Contracts and Purchasing Specialist 1, 2, or 3

About This Job

BENEFITS OPENING DATE: 25 June 2026
RETIRED: LASERS
CLOSING DATE: 9 July 2026
SALARY: Annual Leave: 96 hours per year with tenure increases
MA-616 $43,784 - $62,455
MA-617 $46,842 - $66,832
MA-618 $50,128 - $71,521
Salary indicates typical starting range. Level Will Be Determined By Qualifications.
JOB TYPE: Unclassified*

Position Description

The Contracting and Purchasing Specialist is responsible for reconciling invoices, creating purchase orders, accounts receivables, entering contracts into the State's LaGov system, and procuring goods and/or services from state contracted vendors. They are also responsible for procuring goods and/or services that are outside of the scope of the Office of State Procurement.

Responsibilities

• Creates purchase orders for goods and services obtained from vendors.
• Performs entry level procurement tasks from the time of need until the materials are received and approved for use by the entity.
• Analyzes and reconciles invoices to ensure accuracy of goods and services and seeks accounting corrections as needed.
• Prepares and monitors routine and less complex contracts and/or agreements, amendments and sub-grant agreements in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements and departmental policies and procedures.
• Procures, through proper vendor selection, and award to the lowest responsible and responsive vendor whose bid meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the solicitation.
• Follows up on deliveries, i.e. expediting or non-delivery, receipt and quality of materials.
• Corresponds with vendor and agency staff, verbally or written, on contract terms, deliveries, quality and order changes.
• Establishes and maintains records of procurement transactions.
• Establishes and maintains files of qualified vendors and procurement policies and procedures.
• Learns to apply the Procurement Code in order to procure goods and/or services for the agency.
• Under direct supervision, coordinates proper solicitation, evaluation of bids, and vendor selection.
• May provide guidance to agency personnel on specification development in order to meet procurement standards.
• Provides management with accurate and timely status reports.
• Provides support to management on all situations as needed.
• Affords assistance in the development of internal processes, policies and procedures pertaining to the section.

Position Qualifications

• The Contracting and Purchasing Specialist should have a baccalaureate degree (although not required) in business administration, accounting, economics, mathematics, finance, or similar fields.
• This position requires outstanding verbal and written communication skills and will be required to maintain a high degree of professionalism.
• The Contracting and Purchasing Specialist must have knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; effective oral/written communication skills; strong analytical skills; the ability to work independently, and effective interpersonal skills.
• They are required to work 12-hour shifts and beyond, day or night, for extended periods during emergencies.

General Requirements

• Must have a valid Driver's License, Social Security Card and Birth Certificate.
• Must be available to report to duty during emergency or disaster situations for extended hours over an extended period of time.
• Must meet physical requirements to perform functions of the position.
• Must attend/complete all Louisiana Military Department (LMD) annual training and other training required for the position.
• Must adhere to the Code of Ethics and foster a Sexual Harassment-Free Environment.

Conditions of Employment

• All LMD positions require in-office attendance. This is not a remote position.
• Salary is paid by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) / Direct Deposit Only. A checking or savings account is required for employment.
• LMD is a substance abuse and drug free workplace.
• The selected applicant must pass a pre-employment background investigation and pre-employment drug test.
• Thereafter, all employees are subject to random drug testing.
• The selected applicant must pass a pre-employment criminal background investigation prior to employment.
• Equal Opportunity Employer and State as a Model Employee (SAME) Benefits for unclassified employees are determined by the individual hiring authority.