Location: District Operations, Teacher Administrative Center, 3215 Cuming St, Omaha, NE 68131

Reports to: Purchasing Administrator

Work Schedule: Temporary 12-Month year-round, Salaried exempt

Hours to Work: 8 hours per day/ 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Salary Schedule: Technician 3, starting at $70,359.89. This is a temporary full-time, non-negotiated position.

Position Purpose: Temporary backfill position for the Omaha Public Schools ERP Project anticipated through July 2028. The Buyer's responsibility is to purchase supplies, equipment, and services necessary for the operation of the school district. The buyer reviews requisitions from schools and departments, coordinates efforts with vendors, principals, and departments, resolves problems, initiates purchase orders, writes, issues, and evaluates bids.

Qualifications

Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management or related field, preferred.

Preferred successful work experience as a buyer in purchasing supplies, equipment, and services.

Strong organizational, office management, and time management skills, including the ability to handle multiple projects with strong attention to detail and work effectively under pressure with minimal supervision.

Demonstrated skill in basic accounting procedures.

Demonstrated skill in bid preparation, writing, and analysis, as well as product testing.

Experience with PeopleSoft preferred.

Strong knowledge and experience in computer technology as it relates to purchasing procedures and Windows applications.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Skills pertinent to positive human relationships and the ability to work effectively with staff members and the community in a multicultural urban setting.

Demonstrated understanding of good customer and vendor relations.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

Purchases goods, supplies, materials, equipment, and services.

Reviews and makes necessary changes to purchase requisitions, including qualified suppliers.

Conduct product testing.

Prepares requests for price quotations and bid documents.

Contacts vendors and obtains quotations, evaluates product quality and delivery timelines, and documents customer service issues.

Assists requisitioners in determining product needs, clarifying specifications, and providing cost estimates.

Assists in the organization and preparation of complex bid and/or contract specifications.

Ensures bids meet established criteria and regulations, and attends bid openings.

Reviews and lists bid prices for preparation of draft agenda items.

Maintains current vendor and supply listing.

Monitors and analyzes vendor performance, including interviewing and selection of vendors.

Expedites and follows up on late or non-delivered items.

Arranges the return or exchange of damaged or defective goods.

Provides information on product source and availability.

Resolves incorrect shipments for warehouse receiving personnel.

Keeps detailed records of partial shipments received against purchase orders.

Performs data entry of purchase requisitions and purchase orders on a daily basis.

Verifies account codes for items being purchased.

Assists Accounting in resolving problems with invoices.

Provides information pertaining to purchasing procedures, operational guidelines, District policies, and regulations to district staff.

Assists and counsels school administrators in planning purchases, deliveries, and storage for the opening of new schools.

Analyzes and develops data using computerized database systems.

Performs other related duties as required.

Additional Duties: Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and a fax machine. Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Limited travel within the metro area may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.

Must have outstanding organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Work in school building and central office environments.

Will work on a computer daily for multiple hours a day

Interrelations:

Maintain professional contact with personnel within all levels of the District, funding organizations, and auditors.

Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day-to-day tasks.

Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.

Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.

Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide timely, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.

Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.

All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

The offer of employment is contingent upon:

Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining “Highly Qualified status,” etc.), as identified and maintaining all licenses, certificates, and requirements for your position throughout employment.

A background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position.

Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.

Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered).

Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).

Omaha public schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.