Assistant Buyer

Assignment 12 Starting Date As soon as possible Current Work Schedule Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Days and hours of employment may change depending on District needs. Salary Range 25 Salary $4,965.33 – $6,359.63 monthly – Successful candidate will start at step 1 except in cases where District deems appropriate. FLSA Non-Exempt Location Main Campus Department Contract Management and Vending Services (Dept) Open Date 11/03/2026 Closing Date 11/17/2026 About Rio Hondo College Rio Hondo College welcomes and embraces all students in their educational and career pathways. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), our College has a student population of 22,000, of which 18,000 are Latinx students. We were the first college in Los Angeles County to provide two years of free tuition to first-time, full-time college students through our Rio Promise program. We are proud to acknowledge that many of our students have transferred to high ranked institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, USC and UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, Cal State LA, Cal State Long Beach, and Whittier College to name a few. Strengths Our caring and dedicated student-centered staff, faculty, and administrators are devoted to the advancement of educational justice, equity, and opportunity for all our students. Our Colleges 900 employees, with close to 600 faculty, hold themselves accountable for the academic success of disproportionately impacted student populations. Our entire staff, with unwavering team collaboration, work hard to ensure our students reach their full potential by eliminating gaps in academic outcomes that traditionally hinder students of color. Rio Hondo College is committed to the recruitment of qualified and diverse employees who are dedicated to our students success. We recognize that diversity in an academic environment fosters cultural awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for our students. We are steadfast in our hiring practices and staff development processes which reinforce the goals of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion. Our practices and processes also support the importance of a workforce that reflects the community and the diverse student population we serve. Rio Hondo College employs approximately 55% tenured track faculty of color; 60% part-time faculty of color; 85% classified staff of color; and 50% administrators of color. Rio Hondo College offers 30 associate degrees that guarantee transfer (ADTs) to Cal State Universities, a bachelors degree in Automotive Technology, more than 60 certificates, a Pathway to Law School, dual enrollment with K-12 districts, state championship speech & debate team and excellent athletic teams, student leadership opportunities, travel abroad experiences and more. In collaboration with the communities in Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, El Monte, South El Monte, Whittier, portions of Norwalk, La Mirada, Downey, La Puente, the City of Industry, Los Nietos and Avocado Heights, Rio Hondo College provides an exceptional academic curriculum to meet the unique needs of our region. Basic Function Under the direction of an administrator or manager, performs sourcing and procurement of various goods, equipment supplies, and services for the District using Purchase Orders (POs) and P cards; processes and expedites purchase orders purchase orders, change orders, vendor set ups and updates; provides support on public works projects, leasing and maintenance of equipment, disposal of E-waste, liaise with Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), accepts donations, etc., as needed; exhibits excellent customer service; performs duties in a timely and effective manner. Representative Duties Processes requisitions to purchase orders/purchase order change orders. E Coordinates with internal and external customers regarding discrepancies on requisitions/purchase orders and other related matters. E Assists internal customers on requisitions, purchase order queries, vendor set ups, updates, and sourcing of suppliers for various goods, equipment, supplies and services. E Operates various office machines including personal computers and copiers and use of software, such as, Microsoft Office and District Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) database. E Receives and reviews requisitions; prepares specifications of goods, equipment, supplies, and services; contacts suppliers to obtain and review quotes and/or proposals; obtains required information to generate purchase orders and ensures transactions are compliant with District policies, procedures, and applicable statutes. E Coordinates with suppliers and internal customers on follow up, expediting and delivery of procured goods, equipment, supplies, and services; resolves problems with suppliers and discrepancies on orders as appropriate; refers matters requiring escalation to the Director if needed. E Requests, maintains, and organizes supplier catalogs and pricing information. E Maintains a variety of records and files for the Contract Management and Vending Services Department, including but not limited to, purchase orders, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), agreements, project files, etc. E Reviews, analyzes, and makes informed recommendations to the Director related to the award of procurement for goods, equipment, supplies, and services on assigned transactions E Provides support on public works projects, such as, bid openings. job walks, preparation and issuance of contracts, project document filing, contractor database, update of project bid information at District website, submission of Public Works Projects Registration (PWC100) to the appropriate manager (as required), obtains insurance and other required documents and/or forms, coordinates filing of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and sends bidding notices and/or invitations for bid, as needed. E Facilitates outgoing mail/correspondence. Assists other Contract Management and Vending Services staff and guidance to student workers, student assistants, and/or short-term, temporary staff, as needed. E Reviews POs with invoices and forwards to Accounts Payable for processing and payment. E Calls suppliers for equipment repair and/or service including meter readings of copiers. E Coordinates and arranges for the return or replacement of damaged, incorrectly ordered, or in need of repair of ordered goods, equipment or supplies with suppliers. E Assists in conducting data research and analysis (copy paper usage copier leases, copier meter readings) and preparing PO Board reports as needed. E Performs a variety of clerical and administrative duties in support of the departments day-to-day activities and/or operations including but not limited to greets and directs visitors, answers phone calls, responds to callers, and directs incoming phone calls; opens, screens, and distributes mail and correspondence; photocopies documents and requests duplication services; ensures maintenance and repairs of assigned work areas, facilities, or equipment; enters various requests for services from IT, Facilities, and Maintenance; contacts vendors for equipment service, when needed; follows-up with vendors to ensure satisfactory completion or requests; may perform simple repairs or maintenance standard office equipment. E Performs related duties that support the overall objective of the position. Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of: District policies, procedures, rules, and regulations as they related to the area of assignment. Principles, practices, rules, and regulations related to public-sector procurement, including competitive bidding procedures. Sources and types of products, commodities, and services used by a community college district. Federal and state laws, codes, and regulations and District policies and practices pertinent to areas of responsibility. Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). California Education Code, Title V, and other applicable laws and regulations related to the area of assignment. Operations and functions of the Districts enterprise financial system applicable to purchasing and accounts payable. Principles and practices of source business communication. Principles, practices, and techniques of drafting and administering purchase contracts and enforcing contract provisions. Methods of conducting product and vendor research. Best practices and procedures on the use of various office equipment. Record-keeping, filing, file sharing, and filing system methods and techniques. Effective communication techniques and interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint). Ability to: Perform the essential responsibilities of the position. Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop sound, independent conclusions, and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules, and policies. Develop the knowledge of District procurement policies and procedures and applicable statutes. Develop the knowledge for sources of supply for goods, equipment, supplies and services. Develop the basic knowledge of applicable statutes related to public procurement. Develop the knowledge to do sourcing and procurement of various goods, equipment and supplies for the District within scope of authority. Analyze and evaluate purchase requisitions and other purchasing related documents. Efficiently conduct vendor and product research. Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. Understand, interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and ordinances. Present technical information clearly, logically, and persuasively. Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgement within areas of responsibility. Operate a compute and standard business software. Make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately. Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive and complex issues and situations. Handle competing tasks and priorities with a customer centric approach and meeting schedules and timelines. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately. Understand and follow verbal and written directions. Exhibit effective communication techniques and interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Plan, organize, and prioritize workload; handle competing tasks and priorities with a customer centric approach and meeting schedules and timelines. Meet with District staff, vendors, and suppliers to determine procurement needs and requirements. Type accurately at an acceptable rate of speed. Work under general direction and adherence to District policy on work conduct. Assist in data mining and analysis/report if needed. Effectively communicate using different platforms such as, (phone, email, etc.) with staff, faculty, students and the public. Operate various office machines (including personal computers and copiers) and use of software programs, applications, and databases, such as, Microsoft Office and District Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system such as Banner. Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Education and Experience High school graduate or General Educational Development (GED); AND One (1) year of responsible clerical experience working on a computerized data system and record-keeping experience in a procurement office. Or, any combination of education and experience which would provide the required qualifications for the position. Foreign Degrees Any degree from a country other than the United States, including Canada and Great Britain, must be evaluated by an Evaluation Service prior to the closing date. Certification must be attached with copies of transcripts. License Certificates/Credentials Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver license. May be required to travel for various off-site meetings, trainings, conferences, and or events in support of the overall objective of the position. Desired Qualifications Associate degree with major coursework in procurement, public administration, business administration, finance, or a closely related field; AND One year of progressively responsible experience purchasing items similar to those purchased by the District or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Distinguishable Characteristics The Assistant Buyer is the entry level classification within the Buyer series. The Assistant Buyer performs routine activities in the sourcing and procurement of various products, goods, equipment, supplies, and services for the District using standard POs and P cards. The incumbent provides broad support in purchasing products, goods, equipment, supplies, and services using well-defined and established administrative policies and procedures. The Assistant Buyer is distinguished from the Buyer in that the latter is the experienced, senior level classification within the Buyer series; performs complex, specialized, and technical purchasing responsibilities exercising due diligence in researching new and/or approved vendors; refers to District policies and procedures to ensure vendors and/or contractors meet established procurement requirements in accordance with District standards, policies, procedures, and requirements; the incumbent exercises independent judgement under broad guidelines within the Districts purchasing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as well as making, recommending, and/or approving purchases that fall outside established guidelines. Working Conditions PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit or stand for extended periods of time; talk or hear, in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel, operate personal computers and other standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, use of both eyes, ability to distinguish basic shades and colors and the ability to adjust focus. Employees are frequently required to walk and stand and occasionally lift up to 20 pounds. MENTAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this class, incumbents are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data; use math and mathematical reasoning; analyze and solve problems; learn and apply new information and skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; and interact with District, students, vendors and others encountered in the course of work, some of whom are dissatisfied or abusive. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees work under typical office conditions, with constant interruptions, and the noise level may vary depending on activities of the office. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires us to identify the essential duties/functions of the position. We have indicated those duties with an E on the job description. Position Description Applications are currently being accepted for Assistant Buyer. This is a Full-Time 100%, 12 month position. Application Procedure Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PT on the closing date. Applicants must submit a complete online application that includes the items listed. Rio Hondo College online application (which includes supplemental questions) Résumé/Curriculum Vitae APER APPLICATIONS AND APPLICATION MATERIALS SENT VIA MAIL, FAX, OR EMAIL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NOTE THAT ALL CORRESPONDENCE, INCLUDING INTERVIEW INVITATIONS, WILL BE SENT VIA EMAIL. Additional Information The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires the District obtain documentation from every individual who is employed which verifies identity and authorizes his/her right to work in the United States. Successful candidate is responsible for verifying all prior work experience and providing all academic transcripts for purposes of salary placement. As a condition of employment, the selected applicant must provide a set of fingerprints (at the applicants expense) taken by an official LiveScan agency. Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial employment (The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment). For positions requiring a valid California drivers license, proof of insurability is required. Applicants who are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and require accommodations for completing the application process, testing (if required for position), or the interview, please notify the Human Resources Office. A copy of this announcement will be provided in Braille to visually impaired applicants upon request. Commitment to Diversity All applicants must have demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff. Cancel RTF Policy WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO RE-OPEN, RE-ADVERTISE, DELAY OR CANCEL FILLING THIS POSITION. THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL FUTURE VACANCIES. EEO Statement Rio Hondo College is committed to employing qualified administrators, faculty and staff members who are dedicated to student success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters cultural awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide equal consideration for all qualified candidates.