Buyer II is the journey level class in this series, fully competent to perform a wide range of technical purchasing and expediting duties. This class is distinguished from Senior Buyer in that the latter assists the Purchasing Agent in administering all phases of the purchasing function and provides direction for the central services staff.

• Analyzes requisitions to verify completeness and accuracy and to determine the type of materials, supplies or equipment required; confers with the requesting department to ensure that information is correct, that order parameters are understood and to provide information regarding products and suppliers.
• Obtains verbal or written price quotations or prepares formal specifications and bid packages as required; analyses bids, recommends award, and prepares necessary documentation.
• Interviews salespersons, visits manufacturers and vendors, attends demonstrations, and obtains samples and literature from potential suppliers; explains purchasing policies and procedures to potential vendors; obtains comparative data regarding price, quality, quantity and availability of materials, supplies and equipment.
• Places orders and negotiates with vendors as required if changes in purchase terms are required; expedites purchase orders, determining the reason for delivery or other problems and following up as necessary; works with using departments to reconcile invoices and to solve delivery, quality and other problems that arise.
• Coordinates vehicle licensing activities for County vehicles; renews licenses in a timely manner and disposes of out-dated licenses and registrations in a proper manner.
• Assists with the auction and disposal of surplus equipment, materials and supplies.
• Maintains records and prepares reports, including vendor performance; assists in determining reorder points and in determining practicable order quantities for materials and supplies.
• Monitors developments in the purchasing field and recommends improvements to policies and procedures.

• Purchasing principles and practices, including competitive bidding procedures.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Standard price and purchasing reference sources for materials and supplies.
• Principles of business administration and economics as applied to the purchasing function.
• Basic data processing applications as related to the purchasing function.
• Standard office practices and procedures.

• Analyzing and relating requisitions and orders to current and future needs of operating departments.
• Reading and interpreting purchase requests, plans, drawings and specifications.
• Preparing clear, accurate, and concise reports,specifications, correspondence and other written materials.
• Translating user requirements into appropriate specifications.
• Buying effectively with regard to quantity, quality and price.
• Making accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.
• Organizing work, setting priorities and making sound independent decisions.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

All the Benefits:

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does it take to fill out the application?

You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

You may only submit one application per day. You may submit an edited application after waiting at least one day from your initial submission.

How long until I hear back from you?

You can expect to hear back from Humboldt County Human Resources about 3-4 weeks after the closing date listed on the job posting.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview?

Yes, you will be informed if you are not selected for an interview.

County of Humboldt’s Commitment to DEI:

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, and LGBTQIA+ community members,) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach to in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. So, if you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

How to Apply:

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applications may only be submitted online through the County’s automated application system at http://www.humboldtgov.org/hr no later than the final filing date listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.

It is important that your application, not just your resume, show all the relevant experience and education you possess.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process. Your performance in this examination will be compared with the performance of others who take the test. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. Scores will be provided in writing only.

Yay! You’ve made it down to the fine print…. that means you are interested in this job, and THAT makes us happy! The lawyers tell us we need to include this stuff…. but we’ll help you get through it.

This is about the retirement benefits we offer. You’ve probably heard that we have a great retirement plan. Basically, you fall into a Tier based on the date you first start working for the County or any other governmental employer that uses CalPERS for retirement. If this is your first job in government, then you’ll be in Tier III. 2.0 means that for every year you work for the County, you will receive 2% of your final annual pay rate for every year that you work for us if you work the required minimum number of years (that’s called vesting) and retire after the age following the @. So, if you work 20 years and retire at 64 years of age, you will receive 20 x 2% or 40% of your final annual pay rate every year in retirement.

CalPERS Retirement Program:

The County participates in the CalPERS retirement system, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee’s retirement.

• Tier I: Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7 @ 55
• Tier II: Post 7/6/2012: 2.0 @ 55
• Tier III: Post 1/1/2013: 2.0 @ 62

This next section says that the County runs its hiring on a set of rules to ensure that it is fair. Hiring and promotion are based on performance and having the best qualifications for the job. “Examination” doesn’t always mean taking a test…..sometimes it just means how we compare your application to others who have applied and an “oral examination” can just mean an interview for lower level positions.

Selection Procedure:

The County’s Human Resources system operates by a set of rules and procedures which ensure that employees are hired and promoted on the basis of merit and fitness for the job. Jobs are filled through competitive examinations. A complete online application is required for this position. All application materials will be reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts. Those candidates considered to be the most qualified, based on the application materials submitted, will be invited to a written and/or oral examination, or an evaluation of education and experience.

Policy of Nondiscrimination:

The County of Humboldt does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Human Resources is wheelchair-accessible by entering the Courthouse from the ramp located on the east side of the building next to the marked handicapped parking. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact Human Resources at (707) 476-2349 well in advance of the examination for assistance.

The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. Reasonable accommodation may be made in the testing procedure as well as the work site. If you need accommodation for an exam due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources office as soon as possible.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION: A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS: Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES: Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six months, but may be up to one year. All designated safety employees serve a one year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY: It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. Reasonable accommodation may be made in the testing procedure as well as the work site. If you need accommodation for an exam due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources office as soon as possible.

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.