Buyer I/II

Buyer I/II

Salary

$18.08 - $23.21 Hourly

Location

Eureka, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-00057

Department

County Administrative Office

Division

115 - Purchasing

Opening Date

09/14/2026

Closing Date

9/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, purchases and expedites a variety of materials, supplies and equipment for use by all County departments; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Buyer I is the entry level class in this professional purchasing series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents perform the more routine purchasing and expediting duties while learning County policies and procedures and the various commodities and suppliers. As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed under more general supervision. This class is alternately staffed with Buyer II, and incumbents may advance to the higher level class after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications for the higher level class.

Buyer II is the journey level class in this series, fully competent to perform a wide range of technical purchasing and expediting duties. This class is distinguished from Senior Buyer in that the latter assists the Purchasing Agent in administering all phases of the purchasing function and provides direction for the central services staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Analyzes requisitions to verify completeness and accuracy and to determine the type of materials, supplies or equipment required; confers with the requesting department to ensure that information is correct, that order parameters are understood and to provide information regarding products and suppliers.
• Obtains verbal or written price quotations or prepares formal specifications and bid packages as required; analyses bids, recommends award, and prepares necessary documentation.
• Interviews salespersons, visits manufacturers and vendors, attends demonstrations, and obtains samples and literature from potential suppliers; explains purchasing policies and procedures to potential vendors; obtains comparative data regarding price, quality, quantity and availability of materials, supplies and equipment.
• Places orders and negotiates with vendors as required if changes in purchase terms are required; expedites purchase orders, determining the reason for delivery or other problems and following up as necessary; works with using departments to reconcile invoices and to solve delivery, quality and other problems that arise.
• Coordinates vehicle licensing activities for County vehicles; renews licenses in a timely manner and disposes of out-dated licenses and registrations in a proper manner.
• Assists with the auction and disposal of surplus equipment, materials and supplies.
• Maintains records and prepares reports, including vendor performance; assists in determining reorder points and in determining practicable order quantities for materials and supplies.
• Monitors developments in the purchasing field and recommends improvements to policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Purchasing principles and practices, including competitive bidding procedures.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Standard price and purchasing reference sources for materials and supplies.
• Principles of business administration and economics as applied to the purchasing function.
• Basic data processing applications as related to the purchasing function.
• Standard office practices and procedures.

Skill In:

• Analyzing and relating requisitions and orders to current and future needs of operating departments.
• Reading and interpreting purchase requests, plans, drawings and specifications.
• Preparing clear, accurate, and concise reports,specifications, correspondence and other written materials.
• Translating user requirements into appropriate specifications.
• Buying effectively with regard to quantity, quality and price.
• Making accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.
• Organizing work, setting priorities and making sound independent decisions.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid California drivers license.

Desirable Education and Experience:

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

Buyer I: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in business or public administration or a field related to the work.

Buyer II: In addition to the above, two years of experience in purchasing and expediting a variety of materials, supplies and equipment, which has included developing formal specifications and sources of supply at a level equivalent to the Countys class of Buyer I.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County's automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

• You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you dont miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your applications progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

• Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.

If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.

Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

RETIREMENT

The County of Humboldt participates in the CalPERS, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement.

CalPERS Retirement Program:

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

Please note that these are the tiers available at the County of Humboldt. Tier determination is made by CalPERS. Please reach out to Personnel if you have questions regarding tier placement.

COMPREHESIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE

Our generous benefits package includes:

• Health Insurance

• Medical: Multiple plan options available through CalPERS

• County covers majority of employee premium and contributes to dependent coverage

• Additional Insurance Coverage

• Dental: Full premium coverage for employees and all dependents

• Vision: Full premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents

• County-Provided Benefits

• Life Insurance

• Longevity Pay

• Educational Reimbursement

• Deferred Compensation

• Employee Assistance Program

• Bus Pass Program

Optional Benefits

Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage including:

• Supplemental Life Insurance with guaranteed issuance period at time of hire
• Flexible Spending Accounts

VACATION

1 - 3 completed years of service = 12 days (192-hour cap)

4 - 10 completed years of service = 15 days (240-hour cap)

11 - 15 completed years of service = 20 days (320-hour cap)

16 - 20 completed years of service = 25 days (400-hour cap)

21+ completed years of service = 30 days (480-hour cap)

HOLIDAYS

Employees earn 15 paid holidays per year (specific dates as defined in their specific Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), including 2 personal holidays.

SICK LEAVE

Employees earn 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS

The County is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.

INCENTIVE PAY

County employees may be eligible for additional incentive pay, such as on-call pay, shift differential pay, locked facility pay, or annual uniform allowance, as defined in their specific MOU.

Please visit the County of Humboldt Human Resources website at Human Resources | Humboldt County, CA - Official Website for more information on benefits, labor agreements, and job opportunities.

01

This position requires driving on behalf of the County of Humboldt. Do you possess, or can you obtain, a valid California drivers license, prior to your date of hire per California Department of Motor Vehicle regulations?

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate your highest level of education completed:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some college
• Associates degree or 2-year equivalent
• Bachelors degree or 4-year equivalent
• Masters degree or higher
• None of the above

03

Please select the response that most accurately describes your experience in purchasing and expediting a variety of materials, supplies and equipment, which has included developing formal specifications and sources of supply.

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2-4 years
• 4-6 years
• 6 or more years

04

Any other coursework, training or experience you would like to add that directly relates to this position.

Required Question

Employer County of Humboldt

Address 825 5th Street, Room 100

Eureka, California, 95501

Phone 707-476-2349