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Purchasing Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Southwest Water Company

Purchasing Agent

Fairbanks, AK · On-site

Perform purchasing functions including quoting materials, ordering materials, writing purchase orders; contact vendors and maintain communications effectively. Provide administrative support to other ...

Anchorage School District

Buyer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$48K - $69K/yr

PURCHASING Bargaining Unit: ACE Work Year: 230 days per year, 12 contract payments Work Day: 8 hours per day FTE: Full time, 1.0 FTE Salary: ACE 4, step A to P ($48,097 to $69,377), DOE Job Summary ...

Anchorage School District

Buyer

Anchorage, AK

$48K - $69K/yr

Knowledge of governmental purchasing procedures and practices, including specification preparation. * Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies affecting school system purchasing and property ...

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All JobsPurchasing JobsPurchasing Jobs in Alaska

Purchasing information

See Alaska salary details

$32.8K

$58.2K

$89.9K

How much do purchasing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for purchasing in Alaska is $58,191.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,300.00 and $64,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a purchasing?

A Purchasing job involves the process of acquiring goods and services for a company or organization. Professionals in purchasing are responsible for sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, evaluating quality, and ensuring that needed materials are delivered on time and within budget. Their work is essential for maintaining smooth operations and helping organizations control costs. Purchasing roles can exist in many industries, ranging from manufacturing to retail and government. These jobs often require strong negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.

What are some common challenges faced by purchasing professionals and how can they be addressed?

Purchasing professionals often encounter challenges such as supply chain disruptions, fluctuating prices, and managing relationships with multiple vendors. Staying proactive by building strong supplier partnerships, maintaining clear communication, and using data-driven decision-making tools can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, collaborating closely with other departments like finance and operations ensures alignment on purchasing needs and helps streamline procurement processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a purchasing professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Purchasing professional, you need strong analytical skills, negotiation abilities, and a solid understanding of supply chain management, typically supported by a degree in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with procurement software such as SAP, Oracle, or Coupa, and certifications like Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) are common requirements. Attention to detail, effective communication, and relationship-building are vital soft skills for managing supplier interactions and resolving issues. These competencies ensure cost-effective procurement, risk mitigation, and smooth operations within the organization.

What is the difference between Purchasing vs Procurement Specialist?

AspectPurchasingProcurement Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications like C.P.M. are commonOften requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like CPSM are advantageous
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, handling purchase orders and supplier interactionsOffice and strategic planning, supplier negotiations, and contract management
Industry UsageUsed across various industries for buying goods and servicesMore strategic role, involved in sourcing and supplier relationship management

Purchasing focuses on the transactional aspect of buying goods and services, such as issuing purchase orders. Procurement specialists take a broader, strategic approach, including sourcing, negotiations, and supplier management. While both roles are essential in supply chain operations, procurement specialists often handle more complex negotiations and strategic planning compared to purchasing professionals.

Are purchasing jobs in demand?

Purchasing jobs are generally in demand across various industries as companies seek professionals to manage procurement, supply chain, and vendor relationships. These roles often require skills in negotiation, inventory management, and familiarity with procurement software, and employment prospects tend to be steady due to ongoing supply chain needs.

Is purchasing a good career?

Purchasing is a viable career that involves sourcing and acquiring goods or services for organizations, often requiring skills in negotiation, supply chain management, and familiarity with procurement software. It offers opportunities in various industries, with roles that can lead to management positions and require certifications like CPSM or C.P.M. for advancement.

What career paths exist in purchasing?

Career paths in purchasing include roles such as Purchasing Agent, Procurement Specialist, Category Manager, and Supply Chain Manager. Advancement often involves gaining experience, certifications like CPSM or CPSD, and developing skills in negotiation, supplier management, and inventory control. These roles can lead to senior management positions or specialized procurement functions within organizations.

What does a purchasing job do?

A purchasing job involves sourcing, negotiating, and buying goods or services needed by a company to ensure smooth operations. Professionals in this role analyze supplier options, manage vendor relationships, and use procurement software to track orders and costs. Strong negotiation skills and knowledge of supply chain processes are essential for success.

What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Alaska?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Alaska are:

What are popular job titles related to Purchasing jobs in Alaska?

For Purchasing jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Purchasing jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Purchasing jobs in Alaska are:

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Purchasing jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Purchasing job openings:

Purchasing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Purchasing job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,191 per year, or $28 per hour.

Purchasing Agent

SouthWest Water Company

Fairbanks, AK

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Who We Are

We are Utility Services of Alaska  working with Golden Heart Utilities and College Utilities to bring safe and clean water and wastewater operations to Fairbanks, Alaska. Together these three companies are known as Fairbanks Sewer and Water; we are owned by Nexus Water Group.

Nexus Water Group is a leading regulated water and wastewater utility serving more than 1.3 million people across 20 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces.

"Nexus" means connection. Through the essential water and wastewater services we deliver, we have a very personal connection to the people, businesses, and communities we serve. This is why our operations are locally led and managed. Every day, over 1,300 professionals deliver vital, safe, and reliable service through over 670 water systems and 360 wastewater systems.

What We Offer
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays: Starting at 3 weeks annually and paid company holidays 
  • Comprehensive Benefits: The first day of the month after your start, you'll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well. Other great benefits include company provided life insurance and Employee Assistance Program just to name a few.
  • 401(k) Program: Employer contribution. Employer contribution made to the 401(k) plan are vested at 100% and start 30 days after your start. 
  • Grow with us: Professionally development opportunities through training, professional certifications, and education allowance   
  • Employee Resource Groups (ERG): ERGs are voluntary employee groups that form based on shared characteristics or backgrounds and are sponsored by the organization. 
Overview

We have an opportunity for  a  Purchasing Agent . Perform purchasing functions including quoting materials, ordering materials, writing purchase orders; contact vendors and maintain communications effectively.  Provide administrative support to other sections of the utility.

Work Location and Schedule 

This position is located in Fairbanks, AK. Position requires a minimum of 40 hours per week (normal office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday) with hours in excess of 40 per week as needed.

What You'll Do
  • Organize, generate and maintain purchase orders, to include month end processing, back up and files.
  • Maintain inventory, perform issuances and adjustments.
  • Communicate and solicit quotes from vendors via written and telephone processes. 
  • Maintain publication library, vendor catalogs, reference materials and purge as required.
  • Complete all vendor setup and maintenance.
  • Setup and maintenance of all the utilities over the counter accounts.
  • Maintain all company vehicle registrations and files.
  • Limited building maintenance (shoveling snow, watering flowers...etc.)
  • Perform special projects or activities as assigned.
  • Coordination and setup of company events and functions.
What You'll Bring

Experience

  • 2 - 3 Years previous experience as purchasing agent or equivalent preferred, education accepted as a substitute.
  • Two years of experience in a business office performing clerical duties.

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent required

Nice to have

  • Some college preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Highly organized and able to follow instructions with minimal supervision.
  • Capable of evaluating and solving problems.
  • Knowledge of Waterworks and general plumbing parts.
  • Ability to assume receiving duties in absence of purchasing assistant.
  • Familiar with business office equipment such as copiers, printers and fax machines.
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications and able to use Internet as reference and resource.
  • Ability to work professionally with vendors and communicate with them using utility based terminology.
  • Valid Driver's License and successful insurability required.
Work Environment
  • Normal office conditions prevail, with some outside inventory control work required. 
  • The work involves data entry, some walking and occasional lifting approximate a 40-pound box. 
About Our Company

We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state, or local law. 

We are an E-Verify participating employer.   

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