Purchasing Assistant Jobs in Rensselaer, NY (NOW HIRING)

Duties Description Under the direction of the Director of Management and Budget, Deputy Director, and/or other supervisory chain of command, the purchasing unit is responsible for the agency purchasing program and oversees the purchase of a variety of supplies, materials, equipment, and services required by departments/directorates. Incumbent will ensure purchasing activities are implemented in accordance with State contracts and open market buying rules and regulations issued by the Department of Law (OAG), Office of General Services (OGS) and the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC). When applicable, incumbent will properly incorporate National Guard Bureau rules for the purchasing of goods and services.

Due to the unique aspects of DMNA, Purchasing Agents perform a variety of duties and responsibilities in support of State Active Duty (SAD) military missions. These include but are not limited to, coordination, purchasing and reconciliation of hotels, meals, vehicle rentals, and travel arrangements for service members. The position performs responsibilities in accordance with all statutory, agency and labor contract requirements and where applicable, in accordance with National Guard Bureau (NGB) standards, specifically those requirements of the Master Cooperative Agreement between NGB and DMNA - current and as amended for all.

The position may report to state and/or federal supervisory personnel. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Receives, reviews and processes requests from agency program departments for the purchasing and or contracting of all types of goods and services. During review and processing ensures proper vendor selection procedures are applied - to be purchased from preferred supplier, through an existing contract, or purchased in the open market.

Ensures funds are available. Prepares and processes purchase orders in accordance with requirements. Prepares bid proposals and specifications for items to be placed under contract.

Ensures all language and procedures meet requirements. Prepares for and may preside at bid openings. Reviews bids for accuracy and completeness and awards or recommends award of contract based on requirements.

Processes contracts according to rules and regulations and prepares correspondence accompanying award correspondence. Follows up on complaints concerning purchases and requisitions. Prepare and process documents and maintain office files and inventory records.

Plans, schedules and assigns tasks, provides technical guidance and direction and reviews work in progress and upon completion to ensure compliance with guidelines, policy and procedures. For all emergency purchasing, ensures goods and services are acquired in accordance with agency requirements, maintains meticulous records, and performs reconciliation of records at completion. After emergency activations of New York Military Forces, provides emergency purchase information necessary to complete funding reimbursement requests such as Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Provides assistance to staff when problems arise. Interprets procedures and policy and resolves work problems with staff, suggesting and discussing better ways to accomplish tasks. Must successfully complete training for any required state and federal specific software and data systems such as the Statewide Financial System (SFS) and the Statewide Learning Management Systems (SLMS).

Periodic travel will be required (in-state and out-of-state) to other facilities; to attend training; or other requirements related to duties as needed. Travel will utilize various modes of transportation. Attend and complete training as required.

May perform supervisory duties. Periodic overtime will be required; at times with short notice, especially during state military emergency responses to domestic operations. Other job duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Required to have or successfully complete within 90 days of receiving computer access, all training associated with assigned data systems such as SFS, GFEBS and the Statewide Learning Management System (SLMS) as related to duty assignments. Must be proficient in common computer software systems and specifically Microsoft Office Suite. Working knowledge of effective techniques and methods of conducting interviews and studies.

Working knowledge of effective budgeting and finance principles and practices, including cost analysis, monitoring and forecasting fund expenditures. Knowledge of applicable laws, rules and regulations both federal and state. Must have strong organizational skills.

Ability to work in a high volume, fast-paced office environment. Ability to gather and analyze fiscal information and draw logical conclusions. Ability to organize, consolidate and prepare written material and tabular information into a clear, concise, and logical report/presentation form.

Ability to identify errors in data, design or fiscal problems and recommend solutions. Ability to perform tasks independently without supervision. Ability to get along with and interact well with different groups of people, including co-workers, outside agency staff and management comprised of both Federal and State personnel.

Experience in multi-tasking and prioritizing multiple deadlines. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to train subordinates and others as necessary to operations.

Ability to read and write in English. Demonstrate reliability and trustworthiness. Ability to supervise subordinate staff.

Periodic travel will be required (in-state and out-of-state) to other facilities; to attend training; or other requirements related to duties as needed. Travel will utilize various modes of transportation. Periodic overtime may be required; at times with short notice, especially during state military emergency responses to domestic operations.

Additional Preferred Skills: Experience working with SFS. Working knowledge of agency and Division of the Budget (DOB) guidelines, procedures and policies governing the budget process. Working knowledge of Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) rules and regulations governing the maintenance of fiscal records.

Knowledge of federal and state budgetary and purchasing procedures. Familiarity with general state and or federal operational policies and procedures. Supervisory experience.

Minimum Qualifications Satisfactory completion of five (5) full time years of permanent service in a state position allocated to Salary Grade 9 or higher in which primary duties include accounting, purchasing, bookkeeping, finance, or similar duties and responsibilities.* OR An Associate's degree in a finance or accounting related field and a minimum three (3) years of full time experience in which 50% or more of your time must have included accounting, purchasing, bookkeeping, finance, tabulations and calculations, preparing specifications and reviewing bid proposals, or similar duties and responsibilities and one (1) year of supervisory experience.** OR A Bachelor's degree in a finance or accounting related field and a minimum one (1) year of full time experience in which 50% or more of your time must have included accounting, purchasing, bookkeeping, finance, tabulations and calculations, preparing specifications and reviewing bid proposals, or similar duties and responsibilities and one (1) year of supervisory experience.** AND Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. Must be able to read and write in English. Must be familiar with and be able to independently use commonly utilized software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel

Required to have or successfully complete within 90 days of receiving computer access, all SFS, SLMS and other computer training as related to position duties. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license to operate a motor vehicle in the State of New York. In accordance with NGB standards, will be required to obtain and maintain a favorable background investigation, and have an appropriate clearance to allow access to computer networks and restricted areas to determine suitability, loyalty, and trustworthiness.

Minimally a National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI) will be completed - dependent on current regulation, a SECRET clearance may be required. * Management confidential employees of same equated grade or higher may be considered if experience meets requirement. ** Military education/training may be substituted on a year-for-year basis provided qualification meets 5 years full-time equivalent experience in which 50% or more of your time must have included accounting, purchasing, bookkeeping, finance, tabulations and calculations, preparing specifications and reviewing bid proposals, or similar duties and responsibilities and one (1) year of supervisory experience.

At all times, the employee MUST maintain minimum standards in accordance with current agency requirements and directives noted above; failure to do so will subject the individual to disciplinary action, including possible termination. NOTE: Position standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the position described. Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by the incumbent.

The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Position Standards were written. Please contact State Human Resources Directorate for current information on minimum requirements for appointment. Please contact State Human Resources Directorate for any further information regarding the position requirements.

Additional Comments Current Start Rate: $56,506* Job Rate: $68,630 (*All hires begin at "Start Rate" unless prior state experience affords eligibility for hiring step increase as determined by OSC.) Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.