Job Summary
The Salem Fire Department is seeking a Buyer to join our team!
Make an impact:
As the Buyer for the Fire Department, you will play a critical role in ensuring the seamless operation of Fire, EMS, and Dispatch services by procuring the essential goods, services, and equipment they rely on daily. Your expertise in market analysis and supplier negotiations will directly contribute to cost-effective, high-quality purchases that meet the unique demands of first responders.
Learn and grow:
You will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of procurement within a dynamic and essential public safety environment. You’ll gain valuable experience working with diverse suppliers, managing complex procurement processes, and supporting the critical operations of Fire, EMS, and Dispatch.
What you will do:
The Buyer is responsible for the procurement of goods, services, and equipment essential to the operations of Fire, EMS, and Dispatch. This position involves analyzing market trends, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring that purchases align with budgetary constraints and quality standards. The Buyer works closely with the Management Analyst to identify and evaluate potential suppliers, negotiate contracts, and monitor market trends to secure competitive pricing. The role also ensures adherence to legal and regulatory requirements while identifying opportunities to enhance procurement practices and achieve cost savings. The Buyer must have in-depth knowledge of the Fire Department, EMS, and Dispatch operations, including the specific needs of personnel for uniforms, tools (including fire department-specific tools), EMS supplies, and station supplies. Additionally, the Buyer oversees the management of two separate warehouses and the EMS vending machines located throughout the city.
What can we offer you for all your hard work?
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
- Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
- Competitive pay.
- Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
- Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
- Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- Voluntary long-term care.
- Employee wellness program.
- Employee assistance program.
- Employee health clinic.
- Position schedule is Monday - Friday
- The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Equal Pay.
What are the minimum qualifications?
- Must pass the pre-employment background check.
- High School diploma or G.E.D. and three years of public sector or non-profit procurement experience involving goods and services and public improvements; or any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Some positions may require a valid Oregon class C driver's license and the ability to meet city's driving standards.
- College level course work in business administration; public administration or a related field preferred
Preferred skills:
- Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in logistics, supply chain management, or a related role. Experience in a fire department or EMS setting is highly desirable.
Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.
About us:
Salem is the second largest city in Oregon and the capital city. Centrally located in the Willamette Valley, Salem is 49 square miles in size and extends across to counties, Marion and Polk. The community has well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings with wide diversity and a family-friendly ambiance. The city is home to nearly 180,000 residents. For a full community profile detailing demographics and housing statistics, visit the City of Salem website.
The City of Salem organization has eight primary departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community Planning and Development. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City of Salem employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members and works collaboratively with five labor unions.
The Urban Renewal Agency and the Salem Housing Authority are separate municipal corporations. The Agency contracts with the City for services and the Authority is led by the Housing Administrator within the Urban Development department.
Where can I find out more about the position?
Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for Job Class Title or view by Buyer.
How can I apply?
The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to, and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.
To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application.
Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.