PURCHASING SPECIALIST

Requisition No: 865677 

Agency: Department of Corrections

Working Title: PURCHASING SPECIALIST

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 70036887 

Salary:  $51,286.04 - $53,565.72 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 12/01/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

We Never Walk Alone

WORKING TITLE: PURCHASING SPECIALIST

This open competitive advertisement is for a Career Service position located at Central Office in Tallahassee, Fl in the Bureau of Procurement.

The mission of the Bureau of Procurement in the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is to ensure the efficient, ethical, and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services necessary for the Department's operations.

This position is not a telework position and is required to report to the FDC office in the area it serves.

JOB DUTIES:

• Review, process, and approve requisitions through MyFloridaMarketPlace / Ariba on Demand (MFMP/ AOD) for the purchase of goods and services.
• Ensure purchase orders and/or purchasing card (PCard) transactions are complete, accurate, and in compliance with all policies, rules, and regulations prior to approving and/or routing for approval.
• Research and furnish program areas with information concerning prices for needed supplies, equipment, and services.
• Determine proper procurement method and sources of supply.
• Provide assistance to staff in determining correct procurement methods, sources, and specifications.
• Communicate and consult with various Department personnel regarding needs for materials, supplies, and required delivery schedules.
• Represent the Central Procurement Office in the resolution of problems; determine recourse where possible; prepare correspondence to begin the resolution process; seek legal counsel as needed.
• Assist in maintaining files for competitive solicitations and other projects as required for auditing purposes.
• Stay abreast of all State of Florida and Department of Corrections rules, laws, regulations, policies, and statutes that impact the purchasing profession.
• Serves as the Procurement Officer for assigned solicitations.
• Compiles information from various sources; prepare and ensure that required reports are submitted as required.
• Serves as records custodian for purchasing records.
• Maintains files for competitive solicitations and other projects a required for auditing purposes; provides auditors with purchasing information as needed; and reviews and approves requisitions through MFMP/ AOD
• Completes formal Single Source advertisements as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of public purchasing rules and regulations, procedures, techniques, and practices relating to Chapter 287 and Chapter 255, Florida Statutes.
• Proficiency in desktop applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, MFMP/AOD and the Vendor Information Portal (VIP)
• Knowledge relating to methods of compiling, organizing, and researching information on available suppliers, current contracts with other similar entities, and cost drivers.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers by dealing with people in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to technical staff and Department leadership; and
• Ability to work effectively in independent and team-centric environments, serving on procurement project teams and collaborating with other programs, agencies and private businesses

BENEFITS:

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Comprehensive health insurance and life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
• Supplemental Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and Hospitalization insurance.
• Tuition-Free college courses.
• Retirement Plans with the Florida Retirement System:

• • Pension Plan (Traditional Retirement Pension Plan)
  • Investment Plan (401(K)-Type Retirement Plan)
  • Deferred Retirement Option Program (Drop)
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Recently Retired? Beginning July 1, 2024, there is no longer a reemployment limitation; beginning with the 7th calendar month from the member's distribution date, there are no restrictions on working for an FRS employer. You will not be required to repay any prior distributions, and you may continue receiving distributions from the Investment Plan or Pension Plan without interruption.

REQUIREMENTS:

Please note, when submitting a college/university degree, if selected for this position official transcripts will be required.

• Must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Must have two (2) years of professional procurement/sourcing experience.
  • Postsecondary education may substitute on a year for year basis for the required experience.

Support of knowledge, skills, and abilities should be demonstrated on the application, in the education, in the work experience, in the work sample, in the interview and/or during reference checks.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT

The Florida Department of Corrections requires all job applicants and volunteers to pass a Level 2 background check as per Chapter 435, Florida Statutes. This check must be completed before they can start working or volunteering.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) only hires U.S. citizens and those authorized to work in the U.S. FDC uses E-Verify to confirm an employee’s eligibility to work after completing the I-9 form.

The Florida Department of Corrections does not currently support H-1B Visa Sponsorship.

For online application issues, call the People First Service Center at 1-877-562-7287. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.