ART - Contract Specialist Olathe 2006

The document is a job description for the position of Contract Specialist (formerly Buyer) in a city government. The primary duties of the role include procuring materials, supplies, services, and equipment for city departments, planning and scheduling purchasing projects, and performing other related duties as assigned. The Contract Specialist receives general supervision from higher-level purchasing staff and does not exercise any supervision. The document outlines several core competencies required for the role, including customer service, teamwork, learning, communication, leadership through service, and safety/liability management. The Contract Specialist should demonstrate a strong commitment to quality customer service, work collaboratively with others, value continuing education, communicate effectively, model expected behavior, and adhere to safety practices and policies. The knowledge required for the role includes understanding the operation, policies, and procedures of a centralized public purchasing agency, the governing procurement authority for the city and state, methods and techniques of developing purchasing documents, contract negotiation strategies, documentation requirements, and various procurement methods. The Contract Specialist should also have skills in gathering and analyzing complex data, locating sources of supplies and services, using Microsoft Office Word and Excel, and utilizing automated procurement systems. The document provides a detailed list of abilities and examples of duties for the Contract Specialist, including coordinating work with various city departments, developing new opportunities for competitive purchasing, reviewing and analyzing scopes of work, developing contract-specific language, assisting in contract negotiation, maintaining detailed records, preparing contract award recommendations, managing price agreements, monitoring vendor performance, and participating in cooperative procurement processes with other governmental entities. The required experience and training for the role include a minimum Associate's degree with major coursework in business administration, public administration, accounting, economics, or a related field, along with two or more years of experience in the public purchasing field. Certification as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) is also desired. The job is primarily performed in an office environment, with exposure to computer screens. The physical requirements may include sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time, using a computer keyboard and mouse, and occasionally walking or standing for prolonged periods of time. Additionally, the role may involve moderate or light lifting, carrying, pushing, bending, stooping, and operating motorized vehicles.