The Position
New Salary Range Effective July 3, 2025: $69,781.66 - $84,819.95
Distinguishing Characteristics: The Procurement Specialist is a journey-level paraprofessional position within the Finance Department, responsible for performing a wide range of procurement and contract administration duties in support of the City's operations. This role is distinguished by its focus on facilitating competitive bidding, ensuring policy compliance, managing vendor relationships, and overseeing the day-to-day purchasing functions. The position requires strong organizational skills and plays a key role in ensuring procurement activities are fiscally responsible, transparent, and efficiently executed across all City departments.
Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented procurement professional who builds strong working relationships with internal departments, thrives in a collaborative environment, and demonstrates initiative in improving processes. They will have a strong foundation in public sector purchasing, including knowledge of competitive bidding laws, cooperative agreements, and procurement card administration. The successful candidate will be comfortable interpreting specifications, analyzing vendor quotes, and drafting clear, concise contracts and reports. Strong communication skills, the ability to juggle multiple priorities, and a commitment to excellent internal customer service are essential. Experience with public sector procurement and contract monitoring is highly desirable.
About the Finance Department: The Finance Department is committed to safeguarding City assets while providing sound fiscal management and outstanding customer service to residents, the business community, and City staff. With professionalism and integrity, the department oversees budget planning and administration, purchasing, accounting, payroll and business licensing. Core responsibilities include the development and administration of the City's annual operating budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget, collection and investment of City funds, financial auditing and reporting, accounts payable and receivable, parking citation administration, and long-term fiscal planning. The department plays a critical role in supporting the City's strategic and operational goals, while maintaining transparency and accountability in all financial matters.
~This is a non-telecommuting position~
Representative Duties
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
- Assists departments with purchasing needs, proper purchasing procedures, vendor sourcing, specification development, bid evaluation, order placement and contract review and administration;
- Prepares and issues purchase orders;
- Reviews purchase orders, bids, requisitions and specifications for accuracy;
- Solicits and obtains competitive bid quotations from suppliers;
- Monitors contracts for pricing compliance and terms and conditions;
- Tabulates and analyzes quotations to secure lowest, best bids;
- Reviews accounting for reasonableness;
- Assists in the development of agreements and contracts as a result of sealed bids;
- Assists in the preparation of staff reports to award bids to vendors;
- Monitors invoices for accuracy;
- Administers the City's procurement card program;
- Maintains central supply inventory;
- Maintains appropriate, concise, and accurate transaction records;
- Identifies cooperative purchasing opportunities;
- Works within online bidding platform;
- Meets with vendors regarding products and services;
- Coordinates activities with other City departments, outside agencies and vendors;
- Assists in the development and maintenance of proper purchasing procedures;
- Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service; and
- Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification. An example would be: EDUCATION: Graduation from high school or equivalent; AND EXPERIENCE: A minimum of two (2) years of experience performing responsible fiscal, accounting or procurement support duties. College coursework in Purchasing, Business Administration or related certifications may substitute for experience on a year for year basis. *Procurement and purchasing experience in a public agency is highly desirable. *A degree from an accredited college or university in a related field is highly desirable.
EVALUATION PROCESS: This recruitment is open until filled, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. First review of applications may take place on July 15, 2025. Interested applicants must submit an online application and a completed supplemental questionnaire. Candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the examination process for this position which may consist of any or all of the following components: Appraisal interview, a written exercise, or a practical skills assessment. Panel Interview: Tentatively scheduled for Thursday, August 7, 2025. The City may change this interview date at its discretion due to departmental staffing and operational needs.
Special Requirements
The applicant selected will be subject to a criminal history investigation through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and a thorough background check. A waiver for reference and background information must be completed. City of Santee employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.