Purchasing & Contracts Technician

$78,374 - $96,013/Yr

Truckee Meadows Water Authority - Reno, NV

Full-time - Entry Level

Reno, NV

Utilities

About the position

The Purchasing Technician at Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) plays a crucial role in the procurement process, ensuring that all purchasing activities comply with state and federal public purchasing laws, as well as TMWA's internal policies and procedures. This position is responsible for the day-to-day procurement activities, which include processing purchase orders, coordinating bids, contracts, and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and ensuring compliance with various programs. The Technician is expected to provide high-quality, cost-effective service that is responsive to the needs of the organization and its stakeholders. In this role, the Technician will prepare and manage bids, quotes, and RFPs, which involves creating and reviewing specifications, posting and monitoring bid documents on online platforms, and managing the evaluation process, including vendor interviews and contract preparation. The Technician will also coordinate with project engineers and representatives throughout active projects, attend pre-bid and pre-construction meetings, and provide necessary reports on contractor and subcontractor activities. Additionally, the Purchasing Technician will review purchase order requisitions, process purchase orders for all departments, and maintain annual blanket purchase orders. They will ensure the financial viability of vendors by reviewing insurance, bid bonds, and performance bonds. Problem-solving skills are essential, as the Technician will investigate vendor disputes and performance issues, maintain certified payroll reports, and assist contractors as needed. The position requires adherence to Nevada Revised Statutes regarding public works and governmental purchasing, as well as managing employee purchasing card administration. The Technician will explain policies and procedures to individuals seeking to procure materials and services, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation. Regular updates to internal purchasing forms and management of fuel contracts are also part of the responsibilities. The Technician is expected to stay current with best practices and regulations by attending relevant workshops and meetings, while maintaining comprehensive and auditable contract records.

Responsibilities

• Perform purchasing activities to obtain goods, materials, equipment, and services in compliance with applicable laws and TMWA policies.
• Process purchase orders and manage bid/contract/RFP coordination.
• Prepare and manage bids, quotes, and RFPs, including creating specifications and monitoring bid documents.
• Coordinate with project engineers and representatives throughout active projects.
• Review purchase order requisitions and maintain annual blanket purchase orders.
• Ensure financial viability of vendors by reviewing insurance and performance bonds.
• Investigate vendor disputes and performance issues, applying problem-solving skills.
• Maintain certified payroll reports and assist contractors as needed.
• Administer employee purchasing cards, including issuance and dispute resolution.
• Explain procurement policies and procedures to individuals and ensure compliance.

Requirements

• At least two years of purchasing/contract administrative management experience, preferably in government.
• Associate's degree or equivalent in Accounting, Business, Public Administration, or related field.
• Possession of a state/nationally recognized purchasing, contract, or project management certification is preferred.
• Working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with online bidding platforms.
• Knowledge of construction practices and cost accounting.
• Familiarity with Nevada Revised Statutes regarding public works and governmental purchasing.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage of $37.68 - $46.16.
• Opportunity to work in a community-focused organization.
• Participation in professional development workshops and seminars.