SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under direction, orders, issues, and maintains records of office supplies utilized on a County-wide basis; prepares claims for payment to vendors; prepares charges to departments for central supplies; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This position is distinguished from the Buyer classification in that the Purchasing Technician's scope of responsibility is limited to office supplies ordered from approved vendors. The Buyer classification reviews and evaluates requisitions for a variety of materials, supplies and services from established and new vendors.

TYPICAL TASKS

Receives request for office supplies; describes items in stock and suggests substitutes; reviews catalogs of approved vendors to locate and identify non- stock items, and contacts vendor representatives as needed for additional information; refers operating department to buyers on requested items not available from approved vendors or which would entail obtaining bids. Prepares requisitions for supplies to keep adequate stock on hand; orders or requisitions special items as requested; contacts vendors regarding items not received. Provides information and advice to superiors to determine which office supplies are carried as stock items and to assist in the evaluation of bids on office supplies. Costs orders for supplies and for central supply services; adds overhead; codes costs by department or cost center; prepares interdepartmental billings; receives billing from vendors; sorts invoices and compares to billings; prepares claims for payments to vendors for items received; balances billing and claims to controls; files invoices, claims and billing documents; deposits payments.

May assist buying staff with the maintenance of bidder lists; compiling vendor ratings; bid recaps; research and data gathering; vendor contact to obtain information and resolve problems; related tasks as required.

Operates standard office equipment including a calculator, typewriter, and computer; may provide vacation or temporary relief for other classes as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of office procedures and practices.
• Working knowledge of clerical accounting procedures.
• Some knowledge of office supplies.

Abilities

• Perform responsible clerical work involving independent judgment and requiring accuracy and speed.
• Independently perform routine accounting clerical work requiring accuracy and speed.
• Read, understand and maintain records of requisition and storeroom operations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with employees, vendors and others contacted in the course of work.
• Quickly learn the operations to which assigned.
• Learn computer applications.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Make simple arithmetic computations.
• Write neatly and legibly.
• Spell correctly.
• Maintain simple inventory record.
• Safely lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.

Training and Experience

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is considered qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be: Two years of clerical experience, including one year at the journey level and one year of accounting clerical which demonstrates the application or possession of the required knowledge and abilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's license.

Benefit Status: 41
EEOC  Job Category:6
Bargaining Unit: General Rep
Worker's Comp Code:0053
Occupational Grouping: 12