Purchasing Agent

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. Three companies known as Fairbanks Sewer and Water, owned by Nexus Water Group, serve 1.3 million people across 20 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces.

• Paid Time Off and Holidays
  :
  Starting at 3 weeks annually and paid company holidays
• Comprehensive Benefits
  :
  Health, dental, prescription, and vision benefits starting the first day of the month after your start date; additional benefits include company‑provided life insurance and Employee Assistance Program.
• 401(k) Program
  :
  Employer contribution vested at 100% and beginning 30 days after your start.
• Grow with us
  :
  Professional development opportunities through training, certifications, and education allowance.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERG):
  Voluntary groups based on shared characteristics or backgrounds, sponsored by the organization.

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. It 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 as needed.

• Organize, generate and maintain purchase orders, including month‑end processing, backup, 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 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.
• Coordinate and set up company events and functions.

Experience

• 2–3 years of previous experience as a 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 a purchasing assistant.
• Familiar with business office equipment such as copiers, printers, and fax machines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and able to use the Internet as a 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.

• Normal office conditions prevail, with some outside inventory control work required.
• Work involves data entry, some walking, and occasional lifting of approximately a 40‑pound box.

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.