Buyer

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for a Buyer in the Purchasing Department. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the deadline of 10:00 AM on March 11, 2026. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early.

The District

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position
Under general supervision, performs purchasing transactions for a variety of materials, supplies, services, and equipment for District departments in accordance with District standards, policies, and all applicable legal requirements. Sources and negotiates within established authority the purchase of goods, services and materials; creates bids and Request for Proposals for both goods and contracted services. Analyzes quotes received and processes purchase orders to award supplier; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHINGCHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level classification in the Buyer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Senior Buyer by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Buyer in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series, such as higher-level purchasing functions and providing technical and functional direction over lower-level staff.

This is a professional Buyer series. Positions may be filled at any level in this series depending on the needs of the district and the qualifications presented by the applicant. Positions are flexibly staffed and advancement can be obtained after meeting the required experience and qualifications, successful performance and management recommendation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs a variety of procurement related duties in the review, sourcing, negotiation, and receipt of goods and services to ensure they are in accordance with District procurement policy, rules, regulations and guidelines.

Receives and analyzes assigned purchase requisitions for compliance with District standards and ensures information is complete and accurate, confers with departments to obtain additional required information and resolve questions regarding specifications.

Prepares, clear, and concise product and service descriptions for inclusion on purchase orders and contracts/agreements for services.

Analyze bids to determine lowest bidder consistent with quality, reliability, and ability to meet schedules.

Coordinates Professional Services, General Services, and Master Services Agreements (PSAs, GSAs, MSAs) with internal clients and vendors, including tracking approvals, documentation, and vendor communications.

Prepares both formal and informal bid and request for proposal packages for review and approval to submit on to the Districts website; evaluates bids, performs price/cost analysis and summarizes bid responses.

Confers with departments to resolve problems relating to substitutions, equivalents, delivery schedules, and supplier problems; follows up on purchase orders to ensure products are received in a correct and timely manner.

Develop awards and administer contracts.

Participate in marketing and requirement studies, analyze data, and submit recommendations for future purchases.

Compose correspondence to suppliers, business, and agency representatives interested in assigned commodities; administers assigned contracts relative to deliveries, quantities, quality, etc.

Solicit and interview new suppliers utilizing the Supplier Assessment process and Business outreach program.

Enters purchase order or agreement information into the Districts specialized computer financial system; enters supplier information in the supplier database.

Performs special projects and assignments.

Back-up for other Buyers and Purchasing Coordinators.

Comply with District safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

A combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate’s degree in Business Administration or related field. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

Experience:

Two years of experience in purchasing supplies, services and equipment. Purchasing experience supporting a maintenance and operations environment preferred. Public sector purchasing experience highly desirable with proficiency in Microsoft Windows; Word and Excel.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License.
Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), or other related purchasing certification desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Microsoft Windows and proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees and management
• Explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well established policies, procedures and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple and difficult requests from others.
• Communicate complex information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide and calculate percentages, fractions, and decimals.
• Read and interpret complex data and information and use math and mathematical reasoning.
• Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Regularly required to sit, walk, bend and stand. Talk or hear both in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to operate standard office equipment; and reach with arms and hands. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Noise level is equivalent to typical office conditions.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include an:

Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for March 24, 2026) : will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive, and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWD does not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Eligible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in a deferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidays plus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: 3/11/2026 10:00 AM Pacific

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• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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