Transit Purchasing Specialist
- Summary
- Are you a motivated individual who is detailed-oriented, organized, and a team player? If so, the Vehicle Maintenance group has just the role for you!
The Transit Purchasing Specialist is the first of a two-level Purchasing Specialist classification series. This role is responsible for purchasing the full range of parts, supplies and equipment required to support the operations of the business unit to which assigned which may include revenue vehicle maintenance, non-revenue vehicle maintenance or power and facilities business units. Responsibilities also include maintaining adequate and cost-effective inventories; expediting orders; evaluating and recommending new parts, supplies, equipment and vendors; and compliance with all King County purchasing policies, procedures, requirements and guidelines. The Transit Purchasing Specialist is expected to learn and transfer new and expanded knowledge and skills as parts, components, materials and equipment are modified and updated.
King County Metro Transit offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. Metro Transit is a regional leader in helping people move quickly throughout the region, reducing commuter stress, greening the environment and radically improving urban air quality, by providing comfortable, effective transit services for the thousands of commuters and other residents of King County, Washington. Working for Metro means working for a leader in this public transportation industry.
This recruitment will be used to fill one current career service vacancy. In addition, this selection process may be used to generate an eligibility list for future similar Career Service, Term Limited Temporary (TLT) and Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions that may occur in this classification within the Transit Division. The eligibility list would be valid for six months upon creation and may be extended at the discretion of the hiring authority.
- Job Duties
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. As the Transit Purchasing Specialist, you will:
- Contact suppliers and/or research contracts to obtain pricing for needed parts and equipment.
- Maintain a working knowledge of current County contracts and suppliers.
- Develop and manage supplier relationships to ensure swift and proper delivery of goods.
- Perform quality control tasks to ensure accurate billing and inventory system accuracy.
- Maintain an adequate inventory of stock.
- Issue purchase orders for a variety of parts, accessories, and other materials.
- Prepare invoices for payment via EBS (Oracle).
- Coordinate payment as necessary with the County's central accounts payable office.
- Respond to questions and provide advice on parts, supplies, components, systems and equipment requirements.
- Maintain a variety of required reports.
- Participate in inventory cycle counts and other physical inventory counts as required.
- Assist Lead Purchasing Specialist in the development of solicitation documents, review of solicitation submittals and/or proposals, and participate as needed in the contract award process.
- Perform special projects, as requested by the management team, such as researching cost estimates, order-to-ship times, minimum order points, and new product evaluation.
- Learn and transfer new and expanded knowledge and skills as parts, components, materials, and equipment are modified and updated.
- Establish and maintain effective professional relationships with suppliers and customers.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Experience in purchasing or a closely related field is required with at least some of that experience as either an inventory specialist, or parts/supply worker.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Demonstrated inventory management work experience - must have working knowledge of inventory control procedures and inventory management techniques.
- General knowledge of purchasing procedures, regulations, and requirements.
- Basic computer skills required to enter and extract information using reports from automated financial and inventory asset management systems and related software applications.
- Intermediate Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel skills.
- Experience with inventory/purchasing software.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with supervisors, employees, and suppliers.
- Skill in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Skill in conflict management and problem solving.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
- Skill in handling multiple competing priorities - ability to perform multiple tasks and prioritize workload.
- Ability to perform tasks that require math and accounting skills.
Desired Qualifications (not required):
- Experience with Oracle/EBS (or other financial management information system) with familiarity with requisitions, purchase orders, and receipts in the Oracle/EAM systems.
- Knowledge of Federal Transit Administration and King County purchasing rules, regulations, requirements, policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of King County Metro Transit operations.
Licensing, Certification, and Other Requirements:
- Valid Washington State Driver's License by date of hire with an acceptable driving record.
- Willingness and availability to work different shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Supplemental Information
Who May Apply
This position is open to the general public and King County employees. First consideration will be given to King County employees.
Work Schedule
This position normally works a 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday. Shifts vary based on a seniority pick-process. This position is subject to 24-hour call-out response to emergencies. This position is considered non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and as such is eligible for overtime pay.
Work Location
Component Supply Center - 12200 East Marginal Way S, Tukwila, WA
How to Apply
An online employment application at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs, answers provided to supplemental questions, and a letter of interest are required. Resumes will not be reviewed if submitted.
Class Code 4113100 (Transit Purchasing Specialist)
Union Membership
This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 587.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Beatrice Rice, Talent Advisor, berice@kingcounty.gov
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01Do you currently possess a valid Washington State driver's license?
- Yes
- No
02Have you had a license in another state besides Washington in the last 5 years?- Yes
- No
03If you indicated above that you have had a license in a state other than Washington in the last five years, list the state(s) and the years you had the license(s). Otherwise, please enter N/A.04If in the last 5 years your license has been revoked or suspended, please indicate why and the number of times your license has been suspended. (If none, please enter "N/A")05Do you have any of the following violations on your driving record in the last five years? (Select all that apply.)- Reckless or Negligent Driving
- DWI/DUI (driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol)
- Hit and run incident
- Vehicular Homicide or Vehicular Assault
- Open Container Violation
- More than one at-fault accident
- None of the above
06How many traffic code (moving) violations have you had in the last 5 years? If you have been cited, list the date and offense. For speeding tickets, please list the posted speed limit and your actual speed. Be sure to include whether your license was suspended for the citation, and whether or not the ticket has been paid. Failure to answer this question completely may result in your application not being considered. If no violations, please answer "N/A".07How many at fault accidents have you had in the last 5 years? List all accidents you have had in the last five years in which you were at fault, including employment-related accidents. Include the month and year of the accident, a brief description, the approximate dollar damage, whether or not there were injuries as a result of the accident, and if you were given a traffic citation. Failure to answer this question completely may result in your application not being considered further. If no at-fault accidents, please answer "N/A".08How many years of experience do you have with purchasing parts, products and equipment or a closely related field?- None, but I'm willing to learn
- Less than two years
- At least two but less than four years
- Four or more years
09How many of those years were spent as an inventory specialist?- None
- Less than one year
- One to two years
- Two or more years
10Do you have experience with inventory and/or other purchasing software?- Yes
- No
11If you have experience with inventory and/or purchasing software, please indicate which system(s) here. Otherwise, please enter N/A.12Have you completed a vocational warehousing training program?- Yes
- No
13If you answered yes to the question above, please indicate where and when you completed this program and whether or not a certification was obtained. If you answered no, please enter N/A.14Please indicate the areas below in which you possess a working knowledge:- Knowledge of vendors and purchasing procedures, regulations, and requirements
- Knowledge of receiving, storing and issuing equipment, materials and supplies
- None of the above, but I'm willing to learn
15Please indicate below which programs you are proficient in:- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Internet Research
- None of the above, but I'm willing to learn
16Do you have knowledge of governmental purchasing requirements?- Yes
- No
17Which of the following best describes your response to the following question: Are you applying to this position as a Priority Placement Program Participant and is this position the same or lower percentage of FT and do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County AND I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. AND The position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No
18If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff If you answered 'No', please type N/A.Required Question