Purchasing Specialist II

Northern Wasco County PUD is seeking an experienced Purchasing Specialist II to join our Purchasing team.

This full-time, exempt position offers a Monday-Thursday, 4/10 work schedule.

This hybrid eligible position requires a minimum of two in-office days a week, with additional on-site presence as necessary.

Under the direction of the Purchasing Manager, the Purchasing Specialist II is responsible for supporting the District's procurement and contracting activities while ensuring compliance with District purchasing policies, administrative regulations, and applicable procurement requirements. The position reviews and prioritizes purchasing requests, conducts intermediate solicitations, creates purchase orders, maintains procurement records, and provides guidance to District staff on purchasing procedures.

• Ensure policies and procedures are followed throughout the procurement process.
• Reviews purchasing requests and creates purchase orders (POs).
• Collaborates cross-departmentally on upcoming purchase needs, time frames and requirements. Considers external and internal influences which may affect the timely purchasing of goods and/or services.
• Drafts contracts, requests for proposals (RFPs) and other solicitation documents. Coordinates with Purchasing Manager and legal counsel, if necessary to ensure appropriate terms and conditions and other legal clauses for individual contracts are appropriate. Coordinates and reviews scopes of work and project requirements.
• Works collaboratively with all departments and vendors on contract changes resolving concerns and ensuring contracts are adequately funded.
• Determines compliance for special procurements and other exempt purchases in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

• Prepares and presents reports for management on procurement data. Researches and identifies procurement trends, issues and practices and timely information the purchasing manager.

• Provides training and support to departments on purchasing practices and procedures and use of the PUD’s electronic procurement system.
• Assists with reviewing open purchases orders to determine if they should be closed out.
• Supports the projects managers and the process with risk management guidance, recommendations and negotiation.
• Demonstrates cultural competency through respectful, inclusive work habits and through the valuing and welcoming of cultural differences in all position responsibilities.
• Supports the District’s mission to serve our customers and foster a safe and positive work environment by personally exhibiting behavior that aligns with the District’s Core Values & Beliefs.
• Must perform the duties of this position in a safe and efficient manner and follow all safety regulations and protocols.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Participate in cross-departmental process improvement initiatives.
• All PUD employees are expected to work outside of normal business hours when required during emergency restoration activities and to accomplish other special projects.

• Knowledge of public sector procurement principles and practices, competitive bidding requirements and exceptions including alternative contracting methodologies.
• Ability to interpret and apply public sector procurement law and regulations.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and statutes.
• Working knowledge of principles and procedures associated with public procurement records and retention.
• Working knowledge of governmental accounting practices and processes, including but not…