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The City of Pasadena is seeking a skilled Purchasing Assistant to collaborate with the City's departments by helping them process requisitions and change orders to purchase equipment, materials, and supplies. The ideal candidate will assist in processing formal and informal solicitations, and other procurement activities. This position is also a part of the Emergency Operations Center Logistics section.

The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the Purchasing Assistant job description. 

• Receives, reviews, processes routine requisitions and bids for materials, services, supplies and equipment.
• Checks the accuracy, completeness and authorization for purchase orders.
• Contacts vendors regarding market and manufacturing data, verifies prices and legal requirements.
• Responds to inquiries and clarifies information from departments regarding purchasing process and problem requisitions 
• Responds to and develops solutions to customer service issues/complaints.
• Makes routine open market purchases of standard retail items in compliance with guidelines established by the Purchasing Division.
• Maintains purchase order and requisition files.
• Verifies requisition prices and confers with requesters regarding the acceptability of substitute items.
• Inputs purchase order and requisition information in an automated financial management system.
• Utilizes internet-based purchasing vendor management and online bidding system to source vendors.
• Receives, checks, corrects and updates data processing reports.
• Assists in preparation of bid specifications.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES
The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position.

• Attention to Detail - Balances the need for speed/production to handle a demanding workload with a high degree of accuracy and precision.
• Communication - Provides informal training to others by clearly and patiently explaining how to use company resources, systems, and programs.
• Ethical Conduct - Understands and accepts responsibility to initiate action (i.e. "blow the whistle") if encountering a violation of professional or ethical standards.
• Takes Initiative - Makes improvements that are meaningful and have a substantial impact on the organization in terms of quantifiable gains.
• Learning Attitude - Engages in continuous learning in order to improve work contributions.
• Works Independently - Drives self to complete work without expectations of monitoring or help; is resourceful and independent.
• Analytical Skills - Uses logic to pick apart a problem and come up with a viable solution.
• Cooperation and Collaborate - Seeks to improve relationships with internal customers to become collaborative and cooperative, rather than combative.
• Interpersonal Skill - Skilled at establishing enduring professional relationships with customers; expresses empathy with people.

• AA/AS in business administration or finance and at least two years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing OR
• An equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience in a public agency is preferred.

As of September 3, 2021, anyone hired with the City of Pasadena must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before starting work. As of March 1, 2022 anyone hired in the Pasadena Public Health Department must have received their booster dose as well before starting work. The City encourages applicants to get a free vaccination at a place of their choice or at walk-in clinics in Pasadena. A candidate’s vaccination status will be reviewed as part of the post-offer pre-employment physical examination.  Exemptions to the mandatory vaccination policy may be available for a medical disability, or sincerely held religious belief.