the class. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind related duties and work assignments.)
Analyzes and edits requisitions and writes specifications for the purchase of a variety of commodities utilizing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (i.e. Tyler Munis). Prepares invitations for bid and request for proposals which includes soliciting, evaluating, and negotiating contracts. Prepares change orders, council agenda items, and other documents concerning purchasing matters. Maintains and adds to list of vendors to assure adequate competition. Obtains bids and .consults and, interviews with and evaluates vendor reliability and their ability to deliver purchases. Examines bids for conformance with specifications by preparing purchasing related reports such as, but not limited to, vendor expenditure threshold, requisitions, purchase orders, commodity expenditure and account expenditures. Makes recommendations concerning vendors to be used for single purchases, annual contracts and purchase agreements considering such factors as quality, price, delivery time, terms, and reputation of the vendor. Computes price changes and costs to determine the lowest responsible bidder. Examines samples, attends demonstration, and discusses products with sales representatives. Assures that specifications do not limit bidding by undue restrictions. Effectively coordinates with other City department/divisions in procurement procedures and assists lower-level staff as appropriate, promoting a collaborative team environment. Performs related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
A typical way to obtain the requisite qualifications to perform the duties of this class is as follows:
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Business Management with emphasis in Finance or closely related field, or equivalent of two years college course work in business or a related field or equivalent and two years increasingly responsible purchasing experience required. Experience and/or education in a related field may be substituted on a year for year basis.
Knowledge of:
Skill and Ability to:
WORKING CONDITIONS
Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Positions in this class normally:
Applications will be screened and evaluated for relevant training and experience. Applications must be complete, and include any and all required documents. Only those applicants determined to be among the most qualified may be invited to participate in the recruitment process, which will consist of the following sections:
The Human Resources & Risk Management Department reserves the right to adjust, modify, delete and/or change the above exam types and/or weights.
Supplemental questionnaires are used to evaluate applicant's indicated abilities with the ideal candidate profile. Applicants must achieve a cut-off score of 70% or above on written examto be placed on the eligibility list. Passing any/all of the examination sections does not guarantee an invitation to the selection interview. The Human Resources & Risk Management Department reserves the right to invite those amongst the highest scoring to the next phase of the recruitment.
Revisions to a testing component during a recruitment process can be made at the discretion of the Human Resources & Risk Management Department. Applicants will be notified by email if a revision is made. An eligibility list will be established in accordance with the City's Personnel Rules, Rule VI, Employment List Procedures.
OTHER INFORMATION:The City of Carson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call Human Resources for assistance at (310) 952-1736.
APPOINTMENT:Any offer of employment, or acceptance of an employment offer, is contingent upon passing live scan, background check and other tests. All new employees are required to take a loyalty oath.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice. All statements made on the job application are subject to investigation and/or verification. Inaccurate and/or false statements will be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligibility list or discharge from employment.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: THIS POSITION IS OPEN.
CURRENT CITY OF CARSON EMPLOYEES: Please do not use your City of Carson email address as part of this application. You must indicate a personal email address in order to receive communications and/or notices from Human Resources throughout the recruitment process.
For more information, please click on the link below.
01
1. The following supplemental questions will be used to assist us in screening your application. You are required to answer each of the following questions truthfully and completely. This questionnaire will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job. Your responses to this questionnaire may also be used to evaluate your qualifications beyond the minimum requirements, as part of the application screening process. As such, please take the time necessary to answer the questions thoroughly. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental questionnaire, or those that say see resume or application, may not be considered. It is imperative that your responses to the questionnaire provide a true and accurate reflection of your background. Additionally, your answers MUST be supported by the information you have entered in your general application. Responses which cannot be substantiated by information contained in your application will be deemed invalid. Falsification, exaggeration and misrepresentation will result in your disqualification. Your responses will be evaluated as submitted. Do you agree to answer the following questions truthfully and completely AND understand that falsification or overstatement of your qualifications is grounds for disqualification of your application?
02
Which one of the following statements best describes the highest education you earned?
Please note: Proof of education (AA degree or higher) must be attached at the time of submission with your application.
03
Describe your experience managing purchasing thresholds. Be sure to specify the employer's name and the length of time you have worked with purchasing thresholds.
04
Do you have experience utilizing financial software such as Tyler Munis?
05
Please describe your experience evaluating and analyzing written quotes or proposals when selecting a vendor.
06
Do you have any additional certifications related to Purchasing? If yes, please list below along with the date the certification was earned/completed. If none, enter N/A.
07
I have experience performing the following (check all that apply):
Required Question
Location : CITY OF CARSON, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 2400135
Department: FINANCE
Opening Date: 04/02/2025
Closing Date: 5/2/2025 6:00 PM Pacific
THE POSITION
The Ideal Candidate Profile:
An ideal candidate for the Buyer position in the purchasing division of the Finance department would have a bachelor's degree in business administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field. They should possess confidence, demonstrating self-assurance in decision-making and negotiation while maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. The ability to work collaboratively is essential, as the role requires fostering strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.
Resiliency is a key attribute, as this candidate should excel under pressure, delivering high-quality results even when facing tight deadlines. Strong analytical thinking is important to evaluate supplier proposals, market trends, and financial data for informed purchasing decisions. They should also have expertise in negotiation, skillfully achieving favorable terms with vendors while balancing cost, quality, and efficiency. Attention to detail is critical, ensuring contracts are meticulously reviewed, orders are accurately tracked, and all actions align with company policies.
The ideal candidate is results-driven, adaptable to dynamic environments, and possesses excellent interpersonal communication skills. They should be enthusiastic, innovative, and eager to contribute to process improvements within the team.
Vacancy Information
There is one (1) current full-time (FSLA Non-exempt) vacancy, with a 4/10 schedule: Monday to Thursday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm (includes a 1-hour unpaid lunch break). Work hours and/or work schedule may be changed based on the needs of the City.
Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Purchasing Manager, assists in the purchase of equipment, materials and services for the City of Carson. Incumbents in the Buyer classification perform a variety of responsible duties in the purchase of equipment, materials and services for the City of Carson. The Senior Buyer classification is the advanced level in the Buyer series. Incumbents perform specialized technical buying requiring knowledge of detailed and technical specifications and operate in a lead capacity over other purchasing personnel as assigned.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
(These functions are representative and may not be present in all positions in the class. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind related duties and work assignments.)
QUALIFICATIONS
A typical way to obtain the requisite qualifications to perform the duties of this class is as follows:
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Business Management with emphasis in Finance or closely related field, or equivalent of two years college course work in business or a related field or equivalent and two years increasingly responsible purchasing experience required. Experience and/or education in a related field may be substituted on a year for year basis.
Knowledge of:
- Policies, methods and procedures of purchasing.
- Commodity pricing methods and bids.
- Sources of supply.
- Language and terminology employed in writing product specifications.
- Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
- Applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
- City organization, operations, policies and objectives.
Skill and Ability to:
- Compile, analyze and evaluate data.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Interpret, apply and explain laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Meet schedules and time lines.
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
- Plan and organize work.
- Interpret market prices and trends.
- Maintain accurate records
- Proficient in Word, Excel, and Power Point
- Proficient with ERP or any enterprise resource planning system (i.e. Tyler Munis)
WORKING CONDITIONS
Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Positions in this class normally:
- Require vision (which may be corrected) to read small print.
- Perform work which is primarily sedentary.
- Is subject to inside environmental conditions.
Applications will be screened and evaluated for relevant training and experience. Applications must be complete, and include any and all required documents. Only those applicants determined to be among the most qualified may be invited to participate in the recruitment process, which will consist of the following sections:
- Supplemental questionnaire, no weight
- Oral exam, weighted 100%
The Human Resources & Risk Management Department reserves the right to adjust, modify, delete and/or change the above exam types and/or weights.
Supplemental questionnaires are used to evaluate applicant's indicated abilities with the ideal candidate profile. Applicants must achieve a cut-off score of 70% or above on written examto be placed on the eligibility list. Passing any/all of the examination sections does not guarantee an invitation to the selection interview. The Human Resources & Risk Management Department reserves the right to invite those amongst the highest scoring to the next phase of the recruitment.
Revisions to a testing component during a recruitment process can be made at the discretion of the Human Resources & Risk Management Department. Applicants will be notified by email if a revision is made. An eligibility list will be established in accordance with the City's Personnel Rules, Rule VI, Employment List Procedures.
OTHER INFORMATION:The City of Carson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call Human Resources for assistance at (310) 952-1736.
APPOINTMENT:Any offer of employment, or acceptance of an employment offer, is contingent upon passing live scan, background check and other tests. All new employees are required to take a loyalty oath.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice. All statements made on the job application are subject to investigation and/or verification. Inaccurate and/or false statements will be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligibility list or discharge from employment.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: THIS POSITION IS OPEN.
CURRENT CITY OF CARSON EMPLOYEES: Please do not use your City of Carson email address as part of this application. You must indicate a personal email address in order to receive communications and/or notices from Human Resources throughout the recruitment process.
For more information, please click on the link below.
01
1. The following supplemental questions will be used to assist us in screening your application. You are required to answer each of the following questions truthfully and completely. This questionnaire will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job. Your responses to this questionnaire may also be used to evaluate your qualifications beyond the minimum requirements, as part of the application screening process. As such, please take the time necessary to answer the questions thoroughly. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental questionnaire, or those that say see resume or application, may not be considered. It is imperative that your responses to the questionnaire provide a true and accurate reflection of your background. Additionally, your answers MUST be supported by the information you have entered in your general application. Responses which cannot be substantiated by information contained in your application will be deemed invalid. Falsification, exaggeration and misrepresentation will result in your disqualification. Your responses will be evaluated as submitted. Do you agree to answer the following questions truthfully and completely AND understand that falsification or overstatement of your qualifications is grounds for disqualification of your application?
- Yes
- No
02
Which one of the following statements best describes the highest education you earned?
Please note: Proof of education (AA degree or higher) must be attached at the time of submission with your application.
- I earned a high school/GED certificate.
- I earned an Associates degree.
- I earned a Bachelor's degree.
- I earned a graduate degree.
03
Describe your experience managing purchasing thresholds. Be sure to specify the employer's name and the length of time you have worked with purchasing thresholds.
04
Do you have experience utilizing financial software such as Tyler Munis?
- Yes
- No
05
Please describe your experience evaluating and analyzing written quotes or proposals when selecting a vendor.
06
Do you have any additional certifications related to Purchasing? If yes, please list below along with the date the certification was earned/completed. If none, enter N/A.
07
I have experience performing the following (check all that apply):
- Strategic Sourcing
- Contract and Supplier Negotiations
- Analyzing Quotes/Proposals
- Workpaper Documentations
- Negotiating Pricing
- Analyzing Bid Specifications
- Soliciting Quotes/Proposals
- Compiling, Analyzing, and Evaluating Data Related to Purchases
- Interpreting and Carrying Out Written Policies and Procedures
- Participating in a Fiscal Year End-Close Process
- Supply Chain Management and Facilitation
- None of the above
Required Question