PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST I

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt. Tentative examination date: September 3, 2026 – September 7, 2026. Candidates must take an online examination.

About the role

The City of Stockton is seeking to fill a vacant Procurement Specialist I position in the Administrative Services Department. The ideal candidate should possess excellent communication and customer service skills, be able to explain purchasing policies and procedures clearly both verbally and in writing, have purchasing operations experience, attention to detail, and competence with current business technologies.

Under general supervision, this role procures and expedites a variety of materials, supplies, services, and equipment for use by all City departments; prepares, reviews, and approves contracts; attends and hosts outreach events; reviews and approves new vendor profiles; assists new vendors with registration; and performs related work as assigned.

This position is included in the Civil Service system with "for-cause" employment status and is represented by the Stockton City Employees' Association (Classified/Represented).

Schedule

This position follows a City of Stockton 9/80 schedule: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fridays, with alternating Fridays off.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes requisitions to verify completeness and accuracy and to determine the type of materials, supplies, or equipment required; confers with requesting departments to ensure correctness and understanding of order parameters.
• Obtains verbal or written price quotations or prepares formal specifications and bid packages (RFP, RFQ, RFI); prepares Council agenda information for formal bid processes; analyzes bids and proposals, recommends awards, and prepares necessary documentation.
• Interviews salespersons, visits manufacturers and suppliers, attends demonstrations, and obtains samples and literature from potential suppliers; explains procurement policies and procedures to potential suppliers.
• Coordinates supplier updates of catalog data in procurement technology tools.
• Places orders and negotiates with suppliers if changes in purchase terms are required; expedites purchase orders, determines reasons for delivery issues, and follows up as necessary; works with departments to reconcile invoices and solve delivery or quality problems.
• Ensures City contractors carry proper insurance limits and endorsements as required by contract provisions.
• Coordinates vehicle licensing activities for City vehicles; renews licenses in a timely manner and disposes of licenses and registrations properly.
• Assists with the auction and disposal of surplus equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Maintains records and prepares reports, including supplier performance and MBE/WBE files; assists in determining reorder points and practicable order quantities.
• Monitors developments in the procurement field and recommends improvements to policies and procedures.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, accounting, finance, supply chain management, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience in stores and inventory control, accounts payable, procurement support, or related work may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis (maximum of two years).
• Must possess a valid California Class "C" driver’s license.
• Desirable certifications include Certified Public Procurement Buyer (CPPB).

Knowledge

• Public principles and practices, including competitive bidding procedures in a public agency setting.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Standard price and procurement sourcing for materials, equipment, supplies, and services.
• Principles of business administration and economics as applied to procurement.
• Standard office practices and procedures.
• Basic supervisory principles and practices.
• Storekeeping and materials management principles and practices.
• Principles and techniques of preparing RFI, RFQ, RFP packages and analyzing formal proposals and bids.
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Application software related to procurement.

Skills

• Proactively building productive business relationships with assigned City of Stockton department staff.
• Analyzing and relating requisitions to current and future needs of operating departments.
• Analyzing historical expenditures by type and supplier to determine sourcing and leveraging opportunities.
• Reading and interpreting procurement requests, plans, drawings, and technical specifications.
• Drafting commercial contract elements using template agreements approved by the City of Stockton legal staff.
• Buying effectively with regard to quantity, quality, and price.
• Making accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.
• Maintaining high ethical behavior in regards to City of Stockton and procurement profession standards.
• Preparing clear, accurate, and concise reports, specifications, requests for approval, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Translating user requirements into appropriate specifications.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, and making sound independent decisions.
• Assigning, directing, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others.
• Training others in work procedures.
• Analyzing technical or complex procurement problems and reaching sound, independent conclusions.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Using computers, computer applications, and related software.

Physical and Mental Abilities

• Mobility: Constant sitting for long periods while operating a keyboard; occasional walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Lifting: Occasional lifting and carrying of 25 pounds or less.
• Vision: Constant use of overall visual capabilities; frequent need for color perception, hand/eye coordination, reading, and/or close-up work.
• Dexterity: Constant holding, typing, repetitive motion, and writing; occasional grasping, pushing, pulling, and reaching.
• Hearing/Talking: Constant hearing and talking of normal speech in person and on the telephone; ability to detect specific noises and proper equipment operation.
• Special Requirements: Frequent driving; occasional weekend or evening work.
• Emotional/Psychological: Constant concentration, decision-making, and public contact; occasional ability to exercise sound judgment and handle stressful situations; ability to work alone.
• Environmental Conditions: Occasional exposure to noise, outdoor conditions, indoor cold/heat, and working around equipment and machinery; walking on uneven ground.
• Working Conditions: Primarily performed in an office environment, which is generally quiet; may perform work outdoors.