Careers at UMass Amherst

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. 

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Procurement Contracts Manager, Buyer II (Purchasing and Contracts) position is responsible for the day-to-day purchasing and contract administration of Facilities & Campus Services.

Essential Functions

• Advertises and implements construction, consultant and services contracts for the Facilities & Campus Service Division.
• Assists departmental staff, consultants and campus wide staff with the State Requirements for contracting.
• Maintains, tracks, and records contract data information using word processing, database and spreadsheet software systems.
• Works in conjunction with the UPST (Unified Procurement Strategic Team) on contract administrative duties.
• Assists project managers in establishing project bid schedules and associated contract requirements.
• Maintains up to date knowledge of the state legal requirements for procurement contracts.
• Performs the purchasing data entry for the Division.
• Maintains central files: contract folder, bid book, payroll folder.
• Maintains proficiency in computer applications used by the Division for word processing and database management.
• Attend MCPPO training (Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official).
• Promotes and assures continuous improvement; establishes and maintains productive relationships with a full range of personnel that reflects a strong commitment to customer service.
• Process public records request.
• Review annual prevailing wage requirements.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Two (2) years of procurement experience.
• High School Diploma.
• Demonstrated experience in word processing, database and spreadsheet computer software systems.
• Attention to detail and strong organizations skills.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, relational database systems used for tracking and reporting procurement information.
• Demonstrated experience in computer business applications, including word processing, spreadsheet and database management systems.
• Ability to solve complex problems, maintain complex records and organize information to prepare executive quality reports.
• Excellent oral, written and graphic communications skills required to provide clear and concise procurement instructions and develop well-organized and graphically pleasing formats for presenting information.
• Ability to work effectively in a large organization within established regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to multitask and perform in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience with business activities in a construction or project environment.
• State or municipal procurement and MCPPO certification.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday; 7AM-3PM.

Salary Information

• Non-Unit, Non-Exempt Grade 17.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.