Administrative Technician; Purchasing

Administrative Technician (Purchasing)

The City of Visalia is recruiting for the position of Administrative Technician (Purchasing). This position will be assigned to the City's Purchasing Division which is part of the Finance Department. The Department is made up of various divisions including Budget & Analysis, Capital Improvement, Audit, Accounting, Purchasing, Solid Waste (Call Center & Public Counter), Business Tax, Information Systems, and Affordable Housing.

The City Purchasing Division is responsible for all contracts, bids, proposals, quotes, and purchases. In addition, staff ensures all Public Contract laws and regulations are being followed.

The Purchasing Technician serves as the primary point of contact for purchasing-related inquiries; provides guidance to City departments and vendors regarding purchasing policies and procedures; coordinates procurement activities with internal departments and external vendors; assembles contracts and supporting documentation; and reviews requisitions for completeness and accuracy prior to processing. Responsibilities include researching and soliciting vendors, evaluating proposals based on price, quality, and delivery timelines, and processing requisitions, purchase orders, change orders, and vendor records using the City's purchasing software.

The incumbent also registers City projects with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), resolves discrepancies involving requisitions, purchase orders, contracts, and invoices, and maintains vendor insurance certificates and related compliance documents. In addition, the Purchasing Technician develops and maintains comprehensive purchasing records, including bid documents, contracts, outstanding invoices, and other required files to ensure compliance with City requirements. This position also identifies opportunities to improve purchasing services and procedures and works collaboratively with management to implement process improvements.

The ideal candidate for this position will be a self-managing, detail oriented individual, who likes to stay busy. They will possess strong analytical skills. Previous experience in writing and interpreting contracts, or a related field is desirable. The ability to research, interpret, and communicate policies and procedures while managing and prioritizing projects and deadlines are essential. The candidate should enjoy working with vendors and maintain a cooperative working environment with coworkers throughout the City.

The successful candidate will be organized, answer purchasing questions, and follow up with vendors and have strong communication skills (written and oral).

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skill and ability is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skill and abilities would be:
Four years of increasingly responsible secretarial, administrative and/or supervisory clerical experience.

Application and supplemental materials will be evaluated and applicants who appear to be most qualified will be invited to participate in a job-related interview and/or examination process. Successful candidates may be required to pass a background, physical examination, and/or drug screen. The City of Visalia offers a competitive total compensation package that includes:
Monthly Salary: $5,482-$6,892 CalPERS retirement program Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Longevity Pay Onsite City Health and Wellness Clinic (no out of pocket expenses) Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave and much more.

If work-life balance is important to you, consider living in a thriving community that offers the most affordable housing in California with a typical commute time of less than 20 minutes. With a population of over 146,000, Visalia offers small town charm with metropolitan amenities. Visalia has a world class health care system, our own Sequoia Symphony Orchestra, a flourishing arts community, a minor league baseball team, a downtown convention center, and numerous fine dining establishments.

As the Tulare County seat, Visalia is the principal retail center in the region, and home to several large industrial employers. Visalia has a vibrant downtown district, safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, institutions for higher learning, and low cost of living. The City has many community parks, organized team sports, a municipal golf course and private country club, a multi-sport family-oriented regional sports park, and numerous outdoor and recreational activities.

Located in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley, Visalia offers easy access to the nearby mountains, national parks, lakes and rivers which provide year-round opportunities for sports and recreation within an hour or less. Visalia was ranked as the top Central Valley community and one of seven California cities in the top 25 of Gallup Sharecare's latest State of American Well Being Index.

Our strong sense of community and social well-being keeps…