Staff Buyer

Baltimore County Maryland

Towson, MD

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$60,729–$69,269 Per Year
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Business Law, Calendar Management, Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Communication Skills, Contract Management, Cost Analysis, Credit Union, Employee Assistance Plan, Federal Laws and Regulations, Government Regulations, Health Insurance, High School Diploma, Industry/Trade Press, Leadership, Life Insurance, Market Trend Analysis, Materials Management, Mathematics, Patient Care, Payroll Tax, Performance Management, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Procurement Management, Procurement Planning, Proposal Writing, Purchase Orders, Purchasing/Procurement, Record Keeping, Reimbursement, Reporting Skills, Request for Proposals (RFP), Retirement Plan, Sales, Standards Development, State Laws and Regulations, Tuition Reimbursement, Value Analysis, Vendor/Supplier Relations
LOCATION
Towson, MD
POSTED
27 days ago

Staff Buyer

Salary

$60,729.00 - $69,269.00 Annually

Location

Towson, MD

Job Type

MERIT

Job Number

07.222 5-2026

Department

BUDGET & FINANCE

Opening Date

05/20/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Pay Schedule I, Grade 30, Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week

A vacancy exists in the Office of Budget and Finance.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You MUST attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Examples of Duties

Under general supervision, prepares technical specifications for commodities and services; prepares, evaluates and awards informal bids and advertised solicitations, and purchases supplies, materials, and equipment of moderate complexity for various County agencies.

  • Locates suppliers, compares costs, and purchases a variety of supplies, materials, and equipment used by County agencies.
  • Reviews requisitions and determines most efficient method of procurement.
  • Determines and prepares technical specifications for commodities and services.
  • Prepares, evaluates, and awards informal and formal bids and requests for proposals.
  • Issues blanket orders and price agreements and monitors usage.
  • Coordinates changes in design, specifications, or parts.
  • Maintains good working relationships with vendors and manufacturers.
  • Interviews salespersons and vendors.
  • Keeps informed of governmental purchasing policies and supply functions.
  • Reviews trade publications, periodicals, and journals.
  • Analyzes price listings and changes in market trends.
  • Uses computer, prepares reports, and maintains records.

Examples of Other Duties

  • Assists in performing cost analysis and value analysis.
  • Assists in developing standards for materials and supplies.
  • Acts as lead worker and trains subordinate purchasing personnel.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelors degree.

plus

Two years professional experience in purchasing a variety of commodities and writing original specifications.

(Additional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required education. Education beyond a bachelors degree may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two years for the required experience. Designation as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or a Certified Associate Contracts Manager (CACM) may be substituted for one year of the required education or experience. Designation as a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), or Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) may be substituted for two years of the required education or experience.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level):

Knowledge of a variety of commodities and market conditions. Knowledge of purchasing and material management principles and practices. Knowledge of business law applicable to purchasing. Knowledge of office procedures. Knowledge of basic statistical methods.

Writing skill necessary to prepare specifications for goods and services, proposals, and reports. Skill in performing mathematical calculations. Negotiation and mediation skills. Oral communication skills.

Ability to plan and schedule purchasing activities. Ability to locate sources of supply. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with County agencies and vendors. Ability to understand and interpret Federal, State, and local laws and regulations pertaining to governmental purchasing. Ability to use a computer in performance of duties. Ability to maintain records.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance):

Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and regulations governing public purchasing activities. Knowledge of County and departmental purchasing procedures and requirements. Knowledge of County and Departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to performance of duties.

Skill in preparing specifications, proposals, and reports. Skill in locating sources of supply. Skill in planning and scheduling purchasing activities. Skill in maintaining records.

Ability to perform cost analysis and value analysis. Ability to evaluate specifications and to develop standards for materials and supplies. Ability to lead and instruct others.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education

Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicants major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:

ATTN: Staff Buyer

Office of Human Resources

Baltimore County Government

308 Allegheny Ave.

Towson, MD 21204

You MUST attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Conditions of Employment

Physical and Environmental Conditions

These positions are essentially sedentary with occasional walking, lifting, or other restricted physical activity.

Employment Background Investigation

Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education, and fingerprinting checks.

Employment Benefits for Full-Time, Merit or Classified Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time,merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace

All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace

Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Salary

Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance

General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated.

Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County.

Employee Assistance Program

Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:

Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance

Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employees annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement

Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave

Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification.

Sick Leave

Vacation Leave

Personal Leave

Holidays

Bereavement Leave

Jury Leave

Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union

Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit

Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Educational Assistance

70 to 80 percent tuition reimbursement following successful completion of pre-approved courses related to position. Amount of reimbursement and fiscal year dollar limitations vary with bargaining group.

Deferred Compensation

Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.

Disclaimer

This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.

01

The purpose of the supplemental questions listed below is to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this job classification. Answer each question accurately and thoroughly. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. If you cite experience in your response that is not included on the Work History section of this application, your application may be considered incomplete and you may not receive further consideration for this position. Questions with text answers require you to include the name of the employer/organization and dates of the specific experience.

  • I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02

Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for this position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

  • I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

03

Select the option that best describes your education and experience.

  • Masters degree
  • Bachelors degree plus at least 2 years professional experience in purchasing a variety of commodities and writing original specifications.
  • Associate of Arts degree or 60 college credits, plus at least 4 years professional experience in purchasing a variety of commodities and writing original specifications.
  • High school diploma plus at least 6 years professional experience in purchasing a variety of commodities and writing original specifications.
  • I do not have any of the above combinations of education and experience.

04

Provide specific example(s) of the experience you cited in the previous question. Include the employer(s) and date(s) you performed these duties. Be certain that this experience is also described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of this application. If you chose "I do not have any of the above combinations of education and experience, respond by entering "N/A" to this question.

05

Select the following certifications that you possess. Check all that apply.

  • Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)
  • Certified Associate Contracts Manager (CACM)
  • Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO)
  • Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.)
  • Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM)
  • None of the above

06

Do you have work experience in procurement?

  • Yes
  • No

07

Provide specific example(s) of the experience you cited in the previous question. Include the employer(s) and date(s) you performed these duties. Be certain that this experience is also described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of this application. If you chose "No" in the previous question, respond by entering "N/A" to this question.

08

Do you have work experience purchasing commodities and/or services?

  • Yes
  • No

09

Provide specific example(s) of the experience you cited in the previous question. Include the employer(s) and date(s) you performed these duties. Be certain that this experience is also described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of this application. If you chose "No" in the previous question, respond by entering "N/A" to this question.

10

Do you have work experience developing and executing informal solicitations, formal solicitations, and negotiating contracts?

  • Yes
  • No

11

Provide specific example(s) of the experience you cited in the previous question. Include the employer(s) and date(s) you performed these duties. Be certain that this experience is also described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of this application. If you chose "No" in the previous question, respond by entering "N/A" to this question.

Required Question

Employer Baltimore County

Address 308 Allegheny Avenue

Towson, Maryland, 21204

Phone 410-887-3135

Website http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov

About the Company

B

Baltimore County Maryland