Purchasing Clerk

Salary: $18.00 / hour

FLSA Status : This is a non-exempt position.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

This position works 260 days per year, 8 hours per day. Schedule may vary due to work assignments and projects.

Department: Early Learning

Location: Head Start Administrative Office, 2302 Ocoee Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406

SUMMARY: Coordinate the purchase of materials, supplies and equipment for the Chattanooga Head Start program using Electronic Requisitioning, Purchasing and Encumbrance Software modules for processing of purchases. Reports to the Purchasing Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities.

• Order merchandise and services based on program needs.
• Use electronic requisitioning, purchasing and encumbrance software modules for processing of purchases.
• Review requisitions for accuracy, completeness, account codes and prepare and process purchase orders.
• Work closely with the purchasing supervisor and finance manager to resolve any issues with purchase orders or release of encumbered expenses.
• Coordinate purchasing details with vendors including pricing revisions, order cancelation, discontinued items, acceptable substitutes, delivery date revisions and invoice discrepancies.
• Compare costs and evaluate the quality and suitability of supplies, materials and equipment; provide price comparisons and quotes when requested.
• Track requisitions through the City system to ensure receipt and payment are made in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Job-related Associate degree and/or Purchasing Certification preferred.
• Minimum of one year purchasing experience in a high volume purchasing environment.
• Ability to pass a child sensitive background check.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Any combination of equivalent experience and education to perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.
  
  

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS: None.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledges:

• Electronic requisitioning, purchasing, and encumbrance software, and/or proven ability to learn complex computer systems.
• Knowledge of: Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Google Cloud apps (Docs, Sheets, Email)

Skills:

• Ability to work successfully and consistently with little supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, including ability to monitor and prioritize workload properly to meet strict deadlines.
• Strong problem solving skills, including ability to see analogous situations within a complex structure and apply similar solutions.
• Sustained concentration and attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work in a team environment; provide assistance in a collaborative fashion.
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Safety Sensitive: N
• Department of Transportation - CDL : N
• Child Sensitive: Y
  

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

All employees must maintain Tennessee residency from the date of hire.

This position requires a pre-employment fingerprint-based background check, physical, drug screen, and TB questionnaire.

The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer

mw 10/28/2022