BUYER (Promotional & Open Competitive)

Job Description

Under the direction of an assigned Supervisor, perform a variety of technical purchasing duties involving the research, analysis, review, processing, invoicing and receiving of food, services, supplies and equipment as assigned by the position; obtain quotes, process bids and contracts, and review purchase orders and specifications including District fixed asset equipment acquisition and disposition under District requirements; order items in accordance with policies and procedures, and local, State and federal regulations.

Perform a variety of technical purchasing duties involving the research, analysis, review, processing, invoicing and receiving of food, services, supplies and equipment as assigned by the position; assure the smooth and timely delivery of goods and services to schools and departments.

Research and evaluate sources of supply; obtain written or verbal quotations from vendors; process and evaluate formal bid specifications and contracts as assigned; assure compliance with applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations related to formal and informal bidding procedures.

Review and process purchase requisitions; assure accuracy and completeness of order information and proper signatures; date stamp and log into appropriate system.

Order food, services, supplies and equipment in accordance with established policies and procedures; award bids or quotes and prepare purchase orders; arrange for delivery of goods; contact other departments to assure receipt of ordered goods; process change and cancellation notices

Input purchase order information into an assigned computer system; set up new vendor information in assigned system; update commodity codes in the system as needed; generate purchase orders and submit for approval as necessary.

Contact vendors to negotiate price, specifications, conditions of delivery and other related issues as necessary; follow up on delayed shipments, discrepancies and damaged deliveries.

Communicate with vendors and personnel to exchange information, resolve discrepancies, correct errors and clarify issues related to purchasing activities; work with accounts payable staff on resolving invoice issues.

Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to purchase orders, inventory, expenditures, reimbursements, product information, prices and assigned activities; maintain files of purchase orders, vendor catalogues, and other files as assigned; process and oversee school cafeteria requisitions; enter, approve, issue and return products back to District inventory as appropriate.

Collaborate with the Warehouse Supervisor regarding physical inventory; participate in conducting physical count of inventoried items in the warehouse; generate valuations prior to and after inventory, and worksheets related to physical inventory.

Operate a variety of modern office equipment, computer and assigned software.

Prepare a variety of correspondence related to the purchasing function; receive and respond to e-mails and phone inquiries.

Train and provide guidance to assigned staff as directed; provide training in the proper use of purchasing software to employees as needed.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Purchasing policies, practices and terminology.

Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.

Local vendors and sources of supply.

Technical aspects of researching, comparing and purchasing supplies, materials and equipment.

Modern Office software applications.

Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.

Operation of standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Oral and written communication skills.

Telephone techniques and etiquette.

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Mathematical computations.

ABILITY TO:

Perform a variety of technical duties involving the purchase of food, services, supplies and equipment as assigned.

Research and evaluate sources of supply.

Obtain verbal and written price quotations.

Prepare, review, verify and process purchasing forms and bid documents.

Order items in accordance with policies and procedures.

Maintain vendor lists and catalogs.

Prepare and process bid specifications.

Operate standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Understand and follow oral and written directions.

Plan and organize work.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Maintain records and prepare reports.

Meet schedules and time lines.

Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.

Type or input data at an acceptable rate of speed.

Any combination of education and/or experience equivalent to: Associate's degree or equivalent, in business administration, accounting or related field and two years' experience in the purchase of supplies and equipment utilizing financial software systems or similar purchasing functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Office environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.

Sitting for extended periods of time.

Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching and lifting.

The examination process for this recruitment may be comprised of one or any combination of the following: screening of the applicant's training, background, and experience; scored evaluation of responses on a supplemental application; written examination(s); qualifications appraisal oral examination; performance examination; or technical oral examination, scored on a job-related basis. Only the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the examination process. Successful candidates who pass all parts of the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list in order of their relative merit as determined by these competitive examinations.

If your application is accepted to advance in this recruitment, the exam and interview dates are as follows:

Exam #1: Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Exam #2: To Be Determined

Dates are tentative, but it is highly recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly. No Make-Up dates will be offered.

Other Important information: The duration of the eligibility list is one (1) year unless extended by the Personnel Commission. The eligibility list from this recruitment will be used for full-time, part-time and limited term positions.

New employees to the district are placed on step A of the salary schedule. The maximum salary is reached after 3 ½ years of employment.

Recruitments that list Promotional and Open Competitive opportunities may result in one of the following: 1) a dual-certified list in which internal employees of the San Lorenzo Unified School District are awarded seniority points to their final passing score before placement on the eligibility list, or 2) two separate eligibility lists consisting of candidates on a promotional only list and an open list. In the latter case, candidates on the promotional list are referred to the hiring authority before candidates on the open. However, where less than three ranks exist on the promotional list, the open list will be utilized to complete a total of three ranks

Closing Date/Time: Fri, 04 Sep 2026