This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Buyer I
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is entry-level technical and professional work in the centralized procurement of commodities and services in the Division of Purchasing and Materials Management. A Buyer at this level is responsible for the procurement of a limited variety of commodities and/or services that are not highly technical or complex, and may participate in the administration of procurement contracts let by higher-level buyers.
Reviews purchase requisitions for adequate specifications and scope of work, proper descriptions, and completeness of information.
Contacts user agency staff to clarify information on requisitions or obtain additional information.
Contacts vendors to gain knowledge of products and resolve contractual problems.
Prepares invitations for bids, requests for proposals, and purchase orders; solicits bids or proposals from responsible bidders.
Conducts pre-bid/proposal conferences.
Evaluates bids submitted and recommends awards after checking to ensure that proper security is supplied, bids are properly completed, and the responsive bidder(s) are providing the desired commodity and/or service.
Collects statistical and other information to support recommended actions, to determine industry standards and price discounts, and to locate commodities and services.
Advises user agency staff of state statutes, regulations, and procedures for the procurement of commodities and/or services.
Assists user agency staff, when requested, in their direct procurements of commodities and services.
Receives close supervision from a technical supervisor who assigns projects, gives preliminary instructions, reviews work in progress and completed work, and approves all solicitation documents and awards.
Performs other related work as assigned.
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement; no other substitutions will be permitted. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 18 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Business or Public Administration, Procurement, Marketing, Accounting, Management, Political Science, Journalism, Communications, Economics, Business Law, or a closely related field.
(Professional or technical experience in public or private centralized procurement as a Buyer, Procurement Officer/Agent/Specialist/Technician or Contracting Officer/Agent/Specialist/Technician may substitute on a year-for-year basis for deficiencies in the required education.)
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Introductory knowledge of the principles and practices of centralized procurement.
Introductory knowledge of state statutes and procedures of state government purchasing.
Introductory knowledge of the types, characteristics, and supply sources of commodities and services commonly required by state agencies.
Introductory knowledge of the techniques used to assess the quality and value of commodities and services.
Ability to apply proper descriptive terminology or established specifications to requisitions for commodities and services.
Ability to obtain and evaluate competitive bids for the purchase of commodities and services.
Ability to effectively utilize personal computer applications.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, user agency staff, and vendors.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
View benefits