PURCHASING SPECIALIST V - DOWNTOWN, OAHU
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Island of Oahu
Job Type
Various
Job Number
26-0262
Department
Accounting & General Services
Opening Date
07/04/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Max Number of Applicants
20
Recruitment Information
Recruitment Number 26-0262
The current vacancy is with the Department of Accounting & General Services, State Procurement Office.
THIS JOB POSTING WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 20 APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED.
PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME.
Salary: $6,393 to $7,578 per month (SR-24, Step D to I)
Note: Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicants qualifications, and other relevant factors.
Duties Summary
Purchasing Specialists work in the States central purchasing agency in the Department of Accounting and General Services, and perform the purchasing of a wide variety of goods and services for departments throughout the State government.
Positions in this series are responsible for the development, implementation and administration of detailed specifications describing the characteristics of the desired commodity or services and establishing terms and conditions (i.e., delivery/payment, performance period and other special requirements), publishing the solicitation notice on an appropriate system, conducting pre-bid/proposal conferences, responding to questions, scheduling vendor demonstrations, evaluating proposals, making award recommendations and establishing a contract with the awarded offerer.
The Purchasing Specialist V performs work in procuring and establishing standards and specifications for the most complex, specialized and technical commodities and services; serves as a specialist with independent responsibility for problem solving the most difficult and technical issues with assignments of a very complex nature; may serve as a supervisor to lower-level specialists; and performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Legal Authorization to Work Requirement:
The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.
To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Education: A bachelors degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
Specialized Experience: Three and one-half (3 1/2) years of progressively responsible work experience in purchasing which:
A. Involved working with users, vendors, contractors and service providers in identifying, clarifying and specifying requirements of products or scope of work for services to be performed;
B. Included drafting specifications for various methods of procurement and/or updating such specifications to ensure their currency and applicability;
C. Demonstrated an understanding and use of common purchasing resources (refer to complete requirements for more information).
Supervisory Aptitude: Applicants must possess supervisory aptitude. This requirement will be considered to have been met by strong affirmative evidence of the necessary supervisory abilities and/or potential.
Substitutions Allowed: Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements will apply.
The information provided above represents a summary of the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements. To view the Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE.
02630:020413:23:JT
Other Information
The State of Hawaii complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-587-1111 for assistance.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM
The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS
The Department of Human Resources Development (HRD) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs.
Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings.
TESTING INFORMATION
The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held.
In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application.
CLICK HERE for further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the State Recruiting Offices Levels of Review.
YOUR JOB BENEFITS WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII
The State of Hawaii offers its employees who are members of the civil service a range of benefits. Some benefits are offered as a result of collective bargaining agreements and changes may occur.
A summary of these benefits, which is based on full-time employment, is listed below.
Note: Benefits for NON-CIVIL SERVICE appointments will be provided by the hiring department at the time of interview.
With Civil Service modernization, effective July 1, 2002, employees appointed to temporary positions may also gain membership in the civil service upon satisfactory completion of an initial probation period of at least six months. As a temporary member of the civil service, you will be eligible to apply for promotion and transfer opportunities to permanent as well as other temporary positions. You may also enjoy other rights and benefits afforded to members of the civil service, with the exception of return rights and placement rights associated with a reduction-in-force of a permanent member of the civil service.
Paid Holidays
You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year.
Paid Vacation
You may earn vacation leave at a rate that other employers find tough to match - 21 days each full year from the FIRST year of employment. This compares to an average of 10 days offered by private companies. You may accumulate up to a total of 90 days (720 hours) of vacation.
Paid Sick Leave
You may earn sick leave at the same rate as vacation - 21 days per year from the FIRST year, and there is no limit on the amount you can accumulate. Expectant mothers may also use sick leave for pre-natal or post-natal check-ups or any illness related to pregnancy. Plus, unused accumulated sick leave may eventually be used to increase your retirement benefits in certain situations.
Other Leaves
Reasonable time off with pay may be provided for jury or witness duty, a death in the family, some military duty, and donation to the Blood Bank. Leave sharing donations may be granted to eligible employees who have serious personal illnesses or injuries or need to care for a seriously ill or injured family member. Various leaves without pay may also be granted with full re-employment rights.
Health Insurance
The State pays a part of the premiums for each employees enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Dental Plan. For more information, visit the Employer Union Trust Fund website www.eutf.hawaii.gov for coverage and options.
Group Life Insurance
The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees.
Retirement Plan
The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees under the Hybrid Plan with 10 years of credited service and who have reached 65 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and have reached 60 years of age may retire and receive benefits. To find out more about the options you have, go to http://ers.ehawaii.gov.
Premium Conversion Plan
Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.
Transportation Benefits
Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct qualified transportation expenses (i.e. eligible parking fees, monthly bus passes for TheBus, fare coupons for The Handi-Van, Vanpool Hawaii participation fee, etc.) through pre-tax payroll deductions.
Deferred Compensation
The State offers employees a voluntary pre-tax retirement savings plan designed to give employees a tax break today and an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several types of investment options are available.
Temporary Disability Insurance
Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
Social Security
As an employer, the State also contributes to an employees social security account.
Promotions & Transfers
For employees with membership in the civil service, the State offers promotion and transfer opportunities throughout the State Executive Branch.
Training & Continuing Education
The State supports developmental activities related to an employees work. In many departments there are numerous in-service training opportunities available. Sabbatical leaves with pay are available for qualified employees.
Travel Expenses
The State may pay for certain business related travel expenses including mileage reimbursement for use of a personal car during work, airfare, meals and lodging expenses for trips to neighbor islands or out of state.
Incentive & Service Awards
The State has a program that recognizes employees for their years of service and provides cash awards for their superior accomplishments and other contributions that improve State operations.
Union & Collective Bargaining
Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employees job is excluded from collective bargaining.
The above information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available to State of Hawaii employees and is subject to change. Whether or not you are entitled to a particular benefit will depend on your specific appointment and employment status (included, excluded, exempt, non-exempt). Please refer to the appropriate collective bargaining agreement or executive order and all applicable laws, rules, policies, or plan documents for further details. Nothing herein shall be deemed as creating an employment contract, promise of employment, promise of continued employment, or obligation of any kind on the part of the State of Hawaii.
CLICK HERE for more information on the State of Hawaiis Benefits At-A-Glance.
The State of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Revised 01/13
01
RECRUITMENT SURVEY (MANDATORY) Completion of this survey is mandatory. You must select one option; multiple selections permitted. The information you provide will be used to improve our recruitment efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
What led you to explore career opportunities with the State of Hawaii?
02
EMPLOYMENT STATUS SURVEY #1
Completion of this survey is mandatory. You must select one option. This information will assist us with our recruiting efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
Which of the following reflects your current employment status?
03
EMPLOYMENT STATUS SURVEY #2
Completion of this survey is mandatory. This information will assist us with our recruiting efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
If you selected recently laid off in response to Employment Status Survey #1, please indicate the name of the employer from which you were laid off.
If you selected other in response to Employment Status Survey #1, please explain.
if these two options do not apply to you, please indicate "N/A."
04
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT - REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
The responses you provide to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with your application to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements and/or your final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Please do not submit a resume in place of completing the Supplemental Questions.
You must submit verification (e.g., copies of official transcripts or diploma as directed below) in order to receive credit for education. In general, proof of education downloaded from and/or submitted through the internet will not be accepted. Education obtained outside the United States must be comparable to education earned at an accredited school in the United States. We also reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript.
To receive credit for substitute, temporary assignment, or volunteer experience, applicants must submit an official letter of verification. The letter should include the job title, employment dates, number of hours worked, a description of the duties performed, and a contact name and phone number.
Any information you submit may be verified. Supporting documents must be either electronically attached to your application or submitted to our office as soon as possible. Our mailing address is: State of Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development, 235 South Beretania Street--11th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Documents should be identified by job title and recruitment number.
05
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT (Continued)
Applicants must meet all the requirements for the position they are seeking as of the date of the application, unless otherwise specified. In general, concurrent experiences and/or education will not be double credited unless otherwise specified. Your possession of the required amount of experience will not in and of itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. The overall paid or unpaid experience must be of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of the position. Our calculation of experience will be based upon a full-time, 40-hour work week. Part-time experience will be pro rated. Example: Twelve months of experience at 20 hours/week will be pro rated to six months of experience. Also, hours worked in excess of 40 hours/week will not be extra credited. Example: Twelve months of experience at 60 hours/week will be credited as one year of experience, not one and a half years.
06
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT - MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (Complete information and details)
The information provided in the job announcement represents a summary of the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements. A live link to the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements was provided to me in the job announcement.
07
BASIC EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
Do you possess a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university? If yes, you must submit a copy of your official transcripts as verification by attaching it to your online application or by mailing it in the State Recruiting Office immediately upon the submittal of your application.
08
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
Do you possess at least four and one half years of progressively responsible work experience in purchasing as specified in the Minimum Qualification Requirements?
Please list all employers/positions where you obtained progressively responsible purchasing experience. Include the following information:
A. The name of your employer.
B. Your official job title.
C. Your complete dates of employment (mo/yr to mo/yr).
D. The average number of hours worked per week.
E. A brief description of this employer, including the type of organization (government agency, private corporation, etc.), the section your position was located in, the number and type of staff you worked with, the activities or services provided, and the clientele served.
09
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE (Continued)
For each employer/position listed in Question 8, please provide a detailed description of your progressively responsible purchasing duties and responsibilities, which demonstrated your knowledge and ability in EACH of the following areas:
A. Describe, in DETAIL, your experience with this employer, if any, in each of the following areas:
1) Working with users, vendors, contractors, service providers, and other relevant parties in identifying, clarifying and specifying requirements of products or scope of services to be performed.2) Drafting and developing specifications for various methods of procurement, including formal purchasing, and updating such specifications to ensure their currency and applicability. Describe the kinds of specifications you were responsible for developing; what was the extent of details they contained and what methods of procurement were applied?3) Your understanding and use of common purchasing resources (e.g., networking with procurement organizations, including other states procurement entities; internet searches; catalogs; buyers guides; etc.). Explain how you used these resources.4) Your understanding and experience with various procurement processes such as:a) bonding;b) indemnification;c) insurance;d) severability;e) procurement notice;f) receipt and analysis of offers. 5) Ability to respond to inquiries regarding the competitive procurement processes. To whom, and to what kinds of inquiries did you have to respond? Please explain.
B. What was your purchasing authority (e.g., purchases under $10,000)? What were some of your more complex purchases, and what made these purchases especially complex? Describe the research and analysis involved, any problems you encountered and resolved, and precedents to which you could refer while completing these purchases. Were such complex purchases a regular or incidental part of your job?
C. Did this employer have a separate office(r) to whom formal purchasing functions and decisions were referred? If yes, how did the function your position differ from this entity?
A resume submitted in lieu of addressing the supplemental questions and/or answering "n/a," "no experience," "will discuss in interview," or any other manner that does not address the above questions will not be accepted and your application will be deemed ineligible.
10
SUPERVISORY APTITUDE/POTENTIAL:
Do you possess supervisory aptitude or potential as specified in the Minimum Qualification Requirements? If yes, please provide the following information (A-D), or indicate N/A if not applicable.
A. Describe your experience serving as a group or team leader, including for which employer, and a description of your leadership duties;
B. Describe any training or courses in supervisory you completed, including for which employer, and how the training was applied at work;
C. Describe any favorable appraisals by a supervisor indicating your possession of supervisory potential.
D. Describe your supervisory experience, if any, including 1-7 below, or indicate N/A if not applicable:
Indicate for which employer and your job title;
Number of employees under your supervision and their job titles;
Planning, directing, timing, and scheduling their work;
Assigning and reviewing their work;
Advising them on difficult problem areas;
Timing and scheduling their work; and
Training and developing new employees.
11
SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
Please indicate if you are using an education substitution for the Specialized Experience Requirement.
Please note, your education may not be substitutable for ALL of the required Specialized Experience and will be credited accordingly based on the specifications set forth per the Substitutions allowed. Refer to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, Substitutions Allowed (see Link), for more information.
To receive credit for your academic training, you must submit a legible copy of your OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS by attaching it to your online application or by mailing it to the State Recruiting Office.
Required Question
Employer State of Hawaii
Address DHRD - Employee Staffing Division
235 S. Beretania Street, 11th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813-2437
Phone 808-587-1111 or 1-877-447-5990 (TTY)