Purchasing Assistant (AA-152-25E) JAO en Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, CA

About the Department

NOTICE OF EXTERNAL JOB OPPORTUNITY
POSTING #AA-152-25E
 PURCHASING ASSISTANT

LOCATION: 
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, PURCHASING SECTION, JOINT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, WHITTIER

About Us: In the Financial Management department, personal growth and well-being are at the heart of our culture. We foster an environment where employees thrive both personally and professionally. With a strong work ethic, we move fast and work hard to meet the demands of our customers. Our office is energetic and fast-paced, providing a stimulating environment for those who enjoy a challenge.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 
As a Purchasing Assistant in the Purchasing and Risk Management Section, you will be responsible for performing a variety of specialized purchasing tasks and various commodity purchasing.
 
JOB SUMMARY: 

The major job duties are listed below.  For a complete list of duties, please see the job description.

Under the general Supervisor of Purchasing and the technical guidance of Buyers, the incumbent will:

• Serve as the apprentice level in the Buyer series and operate as part of the Procurement team
• Maintain vendor/product information and address vendor or customer concerns
• Purchase or negotiate materials, supplies, equipment, and services for various departments
• Primarily engage in routine purchasing/expediting/follow-up activities
• Review/renew blanket contract agreements and handle purchasing for less complex product lines to meet departmental needs
• Prepare departmental informal bids or proposals
• Compare and analyze quotations to determine the qualified low bid
• Determine vendors for purchases and issue purchase orders
• Investigate and resolve complaints from departments regarding delivery or pricing issues
• Support procurement team in a mentee capacity; Partner with senior procurement professional for guidance and development
• Conduct meetings and interviews with vendors regarding products and services

Position Duties

• Option A:  Two (2) years of experience above the trainee level in the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County in financial record-keeping
• Option B:  Three (3) years of experience performing purchasing-related tasks or financial record keeping

• Experience performing purchasing functions at or above entry-level
• Course-work in Purchasing or related field
• Familiarity with inventory management systems
• Certification in procurement or supply chain management is a plus
• Strong mathematical skills for price analysis and cost calculations
• Ability to adapt and learn new processes and systems quickly
• Prior Warehouse Coordinator, Supply Chain, Assistant Buyer experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Office methods
• Basic purchasing practices
• Mathematical calculations including percentages

• Maintain files and prepare reports
• Perform arithmetic calculations using a calculator
• Work with outside vendors and other departments
• Learn to apply purchasing principles and procedures
• Learn principles of accounts payable bookkeeping and related procedures

Other Qualifications

SELECTION PROCESS:

• All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met.
• The selection process will consist of a written test weighted at 40%, and an interview weighted at 60%.
• Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process.
• The written exam is tentatively scheduled for Friday, September 19, 2025.
• The interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of September 22, 2025.