Inventory Purchasing Specialist III

The Operations Section of King County’s Solid Waste Division (SWD) is inviting applications for (1) Career Service position.

Exciting opportunity for an experienced Inventory Purchasing Specialist III in the Stores unit of the Solid Waste Division of King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks! If you like delivering excellent customer service and challenging tasks of finding parts, tools, and equipment while also being financially responsible this is the job for you! There are many opportunities to test your talents in the sourcing of parts to support and keep Operations going everyday while also having the satisfaction of seeing a job being completed from start to finish based on your support…

This position is responsible for purchasing inventory and services supporting a heavy duty truck/construction equipment shop. It is a lead position that procures specialized services and non-stock items, provides cost analysis, and recommends strategies for finding alternative supply sources, ensuring customer needs are met while controlling costs. The role also works with the contracts department to monitor, research, gather information, and support the facilitation of renewing and/or initiating purchasing agreements.

The position will prepare, review, and monitor inventory bid specifications. It will also plan and organize the work unit's schedule, deliver training, oversee staff, approve time sheets, and coordinate assignments and tasks.

Our team is built on a strong culture of collaboration, respect, and continuous learning, where every member’s expertise is valued. We’re proud to contribute to equity by ensuring our systems serve all communities fairly and reliably. Through proactive maintenance, innovative solutions, and cross-divisional partnerships, we've supported major facility upgrades and environmental initiatives that reduce emissions and protect public health. Our work directly supports the division’s long‑term vision for a cleaner, more resilient future.

King County is committed to equity, racial and social justice, and makes it a foundational expectation for all employees. Learn more at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Lead and train personnel to ensure efficient operations.
• Support contract development, review, negotiations, administration, and management of contracts for purchasing goods and services.
• Assist with fleet maintenance, repair processes, shop work orders and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve issues.
• Adhere to government purchasing procedures and practices related to bidding, awarding contracts and requesting price quotes.
• Utilize Oracle Procurement module for inventory purchasing tasks.

• Experience (3 years preferred) leading personnel and/or supervisory skills.
• Experience (3 years preferred) in heavy‑duty and industrial parts purchasing, fleet maintenance and repair processes, and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Knowledge of contract development, review, negotiations, administration and management.
• Proficiency with desktop and web‑based accounting and inventory management systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of computer and MS Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience working with accounts payable to reconcile invoices, resolve price discrepancies, freight and tax issues.

• Aptitude to work closely with others; experience communicating with a diverse range of staff and customers in a respectful, culturally sensitive manner.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; organizational skills.

• Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer‑centric solutions.
• Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Directs Work: Providing direction, delegating, and removing obstacles to get work done.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates Effectively: Delivering clear communications that convey the unique needs of different…