Golden Empire Transit District
Salary :
$43,680.00 - $64,480.00 Annually Location :
Bakersfield Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
202500002 Department:
Maintenance Opening Date:
06/24/2025 Closing Date:
Continuous
Description Under direction, to purchase or negotiate the purchase of materials, heavy and light duty vehicle parts, supplies, equipment, and services for use by District departments and divisions. The Buyer is responsible for conducting routine procurement assignments for a wide variety of goods and services in support of the operation of the District. The Buyer is responsible for sourcing suppliers, and monitoring inventory levels, and ensuring compliance with District procurement policies and practices. The incumbent in this role will exercise attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and an ability to work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
: This is a journey level classification. This position performs a wide range of purchasing functions. The Buyer is expected to fulfill all assigned responsibilities in accordance with existing regulations and policies. The Buyer is also required to make decisions independently and solve problems related to purchasing activities. Resolution of conflicts between providers and end users is an integral part of this position. Typical activities include purchasing of commodities of a technical and specialized nature. This classification promotes the most effective use of the District's funds in the procurement of materials, supplies, and equipment for the District and performs a diverse range of clerical functions in support of procurement and inventory management objectives. Moderate level of supervision is required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED : This classification reports to the Maintenance Manager. This position does not supervise.
CORE COMPETENCIES: Vendor Management:
Sourcing and evaluating suppliers/vendors, and managing vendor relationships to ensure compliance, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Cost Control:
Conducting cost comparisons, reviews, and analyses, and implementing cost-saving strategies while maintaining quality standards. Market Research and Analysis:
Conducting fundamental market research, and identifying potential suppliers to support informed decision-making and strategic sourcing initiatives. Negotiation Skills:
Negotiating pricing, terms, and conditions with vendors to secure favorable purchases for the District. Data Analysis and Reporting:
Analyzing procurement data, generating reports, and presenting findings to stakeholders to support decision-making, monitor performance, and ensure transparency. Ethics and Compliance:
Upholding ethical standards, promoting transparency, and ensuring adherence to procurement ethics, conflict of interest policies, and compliance requirements. Communication Skills:
Effectively communicates with internal stakeholders, vendors, and regulatory agencies orally and in writing. This includes writing clear and concise procurement documents, contracts, and reports. Relationship Building -
Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships with both internal and external customers. Examples of Duties
Reviews requisitions for completeness, accuracy, cost effectiveness and adherence to standards, codes, District policies and procedures; Researches, develops and maintains vendor product information lists which include ongoing review of product information and current pricing of commodities and services; Obtains price quotes by telephone, email and compares and analyzes quotations in order to determent the best value purchase for the District. Determines vendors from which purchases will be made and issues purchase orders; reviews standing purchase orders for renewal; prepares blanket purchase orders. Obtains bids, proposals, or quotations from vendors, conducts cost comparisons against specifications or scope of work, and makes recommendations for orders or agreements. Investigates complaints by departments and resolves delivery or other problems; secures adjustments. Compares costs and evaluates the quality and suitability of supplies, materials, and equipment. Prepares reports, correspondences, and other written materials, including charts, graphs, or spreadsheets and makes recommendations for purchasing opportunities. Generates purchase order documents electronically and maintains all required paperwork and files. Maintains ongoing communication with vendors and progress, ensuring adherence to quality, delivery, price, and/or service terms of agreement. Ensures procurement activities are conducted with accuracy, equity, and adherence to established guidelines. Maintains purchase order and procurement files in accordance with District policies and practices. Produces correspondence, and reports related to procurement processing, respond to inquiries from vendors and District staff. Monitors inventory usage patterns and forecasts future stock requirements, adjusting stock levels to ensure the District maintains adequate supplies to fulfill operational needs. Conducts research, evaluates findings and recommends decisions on procurement matters to Maintenance supervisors/managers. Resolves discrepancies in invoices, deliveries, and shipments, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Reports to work as scheduled. Performs related work duties as required. Typical Qualifications QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:
Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the classification is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities is as follows:
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or GED is required with a combination of two (2) years of progressively responsible purchasing and/or buyer experience; Associates degree or 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of college coursework from an accredited college or university in business, public administration, economics, accounting, finance or related field is preferred. Transit/public agency experience is highly desirable. LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES:
Certification as one of the following: Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.) or Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) by the Institute of Supply Management or Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (C.P.P.B.) or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (C.P.P.O.) by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing is desirable A valid California Driver's License with a driving record acceptable to the District is preferred. REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL LEVELS:
Knowledge of effective research methods to review and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of comparable purchasing options. Knowledge regarding processes related to requests for proposals (RFP), requests for quotes (RFQ), request for information (RFI), informal bids, and quotes. Knowledge of public transit or heavy-duty fleet maintenance operations and equipment, parts, and tools used in heavy-duty vehicle fleet maintenance. Moderate level proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of best practices pertaining to the evaluation of cost-effective procurement processes and procedures. Knowledge of accurate data management and record keeping techniques. Requisite reading, mathematical, written, and verbal skills in order to perform the essential functions of the job. Knowledge of proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. REQUISITE ABILITIES
:
Ability to accurately outline procurement order requirements and terms of engagement with vendors, ensuring clarity and adherence to organizational standards. Ability to identify and engage with potential suppliers and vendors to fulfill procurement requirements, assessing suitability to meet the District's needs. Ability to analyze cost/value aspects in potential orders, evaluating pricing structures, assessing potential risks, quality, product/service value, warranties, and other relevant purchasing considerations. Ability to accurately perform mathematical calculations. Ability to efficiently manage multiple procurement assignment concurrently, coordinating timelines, resources, and tasks to meet organizational objectives. Ability to effectively purchase parts and materials and maintain cost controls. Ability to research vehicle/equipment parts and interpret price books. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise, and grammatically correct documents and reports. Ability to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public. Ability to exercise continuous effort to improve operations, decrease purchasing turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide seamless customer service. Ability to be available and work during non-traditional hours such as early mornings, late evenings, holidays, as business needs require; Ability to travel to various locations for off-site meetings and events when necessary.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Exposure to cold temperatures ranging from 20°F to 50°F for a duration of 15 30 minutes walking between buildings. The District mandates strict adherence to safety protocols, requiring employees to wear adequately warm clothing, personal safety equipment, and comply with Hazardous Waste/MSDS requirements (F).
Exposure to high temperatures ranging from 80°F to 120°F for one hour to inspect equipment, buildings, and grounds. The District requires employees to wear suitable lightweight clothing and stay hydrated to prevent dehydration (F).
Exposure to loud noises for one hour while communicating with mechanics or assessing building and grounds issues. The District mandates the use of safety ear protection equipment during such instances (F).
The role entails extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily work tasks and in the handling of office equipment and supplies. (F)
Grasping, repetitive hand movements, and precise coordination when operating a computer keyboard or phone. (F). Speak and hear in communicating with internal and external stakeholders (F)
The position necessitates far and near vision for reading reports and documents, as well as acute hearing when engaging in phone and personal interactions (F). Lift, drag, or push files, papers, documents, or inventory boxes weighing up to 25 pounds (O).
Further, this role requires the operation of a motor vehicle to pick up parts and supplies at vendors' facilities or to conduct district business. (O)
Reasonable accommodation for qualified candidates with disabilities will be made on a case by case basis. Supplemental Information A background check will be conducted for this classification. All Golden Empire Transit District employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec. 3100-3109). In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, GET employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency. As Disaster Service Workers, all Golden Empire Transit District employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable following a significant emergency or disaster. Golden Empire Transit District offers a variety of benefits to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. 01
What is your highest level of education?
High School Some College Associates Degree Bachelors Degree or Higher
02
Do you possess a Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) certificate?
Yes No
03
How many years of purchasing and/or buyer experience do you have?
None Less than 1 year More than 1 year but less than 3 years More than 3 years
04
What is your level of proficiency with Microsoft Outlook?
Basic Intermediate Advanced
05
What is your level of proficiency with Microsoft WORD?
Basic/Beginner Intermediate Advanced
06
What is your level of proficiency with Microsoft EXCEL?
Basic/Beginner Intermediate Advanced
07
How often do you use MS WORD?
Daily Weekly Monthly Quarterly
08
How often do you use MS Excel
Daily Weekly Monthly Quarterly
Required Question
$43,680.00 - $64,480.00 Annually Location :
Bakersfield Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
202500002 Department:
Maintenance Opening Date:
06/24/2025 Closing Date:
Continuous
Description Under direction, to purchase or negotiate the purchase of materials, heavy and light duty vehicle parts, supplies, equipment, and services for use by District departments and divisions. The Buyer is responsible for conducting routine procurement assignments for a wide variety of goods and services in support of the operation of the District. The Buyer is responsible for sourcing suppliers, and monitoring inventory levels, and ensuring compliance with District procurement policies and practices. The incumbent in this role will exercise attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and an ability to work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
: This is a journey level classification. This position performs a wide range of purchasing functions. The Buyer is expected to fulfill all assigned responsibilities in accordance with existing regulations and policies. The Buyer is also required to make decisions independently and solve problems related to purchasing activities. Resolution of conflicts between providers and end users is an integral part of this position. Typical activities include purchasing of commodities of a technical and specialized nature. This classification promotes the most effective use of the District's funds in the procurement of materials, supplies, and equipment for the District and performs a diverse range of clerical functions in support of procurement and inventory management objectives. Moderate level of supervision is required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED : This classification reports to the Maintenance Manager. This position does not supervise.
CORE COMPETENCIES: Vendor Management:
Sourcing and evaluating suppliers/vendors, and managing vendor relationships to ensure compliance, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Cost Control:
Conducting cost comparisons, reviews, and analyses, and implementing cost-saving strategies while maintaining quality standards. Market Research and Analysis:
Conducting fundamental market research, and identifying potential suppliers to support informed decision-making and strategic sourcing initiatives. Negotiation Skills:
Negotiating pricing, terms, and conditions with vendors to secure favorable purchases for the District. Data Analysis and Reporting:
Analyzing procurement data, generating reports, and presenting findings to stakeholders to support decision-making, monitor performance, and ensure transparency. Ethics and Compliance:
Upholding ethical standards, promoting transparency, and ensuring adherence to procurement ethics, conflict of interest policies, and compliance requirements. Communication Skills:
Effectively communicates with internal stakeholders, vendors, and regulatory agencies orally and in writing. This includes writing clear and concise procurement documents, contracts, and reports. Relationship Building -
Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships with both internal and external customers. Examples of Duties
Reviews requisitions for completeness, accuracy, cost effectiveness and adherence to standards, codes, District policies and procedures; Researches, develops and maintains vendor product information lists which include ongoing review of product information and current pricing of commodities and services; Obtains price quotes by telephone, email and compares and analyzes quotations in order to determent the best value purchase for the District. Determines vendors from which purchases will be made and issues purchase orders; reviews standing purchase orders for renewal; prepares blanket purchase orders. Obtains bids, proposals, or quotations from vendors, conducts cost comparisons against specifications or scope of work, and makes recommendations for orders or agreements. Investigates complaints by departments and resolves delivery or other problems; secures adjustments. Compares costs and evaluates the quality and suitability of supplies, materials, and equipment. Prepares reports, correspondences, and other written materials, including charts, graphs, or spreadsheets and makes recommendations for purchasing opportunities. Generates purchase order documents electronically and maintains all required paperwork and files. Maintains ongoing communication with vendors and progress, ensuring adherence to quality, delivery, price, and/or service terms of agreement. Ensures procurement activities are conducted with accuracy, equity, and adherence to established guidelines. Maintains purchase order and procurement files in accordance with District policies and practices. Produces correspondence, and reports related to procurement processing, respond to inquiries from vendors and District staff. Monitors inventory usage patterns and forecasts future stock requirements, adjusting stock levels to ensure the District maintains adequate supplies to fulfill operational needs. Conducts research, evaluates findings and recommends decisions on procurement matters to Maintenance supervisors/managers. Resolves discrepancies in invoices, deliveries, and shipments, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Reports to work as scheduled. Performs related work duties as required. Typical Qualifications QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:
Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the classification is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities is as follows:
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or GED is required with a combination of two (2) years of progressively responsible purchasing and/or buyer experience; Associates degree or 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of college coursework from an accredited college or university in business, public administration, economics, accounting, finance or related field is preferred. Transit/public agency experience is highly desirable. LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES:
Certification as one of the following: Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.) or Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) by the Institute of Supply Management or Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (C.P.P.B.) or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (C.P.P.O.) by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing is desirable A valid California Driver's License with a driving record acceptable to the District is preferred. REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL LEVELS:
Knowledge of effective research methods to review and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of comparable purchasing options. Knowledge regarding processes related to requests for proposals (RFP), requests for quotes (RFQ), request for information (RFI), informal bids, and quotes. Knowledge of public transit or heavy-duty fleet maintenance operations and equipment, parts, and tools used in heavy-duty vehicle fleet maintenance. Moderate level proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of best practices pertaining to the evaluation of cost-effective procurement processes and procedures. Knowledge of accurate data management and record keeping techniques. Requisite reading, mathematical, written, and verbal skills in order to perform the essential functions of the job. Knowledge of proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. REQUISITE ABILITIES
:
Ability to accurately outline procurement order requirements and terms of engagement with vendors, ensuring clarity and adherence to organizational standards. Ability to identify and engage with potential suppliers and vendors to fulfill procurement requirements, assessing suitability to meet the District's needs. Ability to analyze cost/value aspects in potential orders, evaluating pricing structures, assessing potential risks, quality, product/service value, warranties, and other relevant purchasing considerations. Ability to accurately perform mathematical calculations. Ability to efficiently manage multiple procurement assignment concurrently, coordinating timelines, resources, and tasks to meet organizational objectives. Ability to effectively purchase parts and materials and maintain cost controls. Ability to research vehicle/equipment parts and interpret price books. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise, and grammatically correct documents and reports. Ability to create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage successfully with both internal and external contacts and the public. Ability to exercise continuous effort to improve operations, decrease purchasing turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide seamless customer service. Ability to be available and work during non-traditional hours such as early mornings, late evenings, holidays, as business needs require; Ability to travel to various locations for off-site meetings and events when necessary.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Exposure to cold temperatures ranging from 20°F to 50°F for a duration of 15 30 minutes walking between buildings. The District mandates strict adherence to safety protocols, requiring employees to wear adequately warm clothing, personal safety equipment, and comply with Hazardous Waste/MSDS requirements (F).
Exposure to high temperatures ranging from 80°F to 120°F for one hour to inspect equipment, buildings, and grounds. The District requires employees to wear suitable lightweight clothing and stay hydrated to prevent dehydration (F).
Exposure to loud noises for one hour while communicating with mechanics or assessing building and grounds issues. The District mandates the use of safety ear protection equipment during such instances (F).
The role entails extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily work tasks and in the handling of office equipment and supplies. (F)
Grasping, repetitive hand movements, and precise coordination when operating a computer keyboard or phone. (F). Speak and hear in communicating with internal and external stakeholders (F)
The position necessitates far and near vision for reading reports and documents, as well as acute hearing when engaging in phone and personal interactions (F). Lift, drag, or push files, papers, documents, or inventory boxes weighing up to 25 pounds (O).
Further, this role requires the operation of a motor vehicle to pick up parts and supplies at vendors' facilities or to conduct district business. (O)
Reasonable accommodation for qualified candidates with disabilities will be made on a case by case basis. Supplemental Information A background check will be conducted for this classification. All Golden Empire Transit District employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec. 3100-3109). In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, GET employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency. As Disaster Service Workers, all Golden Empire Transit District employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable following a significant emergency or disaster. Golden Empire Transit District offers a variety of benefits to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. 01
What is your highest level of education?
High School Some College Associates Degree Bachelors Degree or Higher
02
Do you possess a Certified Public Purchasing Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) certificate?
Yes No
03
How many years of purchasing and/or buyer experience do you have?
None Less than 1 year More than 1 year but less than 3 years More than 3 years
04
What is your level of proficiency with Microsoft Outlook?
Basic Intermediate Advanced
05
What is your level of proficiency with Microsoft WORD?
Basic/Beginner Intermediate Advanced
06
What is your level of proficiency with Microsoft EXCEL?
Basic/Beginner Intermediate Advanced
07
How often do you use MS WORD?
Daily Weekly Monthly Quarterly
08
How often do you use MS Excel
Daily Weekly Monthly Quarterly
Required Question