Buyer II (Open and Promotional) (20552060)

The Procurement Division of the County Executive's Office is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Buyer II.  Under general supervision, this Buyer will provide a full range of detailed and complex procurement services for the Information Services Department.
   
 Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receive, review, and check purchase requisitions related to technology purchases to determine needs of the Information Services Department, market conditions, and product availability. 
• Consult and assist the Information Services Department with product selection and procurement methods. 
• Invite and accept bids, and evaluate prices, discounts, and delivery conditions. 
• Assist the Information Services Department in the preparation of product specifications and bids related to technology purchases. 
• Analyze bids for conformance to specifications and award bids. 
• Investigate complaints and problems and make recommendations for solutions and/or adjustments. 
• Serve on various project teams and committees as required, especially related to the Information Services Department. 
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and correspondence. 
• Provide technical assistance to the Information Services Department on the County's automated purchasing system. 
• Instruct the Information Services Department on County procurement procedures and policies. 
• Perform related duties and special projects as assigned. 

Because of the complexity of procurement services for the Information Services Department we are recruiting for Buyers with extensive knowledge of technology-related products, commodities, and sources, and with experience supporting an Information Services department.  The Buyer II is a journey-level classification, and incumbents are expected to perform a broad scope of purchasing transactions with independence of action.  

 

QUALIFICATIONSEducation and Experience: 
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  

• A typical way to qualify at the Buyer II level is three years of experience that would demonstrate the knowledge and command of complex commodity areas, and the principles, policies, and procedures of public agency procurement. 

 
Knowledge of: 

• Principles, practices, procedures, and applications of large-scale procurement. 
• Laws and regulations governing procurement policies and procedures in public agencies. 
• Procedures and requirements of governmental procurement. 
• Commodity sources of supply, trade, brand names, publications, and source material in the field of procurement. 
• Procedures and practices of procurement using formal and informal bidding. 
• Sources of supply, marketing practices, and pricing methods and differentials. 
• Computer programs related to procurement and word processing.  

Skill/Ability to: 

• Analyze purchase requisitions and evaluate specifications, proposals, bids, and contracts for complex commodity areas and purchases, specifically technology products, software, and licenses. 
• Develop product specifications, bids, and contracts. 
• Solve problems efficiently. 
• Perform the necessary research and make informed decisions using all available information and resources. 
• Work in a fast-paced environment. 
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 
• Write clear, concise reports and correspondence. 
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with customers, vendors, and procurement team members. 

 

APPLICATION / EXAMINATION

This is an Open and Promotional recruitment.  Anyone may apply.  Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in classified regular, probationary, extra-help or limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.
 
The examination process will consist of an Application Screening (weight: pass/fail) and an Interview (weight: 100%), which may include the evaluation of a brief writing exercise given immediately preceding the interview.  Applicants must successfully pass the Application Screening to move forward to the interview. Candidates must successfully pass the interview to be placed on the eligible (hiring) list.
 
Depending on the number of applications the screening committee may select those applicants whose education and/or experience appear to best meet the needs of the position. For that reason, not all applicants with the minimum qualifications are guaranteed to advance through the recruitment.
 
All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
 
IMPORTANT:  Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click "Apply". If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply.
 
In addition to completing the standard Employment Application form, responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (attached to the application form) must also be provided.
 
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE:
Final Filing Date: October 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM (PST)
Application Screening: Week of October 28, 2024
Panel Interview: November 13-14, 2024

The County of San Mateo
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities. The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
 

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels. 

 

Analyst: Chet Overstreet (100424) (E125 - Buyer II)