Performs technical purchasing functions for the Department. Work involves research, study and evaluation of assigned commodities, supplies and services. Advises district and division personnel on purchasing procedures and quality of commodities, supplies and services. Work requires contact with other governmental and private entities. Employees at this level perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the supervisor.

Essential Duties:

• Coordinates and compiles basic and/or complex reports.
   
• Develops and writes technical equipment, material specifications and/or service statements of work (SOW) and works with the user to evaluate requirements for the items or services to be purchased.
   
• Makes field visits to districts and divisions to discuss requirements for materials, supplies and services and arranges for demonstrations and evaluations of new equipment and supplies.
   
• Makes recommendations on standardization of equipment, materials, supplies and services.
   
• Prepares requisitions for term contract and open market purchases and makes delegated purchases.
   
• Represents the Department at various meetings and may serve as a member of one of the division specification committees.
   
• Responsible for the achievement of established Historically Underutilized Business participation goals.
   
• Reviews and analyzes bids and makes award recommendations to management and/or the of Comptroller of Public Accounts
   
• Answers questions, provides guidance and acts as liaison between districts, divisions and vendors.
   
• Assists in preparing justifications and compiles files of items purchased.
   
• Keeps abreast and reports on the impact of technological and price changes in goods and/or services.
   
• Maintains files on product literature, requisitions, purchase orders and correspondence.
   
• Makes spot and emergency purchases.
   
• Prepares correspondence to departmental staff, vendors and/or the CPA regarding updates on literature, clarification of specifications, bid reviews, expediting delivery and coordinating testing/evaluation of products.
   
• Prepares specifications and SOW which involves conducting market research, obtaining literature and tabulating and comparing features to user needs.
   
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.
   

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in any discipline. Related experience and/or relevant technical training may be substituted for education on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

1 year experience in purchasing. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).

Licenses and Certifications: 

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

• Must obtain the Certified Texas Contract Developer Certification (CTCD) within 12 months of the date of hire.

Competencies:

Considerable knowledge of:

• Research and analysis methodologies 
   
• Technical specification writing 
   
• Goods and services purchased by the Department
   
• State rules and procedures associated with expediting, ordering, purchasing and warehousing laws, policies and procedures

Proficient skill in

• Analyzing and organizing business and technical data
   
• Developing and giving presentations
   
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting policies and state and federal laws and regulations specific to functional area 
   
• Scheduling work assignments
   
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
   
• Using basic mathematical fundamentals
   
• Coordinating labor, materials, and equipment 
   
• Evaluating products, equipment and material 
   
• Analyzing and organizing business and technical data 
   
• Preparing technical/statistical reports  
   
• Using computers and applicable programs, applications, and systems 
   
• Evaluating new equipment performance
   
• Administrative support practices and procedures to include writing, editing and report writing techniques, recording meeting notes, record keeping and records management 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
   
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
   
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
   
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
   
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:

Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions.