Procurement Specialist 1 - Business Office



Procurement Specialist 1 - Business Office

Salary

$3,167.00 - $4,117.00 Monthly

Location

Mount Vernon, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

C23-009

Department

Business Office

Opening Date

03/22/2023

Closing Date

4/12/2023 11:00 AM Pacific

Position Summary

The Opportunity: The Procurement Specialist 1 will provide fiscal support in the area of Purchasing, under the general supervision of the Assistant Director of Business Services. This position operates in a fast-paced environment, handling a high volume of incoming documents and performing a variety of purchasing functions. A meticulous, confident, and detail-oriented self-starter with prior experience in accounting is desired. Strong customer service skills are also essential for effectively working with vendors and college staff to resolve purchasing items and related issues. This is a full-time, classified position working 40 hours per week. This position works in the Business Office on the main campus located in Mount Vernon, Washington.


The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People’s, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

MissionSkagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

VisionThe primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

  • Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
  • Our Guiding Principles;
  • Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
  • The development of our employees;
  • A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.
Guiding PrinciplesRespect, Integrity, Open and Honest Communication, Collaboration,
 and Compassion.
 
About SVC: Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) providing associates and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our equity goals align with SBCTC’s Vision statement; “Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities.”
 
SVC's commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen our diverse community. We embrace equity through our core themes of access, achievement, and community by pursuing the continuous examination and revision of norms, policies, and practices to foster the success of all.
 
SVC aspires to reflect the diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics in the district, particularly a growing Latinx population. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) SVC seeks equity-minded leadership, faculty, and staff that are committed to inclusive practices and to diverse environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of an array of services.  Candidates representing all aspects of diversity are encouraged to apply. 
Skagit Valley College offers:
 
  • An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
  • Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
  • Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
  • Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban, and urban lifestyles.
  • Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
  • Excellent benefits include competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Review, prioritize, and place orders with vendors according to purchasing manual guidelines;
• Research for new sources of supplies, locate and contact vendors and suppliers;
• Initiate change orders and supplemental agreements for goods and services;
• Process purchasing card transactions and payment vouchers;
• Maintain the College’s inventory system;
• Clearly, coherently, and effectively communicate by phone and by email
• May serve as the first point of contact for the office, greeting staff and students as they enter;
• May help maintain office files both paper and electronic;
• May assist with physical inventory and entry of asset entry into tracking systems;
• May sort and distribute payroll checks for mailing;

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge or understanding of:
• Skagit Valley College policies and procedures related to purchasing principles;
• State of WA policies and procedures related to purchasing functions;

Skills:
• Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, or similar programs;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Strong time management skills; Procurement Specialist 1
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups;
• Effectively organize multiple assignments.

Ability to:
• Manage multiple purchase requisitions and orders including tracking and reporting;
• Assist with maintaining appropriate and accurate levels of inventory;
• Work with agencies and vendors regarding purchasing operations;
• Analyze purchasing contracts, requisitions, and orders;
• Effectively organize multiple assignments;
• Work independently; • Handle confidential information appropriately;
• Work effectively as a member of a team;
• Adapt easily to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities;
• Respond to difficult situations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A high school diploma or GED equivalency and three years of full-time purchasing experience;  
OR
  • An Associate’s Degree and one year of full-time purchasing experience; 
OR  
  • A combination of education and experience which is equivalent to five years of full-time experience
AND
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a collaborative team environment. 
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, and develop and implement improvements. 
  • Strong oral and written communication skills. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups of individuals at all levels of the college. 
 
Desired Qualifications:
  • Education and/or experience in governmental or non-profit purchasing. 
  • Washington State Community College experience.

Salary, Benefits, Conditions of Employment, Application Procedure

  • Salary is based on Range 39, Step A, $3,167 per month with periodic increments to Step L, $4,117 per month.  Starting salary may be dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. Salary and benefits are subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates and collective bargaining agreements. Salary is prorated for positions less than 100% full-time. 
  • This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and is dependent upon continued grant funding.
  • This is a union-represented position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
  • Retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations. Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx.
Conditions of Employment:
  • Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
     
    Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.
  • In the interest of providing a healthy, safe, and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students. 
  • If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.  
  • This classification is included in the classified staff bargaining unit, represented by the Washington Public Employees Association, WPEA.

Application Procedure:
To be considered for this position, applicants must:
  1. Meet the minimum qualifications and;
  2. Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.edu that includes the following:
  • The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
  • A current resume; (Attachment: Resume)
  • A cover letter addressing how your education and experience relate to the duties and responsibilities of the position (Attachment: Cover Letter).

In order to be considered for the position, you must complete the online application in full and attach the required supplemental documents. Failure to provide this information may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Application Deadline: Priority screening will begin after March 17, 2023.  Applications received on or before this date will receive first consideration. Applications received after the screening date may be considered until the position is filled.
 
Please be aware that the College hiring authorities reserve the right to hire one or more candidates and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted. 

Application Assistance: If you have questions about the position or require special accommodation, you may contact Human Resources at (360) 416-7794, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time.  SVC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may leave a TDD/TTY message at (360) 416-7718 by the application closing date.  Information on SVC's Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at OPPM 3040.
 
For questions regarding the online application system, you may call NEOGOV Applicant Tech Support at (855) 524-5627 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. For best results, apply using one of the following browsers supported by NEOGOV: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and later versions of Internet Explorer.
 
SVC Annual Security Report
: The U.S. Department of Education and the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act require all colleges to provide information to current and prospective students and employees about campus safety policies, procedures, and statistics on certain crimes, including hate crimes, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault.  We are required to report our campus security information and statistics in an Annual Security Report, which is updated annually each October.  All prospective employees may obtain a copy of the Annual Security Report from the Human Resources Office by calling (360) 416-7794 or by accessing the Report at:  https://www.skagit.edu/about/safety-security-parking/
 
Skagit Valley College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all groups in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. SVC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. All faculty and staff hired at Skagit Valley College are encouraged to embrace, continually support, and enhance diversity and equity on our campus and in our community... Annual Notice of Non-Discrimination. 

Why work at Skagit Valley College?

Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound in the northwest corner of Washington State, Skagit Valley College offers a unique and highly regarded transfer curriculum and professional-technical programs that respond to the workforce needs of the region. The College celebrates diversity in its staff and students, and adheres to a set of guiding principles: respect, integrity, open and honest communication, and collaboration.
 
Benefits
Skagit Valley College offers a comprehensive benefits package  that includes high-value medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents with affordable monthly premiums.  Basic life and long-term disability insurances are provided with the option to purchase additional coverage at a low employee cost. Flexible spending account and dependent care assistance programs are also available.
 
We help you prepare for life after your career by offering an excellent retirement plan, which includes employer contributions.  In addition, employees have the option to participate in two tax-deferred retirement investment programs.
 
Personal and Professional Development
Staff development and personal growth are encouraged at Skagit Valley College.  Training opportunities are offered to build employee competencies and develop leadership capacity.  A professional development funds program and participation in the State Employee Tuition Waiver program provide further potential for personal and career growth.

A Full Work/Life Package
Pay, benefits, flexibility, and workplace opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and out of life.
 

01
Select from below the options that best describe your highest education attained.
  • Not applicable.
  • High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Some college: one (1) to two (2) years of college.
  • Some college: three (3) to four (4) years or more of college.
  • Associates degree or equivalent.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
  • Master's degree, or higher degree.
02
Specify the field of study of your highest education attained if applicable, or if further clarification is needed relating to your highest education attained, please describe in the text box below (if not applicable, type "n/a")
03
Select from below the options that best describe your experience purchasing experience.
  • None / not applicable - no relevant experience, or related experience.
  • 1 month to 6 months of experience.
  • 6 months to 11 months of experience.
  • 12 months to 23 months of experience.
  • 24 months to 35 months of experience.
  • 36 months to 47 months of experience.
  • 48 months to 59 months of experience.
  • 60 months or more of experience.
04
In the text box below, describe how you meet this qualification: Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a collaborative team environment. Responses such as "see resume" or similar may be considered incomplete and result in disqualification.
05
In the text box below, describe how you meet this qualification: Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and develop and implement improvements. Responses such as "see resume" or similar may be considered incomplete and result in disqualification.
06
In the text box below, type or paste your response to the following question: Skagit Valley College is committed to promoting the success of diverse students and employees. Describe ways in which you have used your position and privilege to create opportunities for people of diverse social identities (race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability status, etc.) and/or engaged in conversations about diversity. Examples include creating programs, acting as a mentor, developing equity-based curriculum or training, changing institutional policies, engaging diverse communities, etc. Please limit your response to a maximum of two pages equivalent. You do not need to include your response as a separate attachment in addition to typing or pasting it here:
07
I acknowledge that I have read the application procedure found in the job announcement. In order to be considered for this position, I understand that I must complete the online application, which includes the names and contact information of at least three (3) professional references, responses to the supplemental questions, and the following documents as attachments: 1) A current resume; 2) A cover letter addressing how your education and experience relate to the duties and responsibilities of the position.
  • I understand the application requirements.

Required Question

Agency
Skagit Valley College
Address
2405 E College Way

Mount Vernon, Washington, 98273