TDA - Finance/Food & Nutrition - Purchaser (61375)

The Texas Department of Agriculture Financial Services Division supports TDA programs by performing financial duties in the areas of accounting, budget, purchasing, contracting, accounts payable and payroll.

Telework Option: TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work. The agency's core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.
 

WHAT YOU'LL DO: The Purchaser will perform advanced purchasing and procurement functions for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to ensure that all federal and state purchasing requirements are met in an accurate and timely manner. You will provide subject matter expertise, customer service assistance, and training to agency staff related to purchasing; ensure strict adherence to bid dates and specifications and serves as agency resource on all agency purchasing functions. You will work under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position works solely for the Food & Nutrition (F&N) division.

Plan, organize, coordinate and write complex specifications for invitation for bids, request for offers, request for information and request for proposals; prepare procurement documents and related correspondence.

Prepare formal solicitations as well as recommendations for awards of contracts; set opening dates for bids; post bids; attend vendor meetings; and tabulate, analyze and award bids, including issuance of purchase orders to vendors.  

Process purchase requests, convert requisitions to purchase orders, and maintain detailed records of items purchased in the procurement and contracting system.

Review requisitions in the procurement and contracting system for correctness, completeness and compliance prior to processing agency procurement.

Work with vendors for effective delivery of goods and services and with program to document performance and resolution.

Assist with HUB/MWBE strategies for goal attainment.

Research, analyze, report, and recommend on matters related to purchasing.

Review and track agreements in conjunction with divisions to ensure continuity of recurring services.

Coordinate maintenance of procurement records, both hardcopy and electronic.

Develop, update and maintain policies, procedures, rules and regulations for purchasing; and assist in monitoring purchasing staff compliance with policies and procedures.

Follow all TDA policies and procedures.

Perform other duties as assigned.
 

To be considered for the position, applicants must submit a State of Texas Application through CAPPS Careers or WIT - experience listed on the application must state how each of the following qualifications are met:
 

Bachelor's degree (a high school diploma and two years of work experience related to the primary duties may substitute for the bachelor's degree).

Three (3) years work experience in purchasing, procurement and/or contracts.

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or ability to obtain within (1) one year of employment.

Substitution: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance or related field may substitute for required work experience.
 

Work experience as a purchaser in government developing solicitations and contracts for high-value or complex procurements.

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD). 
 

Knowledge of purchasing and procurement methods and procedures; state procurement principles and practices; supply sources; the principles of business administration and accounting; negotiating contracts; preparing purchase orders, solicitations and contacts; and of policies and procedures of procurement and contract management.

Skill in resource planning and budget development for procurements; evaluating and understanding fiscal data for viability, capability, accountability and compliance with contract requirements; math aptitude; attention to detail; critical thinking skills providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; and in operating a personal computer with applicable software.

Ability to analyze, evaluate and summarize financial and management records for accuracy and compliance to procedures, rules and regulations; evaluate data for compliance with contract requirements; analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and recommend effective solutions; process information in a logical manner and to assess validity; adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner; plan, organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment; work effectively in high-pressure situations and manage a high-volume workload; and to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
 

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions: Requires working in a normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel, occasionally overnight (up to 5%). 

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): TDA is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military status, or protected activity.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship 
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Background Checks
A criminal conviction records check is required for applicants who are selected for a position.

*A valid government-issued driver's license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver's license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day

Foreign Credentials
Upload an evaluation of your coursework if you have obtained a degree(s) from a school outside of the United States; otherwise, we cannot give you credit for your degree. Some organizations that provide evaluation services are:

Foreign Credential Services of America
1910 Justin Lane, Austin, TX 78757-2411
Phone: 512-459-8428

SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
2400 Augusta Drive, Suite 451 Houston, TX 77057
Phone: 713-266-8805

Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 9203 College Station, TX 77842
Phone: 512-528-0908

This also will also fill position 57951.
 

Apply online via CAPPS Careers. Applicants applying through Work In Texas (WIT) will be required to complete additional supplemental questions, optionally provide EEO information including how you heard about the job, and provide an electronic signature in CAPPS Careers to be considered for the position. 

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview. 

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls.  If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Careers Section, you may check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting "My Job Applications". Note: applicants who apply through Work In Texas, to be considered for the position, you must complete additional supplemental questions, optionally provide EEO information including how you heard about the job, and provide an electronic signature in CAPPS Careers.  

Reasonable Accommodations: If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview or an HR representative at 512-463-7423.  Whenever possible, please give the hiring or HR representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) 463-7423 for assistance.

Go to https://texasskillstowork.com/, https://www.onetonline.org/, or http://www.careeronestop.org/ for assistance in translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor's Office at Property, Management and Procurement MOS Codes.