5/80 Rev 6/86

Rev & Ret 6/89

Rev 07/26/95

City of San José

BUYER II (1542)

Under general supervision, performs work of moderate difficulty in the purchase of materials, equipment, supplies and general services for City departments. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examplescover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Performs all buying functions for groups of related commodities of moderate complexity.

• Receives, reviews and checks requisitions for accuracy, needs of the department, and suitable products available.

• Obtains price to ensure procurement at the least possible cost; establishes vendor sources and confers with representatives. 

• Attends product demonstrations, may test samples provided, may visit vendor facilities.

• Compiles list of vendors according to nature of products, taking into consideration capabilities, limitations, facilities, past performances, location and other considerations.

• Consults with user departments in developing detailed specifications and contracts for goods, equipment or services, investigates source of supply, prepares formal bid requests and Requests for Proposals.

• Evaluates bids for conformance to specifications and lowest responsive bidder by analyzing pertinent factors including: products offered, terms, discounts and conditions, delivery dates and conditions, future purchase options, vendors ability to perform and other related factors.

• Expedites delivery. Investigates complaints, resolves problems in payment, conformance to purchase order, damaged items, lost shipments and other problems.

• Prepares memos to Council for award of contract.

This is the fully working level of the Purchasing Series. Incumbents are assigned to continuing responsibilities for all buying functions within groups of related commodities and have considerable latitude and discretion in completing assignments. This class differs from Buyer III in that the latter is responsible for the highly complex buying assignments and also assists in establishing priorities for emergency needs on extended purchases.

• Knowledge of principles and procedures used in a centralized governmental purchasing operation.

• Knowledge of specification writing, commodity markets, market practices, pricing methods, contracts and sales as applied to purchasing transactions.

• Knowledge of supply and terminology used in purchasing commodities.

• Knowledge of a detailed nature of a variety of commodities.

• Ability to understand, interpret and apply a variety of rules, regulations, ordinances and procedures related to purchasing.

• Ability to prepare detailed specifications, contracts and reports.

• Ability to keep records, plan and schedule.

• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Knowledge of City purchase order procedures, government purchasing and stock record systems.

• Knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, codes and ordinances governing City purchasing.

Any combination of training and experience equivalent to an AA degree in Purchasing and two years of responsible technical experience purchasing a wide variety of supplies and equipment.

A CPM, CPPB/CPPO certificate is desirable.

(Formerly Buyer)

B01-1542.ASC