State of Maryland

An Agency Buyer I is specialized work involving the total responsibility for the materials operations of a small State institution involving the purchase, receipt, storage distribution and disposition of supplies, materials, equipment and authority to make annual expenditures.  Employees in this classification have extensive but relatively routine contacts with vendors and with the Purchasing Bureau of the Department of General Services (DGS) and work within DGS established policies and guidelines to initiate requisitions and purchase orders for materials, supplies and equipment. Employees in this classification determine the sources of supply for exempt items ordered and must directly contract for a wide variety of services and equipment.  Employees in this classification develop or modify product specifications to meet specific needs and provide technical advice regarding specifications, standards, standard packaging, most economical ordering quantities, and product suitability to the agency.  Employees in this classification may also assist in preparing the operating and capital budgets for the agency by furnishing current prices for supplies, equipment and trade-in items.  Employees in this classification supervise all clerical and supply staff performing duties related to the purchasing, procurement, storage and distribution of supplies, equipment and services.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from the chief administrative officer superintendent, business manager or other designated official.  Employees must work within the policy and guidelines established by the agency and by the Purchasing Bureau.

Positions in this classification are evaluated  by using the Agency Buyer Job Evaluation Supplemental Standards.

Directs and supervises the purchasing operations and functions of a small State institution;

Prepares or reviews all final financial documents for all supplies, materials, equipment and service contracts purchased by a small State institution and ensures all transactions are recorded in the State purchasing system;

Establishes practical inventory levels as well as inventory control measures;

Directs and supervises the operations of all storerooms, handling the receipt, storage, and issuing of supplies, materials, and equipment;

Supervises and directs all office and storeroom personnel directly related to the purchasing section;

Secures bids and awards contracts on specific lines of merchandise not purchased through the Purchasing Bureau;

Keeps records of prices and sources of supply;

Prepares template specifications and standards for purchases;

Studies market conditions, quality and price of goods;

Approves all purchase orders and requisition forms;

Follows up orders and irregularities;

Performs other related duties.

Class Descriptions are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies.  Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

Class Descriptions provide information about the Nature of Work, Examples of Work, General Requirements and Acknowledgements.  The Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities; Minimum Education and Experience Requirements; Special Requirements; and recruitment and testing procedures are set by the using agency.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is not assigned to a bargaining unit, as indicated by the designation of S (Supervisor), M (Manager), T (Agency Head), U (Board or Commission Member), W (Student), X (Used by Agency or Excluded by Executive Order), or Z (Confidential).  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime, as provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.