Procurement Specialist

Contracts & Procurement

Job #546717

First Review Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Open Until Filled

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future.

Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands-on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands-on learning, inspired teaching, ground-breaking research, and thought-provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down-to-earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field.

(Job #546717) Buyer II, Procurement Specialist, Salary Range: $4,313 - $7,806 monthly. This is a full-time, benefited, non-exempt, 12-month pay plan permanent position with a one-year probationary period in Contracts & Procurement Department. This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre-tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 14 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits information can be found at https://hraps.humboldt.edu/employee-benefits.

Position Summary:

The Procurement Specialist will have full contracting and purchasing responsibility for a variety of diverse activities, ensuring compliance with campus and systemwide policies.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement of Commodities and Services – 40%

• Document production in drafting & executing POs, leases, agreements, MOUs, etc.
• Draft and run RFx including thorough, concise and clear specification, terms and conditions.
• Assist in development and review of Sole Source/Brand Justifications
• Document, interpret, and communicate policies and procedures for edification of customers and suppliers.
• Process orders for goods and services using the current systems, including those of technical and specialized nature, and developing contracts or leases.
• Develop spreadsheets and other documents to support analysis
• Analyze, evaluate and process departmental requisitions (check for appropriate delegation of authority, verify vendor is licensed on public works > $500, establish DIR project ID on public works $1,000 - $4,999, collect appropriate insurance documents including endorsement when necessary, ensure appropriate comments are on the PO, electronically file PO/quote/GPs).
• Identify opportunities to negotiate and competitively procure cost saving alternatives
• Apply current specifications on all contracts and purchasing documents regardless of complexity or technical content, specifications when none exist.
• Follow established procedures, policies and guidelines.
• Prepare and issue request for formal or informal quotes, invitations for bids, and requests for proposals for goods and services, including public works projects.
• Follow up on orders to expedite orders overdue for delivery or completion of service.
• Process agreements for professional services and equipment maintenance.
• Review Procurement Card purchases for appropriateness.
• Benchmark purchases nationwide.
• Achieve benefit (cost savings, cost avoidance, revenue generation, etc.) and record in benefit tracker.
• Assist in maintenance of appropriate website resources.
• Load all contracts into contract management tool.
• Collect Section 508 accessibility standards information and forms for Electronic Technology purchases.

Procurement Client/Customer Services – 35%

• Establish, maintain, and develop business relationships - both with suppliers, and customers/end users, facilitate trainings, etc.
• Resolve conflict between providers and end-users.
• Work with requesters in developing specifications which are cost effective and not unduly restrictive.
• Interact with campus department personnel and suppliers to problem solve procurement issues to include payment disputes, delivery or completion of services.
• Prepare contract documents and negotiate CSU terms and conditions.
• Train and facilitate public works contract administration

Consultation and Reporting – 20%

• Attend staff meetings, works in collaboration with other units to ensure proper implementation of pertinent policies, procedures, and programs.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the department policies and procedures.
• Meet State goals established for small businesses, disabled veteran business and recycled products. (3% DVBE & 25% Small Business).
• Advise and give recommendations to campus personnel on the procurement of commodities/services, business process and other areas more technical in nature.
• Assist with CSU Buy-Recycled annual reporting.
• Assist with the procurement section of the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) reporting, every three  years, a framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance.
• Assist with the Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) annual reporting, a report which demonstrates the accessibility of campus technology and initiatives.
• Administrator for CSUBUY
• Assist with BuyRecycled and SB/DVBE reporting and meeting thresholds.

Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Associated with this Position Include:

• Thorough knowledge of: principles of purchasing and procurement policies, methods and procedures, including the administration of formal competitive bid cycles according to the California State Statutes and Codes
• General knowledge of contract development procedures and practices
• Thorough knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to learn quickly, a variety of CSU policies, practices, and formats for common contracts, service agreements and leases, as demonstrated by:
• Ability to: develop, interpret, and apply accurate, multiple, and precise procurement specifications.
• Ability to analyze bids and administer the bidding process.
• Ability to keep financial records.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity in developing cost-saving buying practices.
• Ability to maintain currency regarding business trends and market changes;
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with vendors and with faculty, students, administrators, and members of the general public.
• Ability to read and write clearly in English, comprehend and apply California State Statutes and Codes as well as contract language.
• Ability to perform product research.
• Ability to make comparisons of cost data.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere while establishing effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to operationalize sustainability concepts (economy, society, environment) into all aspects of performing job duties.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience:

1. Equivalent to two (2) years purchasing experience at a level equivalent to Buyer I with background in areas such as formal competitive bidding processes, development of contracts, service agreements, leases, or other written legal agreements.

Education:

2. Equivalent to an undergraduate degree in purchasing, marketing, accounting, business, or other appropriate field. Additional experience which has demonstrated that the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Ability to use a computer.

Application Procedure: To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three professional references

Application Deadline: The deadline to submit application materials for first review is on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. This position is open until filled.

Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to careers@humboldt.edu or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at (707) 826-3626.

We acknowledge that Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people, where they have resided from time immemorial. We encourage all to gain a deeper understanding of their history and thriving culture. As an expression of our gratitude we are genuinely committed to developing trusting, reciprocal, and long lasting partnerships with the Wiyot people as well as all of our neighboring tribes. Cal Poly Humboldt was the first campus in the California State University system to offer a stand-alone major in Native American Studies.

Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to enriching its educational environment and its culture through the diversity of its staff, faculty, and administration. Persons with interest and experience in helping organizations set and achieve goals relative to diversity and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply.

Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. Even if part or all of an employee's assignment can be performed remotely, the employee must maintain a permanent residence in the state of California. The employee must be able to accept on-campus work assignment, as assigned, and come to campus when needed.

CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measure established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at CSU Vaccination Policy and any questions you have may be submitted to hr@humboldt.edu.

Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. This position may be considered a “Campus Security Authority”, pursuant to the Clery Act, and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1107 a condition of employment.

CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check, employment verification, and education verification) is required for employment. Cal Poly Humboldt will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.  Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Failure to satisfactorily complete or adverse findings from a background check may affect the employment status of candidates or continued employment of current CSU employees who are being considered for the position.

This position is a “designated position” in the California State University’s Conflict of Interest Code. The the Fair Political Practices Commission.” In reference to the full disclosure letter, please refer to HR 2010-08.

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the Cal Poly Humboldt provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Humboldt complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.  Cal Poly Humboldt is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly Humboldt, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Additionally, all CSU staff and faculty receive training annually on their obligations in responding to and reporting incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence. You will be notified by email when you are required to take this mandated training.

Class Code: 4792
Publication Date: April 29, 2025