"Purchasing Specialist"

Job Details

Posting Number: S14073P

Working Title: Purchasing Specialist

Department: VetMed-VTH Warehouse

About the University of Georgia: Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department: The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health. The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well-rounded, accepting academic environment as embodied in our Principles of Community (http://vet.uga.edu/principles-of-community/)

College/Unit/Department website: https://vet.uga.edu/hospital-and-primary-care/

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: This position is 30 hours per week with a general schedule of Monday-Friday, 8am-2pm.

Advertised Salary: $17-$19 p/hour

Posting Date: 08/28/2025

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 09/29/2025

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Classification Title: Inventory Assistant I

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 0.75

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications: -Experience working within UGAmart -Understanding of medical supplies and inventory needs within a hospital setting, preferably a veterinary medicine environment.

Position Summary: This incumbent is responsible for assisting the Purchasing Manager of the UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital. This includes supporting the Purchasing Manager along with the Warehouse staff in efficiently running the purchasing and warehouse department of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Duties range from executing sound decision making, performing vendor research, and negotiating volume pricing to ultimately work toward reducing operating expenses.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Possess organizing and coordinating skills. Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills to negotiate contracts, work with shippers, colleagues, and the Purchasing Manager. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of computer programs with ability to use purchasing and inventory management software. Knowledge of office management principles and procedures. Skill in the use of database management, word processing, direct experience with spreadsheet computer applications. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities. In-depth knowledge of purchasing functions, inventory, and supply management. Ability to use UGAMart purchasing software. Will work in a fast paced, high volume, animal care hospital environment that will include problem solving skills, ability to work independently under strict deadlines, and have a strong work ethic to ensure efficiency.

Physical Demands: Lift, and carry up to 30 pounds. May sit, stand, stoop, bend and walk intermittently during the day on hard floor surfaces. Utilize computer for extended periods. Driving as needed to perform job duties.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No

Does this position require a P-Card?: No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?: No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): Yes

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities: Managing purchase orders, overseeing shipping schedules, and maintaining purchase records. Working with warehouse staff to compare deliveries with purchase orders to identify discrepancies. Maintaining cordial working relationships with vendors and supervising vendor activities. Percentage of time: 50

Duties/Responsibilities: Assist Purchasing Manager in overseeing warehouse operations. Work with Purchasing Manager to efficiently run the purchasing department. Perform vendor research and selection to enhance profitability, reducing operating costs, and boosting efficiency. Percentage of time: 25

Duties/Responsibilities: Use UGAMart purchasing software to enter orders, update orders, and verify order tracking information. Percentage of time: 25

Contact Details: For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below. Recruitment Contact Name: Sonya Lane Recruitment Contact Email: slane@uga.edu