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. This role involves delivering excellent customer service, taking on challenging tasks of finding parts, tools, and equipment, and ensuring financial responsibility.

This position is responsible for purchasing inventory and services supporting a heavy‑duty truck/construction equipment shop, procuring specialized services and non‑stock items, providing cost analysis, recommending alternative supply sources, and controlling costs. The incumbent will partner with the contracts department to monitor and support the renewal or initiation of purchasing agreements.

• Lead and train personnel to ensure efficient operations.
• Support contract development, review, negotiations, administration, and management of contracts for purchasing goods and services.
• Aid in the facilitation of 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 leading personnel and/or supervisory skills (3 years preferred).
• Experience in heavy‑duty and industrial parts purchasing and fleet maintenance repair processes (3 years preferred).
• Working knowledge of contract development, review, negotiations, administration, and management.
• Skill with desktop and web‑based accounting and inventory management systems.
• Proficiency with computer and MS Office applications.
• Experience reconciling invoices and resolving price discrepancies, freight, and tax issues with accounts payable personnel.

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

• Customer Focus – Building strong customer relationships.
• Decision Quality – Making timely decisions.
• Directs Work – Providing direction and removing obstacles.
• Collaboration – Building partnerships.
• Communicates Effectively – Delivering clear communications.

• Knowledge of class 6 box trucks, class 8 tractor trucks, and heavy‑duty construction equipment parts.
• Experience ordering parts for passenger vehicles and light‑duty trucks.
• Knowledge of mowers, industrial power plant generators, and related equipment.

Valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Work is based at SWD Maintenance Facility, 201 SW 34th Street, Renton, WA. Employees must reside in Washington state and be within a reasonable distance to the worksite. The position requires work in confined spaces, outdoors in all weather, and in a high‑traffic maintenance facility with possible adverse conditions such as noise and dust. Candidates must be able to lift at least 50 pounds at least once daily.

40‑hour workweek, Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Overtime is possible with supervisory approval. Alternative or flexible schedules may be required to support core service hours. The Division is closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. This is an essential position; work may be required during weather or emergency events.

This position is represented by Teamsters Local 117 – Joint Units Agreement (JUA).

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement through Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred‑compensation plan.
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass.
• Twelve paid holidays and two personal holidays.
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave.
• Paid parental, family, medical, and volunteer leave.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Wellness…