Title: Buyer Specialist (Hourly): Academy for Staff Development (Central) - #WT014
State Role Title: Procurement Officer I
Hiring Range: $23.41 - $35.37
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin
Location: Academy for Staff Dev Central
Agency Website: https://vadoc.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: State Employee Only - E
Job Duties
The Buyer Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the Virginia Department of Corrections’ procurement and financial operations by ensuring accurate, efficient purchasing and fiscal management in compliance with applicable laws and policies. This position requires a detail-oriented and organized professional with experience in procurement, financial recordkeeping, and government purchasing systems. The Buyer Specialist collaborates with internal teams and external vendors, applies accounting principles, and utilizes automated systems to manage financial transactions and reports. Familiarity with state procurement platforms such as eVA and knowledge of fiscal procedures and regulations within a government or institutional setting are highly valued. The successful candidate contributes to the agency’s mission by providing consistent, reliable service and maintaining compliance with established standards.
This is a wage position limited to working no more than 1,500 hours per agency during the 12 month period of May 1 – April 30, regardless of the hire date. The wage employment period resets on May 1 of the following year. All wage employees are limited to working no more than 29 hours per week on average over the 12-month period. This wage position offers no state benefits.
Minimum Qualifications
The Virginia Department of Corrections is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Buyer Specialist to support the agency’s procurement and financial operations. Candidates for this position should have experience in purchasing, procurement, or administrative support involving financial or accounting tasks. A solid understanding of basic accounting principles and financial recordkeeping is required, along with the ability to accurately review and process financial documents. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential, as is the ability to manage multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. Effective verbal and written communication skills are necessary to work collaboratively with internal teams and external vendors in a professional and service-oriented manner. Candidates should also be proficient in using computer systems and software applications such as Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and databases. Additionally, the ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, or regulations in a work environment is important. Experience in government procurement systems, knowledge of procurement laws and regulations, and familiarity with automated financial reporting systems. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to providing consistent and accurate service while supporting the agency’s mission and complying with all applicable laws and policies.
Additional Considerations
Experience working in procurement or purchasing within government, correctional, or institutional settings. Familiarity with the Virginia procurement system (eVA) or other enterprise procurement platforms is highly desirable, along with knowledge of state or public-sector procurement laws, regulations, and best practices. Candidates with experience preparing financial or procurement reports using automated systems will be given preference. Extensive knowledge of Department of Corrections and state fiscal procedures, budget management processes, and procurement systems such as Cardinal and eVA.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
If selected as a finalist with the VADOC, candidates can expect the following:
Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.
Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver’s License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.
Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.
Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.
VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: 804-659-8424
Email: EMAILED APPLICATIONS/RÉSUMÉS / WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.