"Bookstore Buyer"

Posted: 02-Dec-25

Location: Highline College 2400 S 240th St Des Moines

Categories: Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 5156744

Posting will remain open until filled. Priority screening for applications received by December 21, 2025.

The Bookstore Buyer primary duties are purchasing textbooks, snacks and beverages for the Highline College Bookstore and other duties requested by the store manager.

This is a full-time, classified position, which is eligible for overtime. 

Schedule:
Mon - Wed: 8:00am - 5:30pm
     Thurs: 8:00am - 4:30pm
        Fri: 8:00am - 1:30pm

Salary Information: The salary range stated above reflects the starting step of Range 38  (Step C) and ending step (Step M) salary for this classified position. Based on salary placement of Step C, it will take 5 years to reach Step L on the salary schedule, 11 years to reach step M on the salary schedule. This does not reflect any contractual changes; legislative mandated salary increases or Cost of Living Increases (COLA's) that may be approved in the future.

Reporting to the Bookstore Manager, this position will:

Textbooks:

• Work with minimal supervision in procuring textbook order requests from faculty. Analysis request to determine quantities to order;
• Communicates with faculty regarding textbook orders and ordering procedures;
• Works with textbook vendors, wholesales and partners to obtain lowest cost possible for textbooks;
• Determines proper inventory levels in the textbook department;
• On a monthly basis, inventories textbooks, notates and corrects discrepancies;
• Sets textbook prices for new, used and rental books by using tools that compare Highline prices with competitors;
• Ensure that textbooks are properly shelved and shelf tags are correct.

Snacks/Beverages:

• Works with vendor to order all snacks and beverages;
• Maintains proper inventory level of snacks/beverages;
• Sets pricing on snacks/beverages mindful of established margins.

Other duties:

• Verifies daily cash deposits;
• Assist in counting the safe weekly;
• Conducts quarterly inventory of textbooks;
• May be required to close the Bookstore;
• May be required to work the customer counter.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively (verbal and written) with a diverse population;
• Proficiently navigate an electronic environment, including use of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite and ctcLink student data systems;
• Work both independently and as a member of a team;
• Demonstrate cultural competency skills, including a commitment to anti-bias and equity and an appreciation of a highly diverse environment.

Knowledge of:

• Customer service principles;
• Vendor Management.

Minimum:

• High School completion or equivalent;AND
• One year full-time experience in retail buying or purchasing merchandise for resale.

About Highline College

Highline College prides itself on its commitment to diversity and equity, its institutional culture of collegiality and innovation, its globalization of curricula and its inclusion of the community in its programming. Founded in 1961, Highline College is situated in a diverse community just 15 minutes south of Seattle. The college annually serves more than 16,500 students – a student population of over 70% students of color, representing 35 nations and more than 100 languages.