Procurement Specialist I

Full Job Description

The Travis County Purchasing Office is responsible for overseeing how the County buys goods and services, and processes contracts — ensuring a legal, ethical, and transparent process. Its work supports every other part of County government and protects taxpayer resources.

PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST I JOB SUMMARY:

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is first in the series of four professional level positions in the Procurement Job Family. Under supervision, the ideal candidate will successfully perform all assigned job responsibilities in support of the Purchasing Office. This position is distinguished by the amount of independence for both actions and decision-making and by the level of supervision, as well as the experience required. This position may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the Office.

Requirements

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Functional Program Management:

Communications and Relationship Management:

Research and Analysis:

Subject Matter Expert:

OTHER EXPECTATIONS:

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SPECIAL LICENSURE/REQUIREMENTS:

Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Procurement, Public Administration, Construction Management or a related field AND one (1) year of relevant work experience OR, any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Master’s degree may substitute for two years of experience.

A valid Texas Driver’s License is required.

PREFERRED:

Professional procurement certification from a nationally recognized procurement organization is preferred (e.g., CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Office procedures, computer equipment, databases, file management techniques, and related software applications
• Business English, spelling, arithmetic, letter writing, grammar, punctuation, and report preparation
• Existing automated business applications and their relationships to each other and interfaces with other automated systems
• Policies, practices, procedures, and terminology of assigned function
• Contractual law and regulations and community policies, resources, and structures
• Principles and methods of financial record keeping and reporting
• Project management methodologies, practices, and techniques
• Theory, principals, and practice methods of government purchasing, contract management, and construction purchasing

Skill in:

• Understand and carry out verbal and written directions
• Manage time well and perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities
• Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner
• Interacting effectively with all levels of management, employees, numerous outside agencies, and outside contractors
• Analyzing complex issues with attention to detail and translating concepts for peers and customers
• Compile and analyze data, and to write clear and comprehensive reports ? Independent judgment, problem-solving and decision-making ? Research, compile, analyze, interpret, and prepare a variety of fiscal, statistical, legal, and administrative reports
• Using technology, including computers, word processing, databases, and spreadsheet programs

Ability to:

• Use discretion and courtesy in dealing with vendors and personnel in the course of work
• Work efficiently as part of a team, and work independently with little to no supervision
• Work with a diverse community
• Work independently and initiate creative and effective solutions to challenges
• Effectively present information to senior management and public groups
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental support staff, attorneys, judges, clientele, outside agencies and contractors, other county staff and officials, and all levels of management and the general public
• Exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions
• Interpret policies, procedures, code, ordinances, and regulations
• Manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously
• Research, analyze, and interpret technical/professional journals, financial reports, legal documents

Additional Information

Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity, necessary to operate a computer, monitor, keyboard, printer, fax machine, copier, adding machine, typewriter and essential office equipment, vision to monitor, standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, driving, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions.

This job description was approved by the Purchasing Agent on 2-1-2026. It is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities, and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position, and may include other duties as assigned.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm
Department: Purchasing

Location: 700 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701

Criminal Background Checks Required.

For updates or questions about this posting, contact: Ben.Suddaby@traviscountytx.gov