Purchasing Agent Details

Purchasing Agent

Renton Technical College - Renton, WA

Employment Type : Full-Time

Position

Do you enjoy being a key person in keeping an organization running smoothly by ensuring compliance and reviewing purchase requisitions? If so, this is a great opportunity to have direct impact on our staff and students. The Purchasing Agent, full time, overtime exempt, exempt from civil service, reports to the Budget, Accounting and Financial Services Director. The Purchasing Agent plans, coordinates, and performs the procurement of services, supplies, and materials for Renton Technical College (RTC). Responsibilities include assurance for compliance with Federal, State and college regulations, policies and procedures, vendor contracts, competitive solicitation and documentation, price and product trends, recordkeeping, and periodic reports. Applications received by April 1st, 2022 will be given priority consideration, however, this position will remain open until filled.

Renton Technical College, located southeast of Seattle, has provided quality education in a variety of occupations for over 75 years. Our professional-technical certificate and degree programs offer entry and mid-level training in the areas of allied health, trades and industry, culinary, business, technology and automotive. Our outstanding college & career pathways program with classes in adult basic education, English as a second language, and GED preparation is available to those who need additional preparation prior to entering a training program and for those who simply wish to improve their math and English skills. Career Education and apprenticeships degree’s round out our offerings. As an Achieving the Dream and an Aspen Institute top 10 finalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, RTC is also proud to be a Military Friendly School, serving those who chose to serve.

Renton Technical College is committed to increasing its cultural diversity with an emphasis on equity and inclusion among its faculty and staff. The students that we serve come from a variety of backgrounds and are over 60% of color. We strongly encourage members of historically minoritized groups, veterans, and bi- or multi-lingual individuals to apply for this position to help meet the needs of our diverse students and service district.

Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions Include

• Demonstrate multicultural competence (including an awareness and understanding of historically disadvantaged populations) and create an educational and work environment that affirms commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Support the college's mission by creating a learning and work environment of mutual respect and fairness, while encouraging creative and critical thinking. Contribute to the appreciation of diversity and foster a climate of multicultural understanding.
• Under the general supervision of the Budgeting, Accounting, and Financial Services Director, this position is responsible for the procurement of all goods and services for RTC.
• Review purchase requisitions for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal, state and college regulations. Issue all purchase orders and expedite when requested.
• Exercise authority to independently determine appropriate course of action/procurement methodology, including but not limited to: competitive bids, sole source acquisitions, request for bid proposals or direct negotiations; originating and finalizing competitive solicitation documents for long term agreements and/or one-time purchases; monitoring sustainability programs and developing strategies for improving sustainable practices.
• Manage entire competitive process, RFQ’s, for purchases over the direct purchase threshold, as required by state policies.
• Work with personnel to develop, prepare, transmit, review, and monitor bidding for limited public works projects in compliance with RTC procedure.
• Maintain all purchase order documents, bid files, and computer databases.
• Issue, maintain and monitor use of college procurement, travel, and fleet fuel cards. Work with financial institutions to remedy fraudulent charges and other card issues.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience or participation in areas of diversity, equity and inclusion required; successful experience effectively working with persons from diverse backgrounds such as racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic, and diverse physical and learning abilities, and a commitment to a culturally diverse environment.
• Associate degree in business or closely related field; extensive related experience may be substituted for college level course work.
• Two (2) years of full-time equivalent experience in purchasing for a mid to large sized business, governmental agency, or college/university.
• Demonstrated understanding of related regulations, rules, and legal issues.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, think critically and exercise independent judgment required.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically experience creating and editing documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Previous success learning new computer software programs/platforms required.
• Technical writing skills for contracts and other procurement-related materials.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated attention to detail required as well as previous experience maintaining accurate records, managing multiple tasks, and planning and organizing work in order to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to represent the college in a positive and professional manner, while using tact, discretion and courtesy.

DESIRED REQUIREMENTS, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Certification from NIGP, NAEP, or ISM preferred.
• Experience in the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges system preferred.
• Bachelor degree in business or closely related field preferred.
• PeopleSoft experience
• Ability to speak a regionally top spoken language other than English is preferred (Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali, Chinese).

WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position is a full time, overtime exempt position. Work is sedentary in nature and may be performed in an office environment which is adequately heated and ventilated as well as remotely part time. Frequent use of computer and exposure to terminal screens in performing work assignments required.

Terms of Employment

Renton Technical College’s faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive an approved exemption/accommodation.
The person hired is required to provide authorization for employment in the United States.

All offers of employment are contingent to background checks, including employment and required degree/credential verification. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform successfully in the position. Finalists are required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure form as required under RCW 288.112.080. Post offer, pre-employment criminal background checks are also required. For questions regarding this position contact avinson@rtc.edu 425-235-2475 OR cdillon@rtc.edu or 425-235-2352
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2022 Employee Benefits Summary Coverage begins the first day of the month following the date of hire. If the date of hire is the first working day of the month, coverage begins immediately. Spouse or same-sex domestic partner, and dependent children are eligible for coverage. Eligible employees at Renton Technical College (RTC) receive a generous benefits package in addition to their paycheck, including:
Medical Insurance
Employees pay a portion of their medical care cost through payroll deduction. The employee premium is based on the choice of plan and coverage for lawful spouses, same-sex domestic partners, and dependent children. more information can be found by visiting www.hca.wa.gov/pebb
2022 Employee Monthly Contribution by Family Tier
PEBB medical Plans Employee Employee & Spouse Employee & Child(ren) Employee & Family
Kaiser Permanente NW Classic $159 $328 $278 $447
Kaiser Permanente NW CDHP $26 $62 $46 $82
Kaiser Permanente WA Classic $204 $418 $357 $571
Kaiser Permanente WA CDHP $24 $58 $42 $76
Kaiser Permanente WA Sound Choice $50 $110 $88 $148
Kaiser Permanente WA Value $113 $236 $198 $321
UMP Classic $110 $230 $193 $313
UMP Select $39 $88 $68 $117
UMP CDHP $24 $58 $42 $76
UMP Plus-PSHVN $78 $166 $137 $225
UMP Plus-UW Medicine (ACN) $78 $166 $137 $225

Dental Coverage
Renton Technical College provides dental coverage at no monthly premium cost to the employee. Benefit eligible employees have a choice of dental plans. Options include:

• Uniform Dental Plan (Preferred Provider Organization -PPO plan) Administered by Washington Dental Service (WDS)
• DeltaCare (Managed Care Plan) Administered by Washington Dental Service (WDS)
• Willamette Dental (Managed Care Plan) Administered by Willamette Dental

Vision
Employees do not pay separate premium for vision coverage; it is covered under the medical plan. Optical service frequency and hardware (glasses, contact lenses, etc.) vary depending on type of plan selected.
Waiving Medical Coverage
If you have other medical insurance you can choose to waive medical coverage for yourself or any family member. If you have existing coverage through your spouse or domestic partner, please contact the plan directly to see how they will coordinate benefits.

If waiving medical coverage, the employee will still be covered under the dental insurance plan at no monthly premium cost.
Medical Flex Spending Accounts (FSA& LPFSA) & Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP): The FSA, LPFSA (New) and DCAP plans are offered by the College and the State of Washington. FSA is a PEBB sponsored benefit program that allows you to use pre-tax money in a calendar year to pay for certain out-of-pocket medical expenses and/or Child care expenses.
An FSA can save you 25 - 40% on your eligible expenses. Both plans are offered as payroll deductions.
Annual contributions in 2022 for Medical Flexible Account can be between a minimum of $120 to maximum of $2,750. As a "use it or lose it" IRC governed plan, medical expense reimbursements can be requested for employee, spouse, or their IRS eligible dependents.
Annual contributions in 2022 for the ( New ) Limited Flexible Account (LPFSA) can be between a minimum of $120 to maximum of $2,750. As a "use it or lose it" IRC governed plan, medical expense reimbursements can be requested for employee, spouse, or their IRS eligible dependents. Limited FSA is new for this year and is for employees enrolled in CDHP plans with HSA. Funds can only be used for dental and vision expenses only. Dependent Care FSA (DCAP) allows you to save on child or elder care expenses
(e.g. babysitting, daycare, in-home care for an older dependent inept of self-care). Annual contribution is $5,000 for a Single person or Married couple filing a joint tax return. Contribution of $2,500 for each married participant filing separate tax returns.
Life-Insurance
Permanent employees, lawful spouse, qualified same-sex domestic partner and dependent children under 26 years of age. Are eligible to enroll in life Insurance. Coverage is effective first of the month following the date of employment for basic coverage; for optional coverage, amounts become effective the first of the month following approval date.

• Basic Coverage: $35,000 Basic Term Life & $5,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) This is employer provided at no cost to the employee.
• Supplemental Life Coverage(s): Supplemental term insurance coverage for employee, lawful spouse, qualified same-sex domestic partner and family is available in$10,000 increments from $10,000 up to $100,000, at additional cost to the employee.
• Supplemental AD&D Coverage: Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment for employee, lawful spouse, qualified same-sex domestic partner and family is available at additional cost to employee.

Life Insurance Evidence of Insurability may be required for certain supplemental coverage amounts.
Long-Term Disability (Two Plans offered)

• Basic Plan: Employer provided and at no cost to the employee. It Provides 60% of the first $400 pre-disability monthly earnings, reduced by any deductible income. The maximum benefit $240 per month; the minimum benefit $100 per month. Benefits begin after 90 days of disability or the period of accumulated sick leave, whichever is longer.
• 2 Optional Plans: 60% and 50% of pre-disability monthly earnings, reduced by any deductible income, and is available at additional cost to employee. Maximum benefit for 60% plan is $10,000 per month and $8,333 per month for the 50% plan. Premium for the optional plans is determined by employee type and waiting period selected.

Retirement Options (Tax Deferred Retirement Plans)

PERS Plan 2: defined benefit plan for classified staff Employee Contribution: 6.36% of gross salary Employer Contribution: 10.25% of gross salary PERS Plan 3: defined benefit & employee defined contribution for classified staff, Administrators, and Exempt employees. Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15% Employer Contribution: 10.25% of gross salary.
TRS Plan 2: defined benefit & employee defined contribution for Faculty Employee Contribution: 8.05% of gross salary. Employer Contribution: 14.42% of gross salary
TRS Plan 3: defined benefit & employee defined contribution for Faculty Employee Contribution: Varies from 5% to 15% of gross salary. Employer Contribution: 14.42% of gross salary
TIAA-CREF: defined contribution plan for Faculty, Administrators, and Exempt employees. Employee Contribution: Under 35: 5% of gross salary; 35-49: 7.5% of gross salary; 50 & over: 10% of gross salary.

• Employee and Employer contributions to applicable retirement plans are mandatory for benefit eligible employees. The amount of the deduction and contribution are dependent upon the retirement plan chosen and may vary by current contribution rates in effect.

Supplemental Retirement & Deferred Compensation Plan

Supplemental Retirement Plan: In addition to regular matched retirement, employee can voluntarily participate in a 403(b) plan and set aside a portion of their income in Pre-Tax Elective Deferral or an After-Tax (Roth) Elective Deferral. Agreements and amounts can be changed at any time.
Deferred Compensation Plan: The State of Washington 457 plan permits employee to set aside additional pre-tax earnings for retirement savings.

Certain tax regulations allow employees to participate in one or both supplemental 403(b) plans and State of Washington's 457 deferred compensation plan.

Contributions to a 403(b) or 457 plan are funded solely by the employee.
Credit Classes (Reduced Classes)
Faculty employed at 50% or more and permanent classified, exempt, or administrative staff may take almost any credit class on a space-available basis if requirements and prerequisites have been met. To get the reduced tuition rate, the employee may not register until the date listed in the enrollment calendar (usually the third day of the quarter). Hourly and probationary employees are not eligible for this reduced tuition. Auto and Home Insurance – Liberty Mutual

PEBB members may receive a discount of up to 12 percent off Liberty Mutual’s auto insurance rates and up to 5 percent off Liberty Mutual’s home insurance rates. In addition to the discount, Liberty Mutual also offers:

• Discounts: based on your driving record, age, auto safety features, and more.
• A 12-month rate guarantee on their competitive rates.
• Convenient payment options including automatic payroll deduction, electronic funds transfer, or direct billing at home.
• Prompt claims service with access to local representatives.

Credit Unions
Eligible employees may join one of two credit unions. Both offer member services that include payroll direct deposit, automatic bill pays, savings and checking accounts, overdraft protection, personal lines of credit and low interest loans.

• GEZA Credit Union
• Washington State Employees Credit Union

Home Street
As an RTC employee you are eligible for exclusive homeownership benefits with the Hometown Home Loan Program offered through Home Street Bank. With this benefits package, you have access to vital homeownership resources.
Paid Holidays
Eligible employees will be paid for up to eleven (12) of the following holidays:

• Labor Day
• Veteran’s Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• The day after Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day
• The legally designated day for Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday
• June Teenth
• Presidents’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Personal Holiday (1 day)

Leave
Employees accrue vacation (16.67 hour per month for exempt employees), sick (8 hours per month), and personal leave based on their classification (8 hours per year for exempt employees). To determine the accrual rate, refer to the appropriate contract or collective bargaining agreement.
Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML):
This benefit offers partially paid leave to care for yourself or a loved one in times of serious illness or injury; to bond with a new child joining your home through birth, adoption or foster placement; and for certain military-connected events if you have a family member in active duty service. Under the PFML program, the Employment Security Department (ESD) will replace up to 90% of an eligible employee’s typical weekly wage (up to $1,000 per week). To learn more about this benefit, please visit the ESD PFML website at https://www.paidleave.wa.gov/workers
Washington CARES ACT (LTC):
The Washington Cares Fund provides a mandatory long-term care insurance benefit to workers in the state of Washington. This new program protects against the risks of needing long-term care and can be used to purchase long-term care services, including professional care, equipment, home safety evaluations, and/or compensation for family members who provide care, beginning in January 2025. Premiums have been set by state law at 0.58% of gross wages, or $0.58 per $100. For example, if an employee earns $50,000 annually, the total annual premium is $290, or $12.08 per paycheck. Please visit the CARES website to learn more about this benefit; WA CARES
Resources:
Health Benefits / Plan Comparisons / Plan Contact Information: www.hca.wa.gov/pebb Retirement Programs:

• State Board Retirement: http://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/my-employment/retirement.aspx
• State Board Retirement Plan (SBRP)/TIAA-CREF: http://enroll.tiaa-cref.org/sbctc/
• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems: http://www.drs.wa.gov

Renton Technical College Benefits Office:
Soha Qassis - Benefits Manager Phone: 425-235-7861
sqassis@rtc.edu