Procurement Specialist (Associate, Specialist or Senior)

Associate Procurement Specialist, Procurement Specialist or Senior Procurement Specialist

Office of Financial Services

Job Summary:

Professional work responsible for planning, coordinating, and administering complex procurement functions including solicitation, issuance, and evaluation for goods and services in accordance with District policy and guidelines, and federal and state rules and regulations.

All procurement staff are based in the District's Palatka Headquarters. Palatka is centrally located in northeast Florida and is within commuting distance of several metropolitan areas, including Jacksonville, Gainesville, and St. Augustine.

Job duties will vary depending upon the level the position in which the position is filled, but may include:

• Procurement of Goods and Services: Conducts procurement of commodities, equipment, supplies, and low-risk services in accordance with District policies and applicable statutes. Develops specifications, prepares solicitation packages (RFQ, RFP, IFB, ITN), and determines appropriate procurement methods. Reviews quotes, negotiates with vendors, and ensures compliance with specifications. Supports formal solicitations and provides direct procurement support to divisions. Maintains vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery and adherence to terms.
• Purchase Order and Financial System Management: Reviews requisitions for accuracy and completeness. Processes requisitions into purchase orders, performs document verification, and manages amendments, liquidations, and closures. Creates blanket purchase orders and ensures vendor insurance compliance. Performs encumbrances and maintains procurement records in financial systems.
• Customer and Staff Support: Advises internal customers on purchasing options, policies, and product availability. Coordinates with vendors on substitutions and resolves supply issues. Assists with warranty repairs and serves as a backup for other procurement staff.

Ability To:

• Analyze and interpret detailed transactions, financial data, market trends, and research to support sound decision-making and optimize investments or purchases of commodities and services.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of public procurement practices and financial proposal evaluation.
• Communicate clearly, persuasively, and professionally-both verbally and in writing-with a strong customer service orientation.
• Present ideas and findings concisely and effectively to individuals at all organizational levels, both within and outside the division or agency.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with vendors, suppliers, District staff, and other governmental entities.
• Schedule, reallocate, and prioritize work and resources to manage high workloads and maximize responsiveness, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Consistently perform work with strong attention to detail.

Technical Skills:

All levels:

Document and file management; virtual meeting applications (e.g., Teams), financial management applications, contract management applications, and District computer applications (Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Adobe Pro).

Procurement Specialist and Senior Procurement Specialist:

Contract drafting and review; substantive knowledge of Florida public procurement law.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate Procurement Specialist requires a high school diploma or GED, and two years of administrative, clerical, purchasing, contract support, records management, or related experience.

An associate's degree in business administration, public administration, finance, procurement, contract management, or a related field may substitute for required work experience.

Procurement Specialist requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration or related field and two years of professional public procurement experience; or an associate's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration or related field and four years of professional public procurement experience. Preference will be given to public procurement experience with the State of Florida or a local government in the State of Florida.

Senior Procurement Specialist requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration or related field and four years of professional public procurement experience; or an associate degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration or related field and six years of professional public procurement experience. Preference will be given to public procurement experience with the State of Florida or a local government in the State of Florida. Certification as a Certified Professional Public Buyer or Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is preferred.

Professional public procurement experience can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

Physical Requirements/Working Environment:

Work is primarily performed in an office environment. The position requires the ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer and standard office equipment, communicate by phone and email, review documents, and occasionally lift or carry files or materials up to 20 pounds.

Additional Details:

Starting salary is based on qualifications and experience.

Starting Salary Range:

Associate Procurement Specialist: $43,763.20 - $54,662.40

Procurement Specialist: $53,580.80 - $66,955.20

Senior Procurement Specialist: $61,318.40 - $76,648.00

Benefits include Florida Retirement System, parental leave, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave and holidays, professional development, and wellness program.

Your application will receive careful consideration and, if selected for an interview, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment. St. Johns River Water Management District participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans will receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans' Preference/Drug-Free and Tobacco-Free Workplace

Location: Palatka

Closing Date: Open until filled