Buyer I

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) enables leading edge research at radio wavelengths by offering telescope, facility and advanced instrumentation access to the astronomy community as well as to other basic and applied research communities. With radio astronomy as its foundation, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a world leader in advancing research, innovation, and education. The Observatory is an exciting and dynamic organization that is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.

At NRAO, we are seeking to recruit a full-time Buyer I to join our Contracts and Procurement team with a position in Socorro, NM. The Buyer will be responsible for the procurement of products and services in an efficient manner, utilizing competition to obtain the best product at the lowest price consistent with the specifications, performance and delivery schedule. All procurements result in the best overall value to NRAO. The Buyer will conduct procurement activity and represent Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) and NRAO with a high level of integrity. The Buyer ensures compliance with the NRAO Contracts and Procurement manual, National Science Foundation (NSF) Cooperative Agreement, and other government regulations and purchase order terms and conditions. The Buyer will commit funding based on signature authority, or acquire signature approval for purchase orders above signature authority.

The position is based at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory offices in Socorro, NM.

What You Will be Doing:

• Ensure all purchase requisitions and supporting documents are complete and accurate. Verify proper approval signatures on requisitions. Assist with the preparation of purchase requisitions when needed.
• Request engineering samples, catalogues and data specification sheets for technical personnel requisitioners.
• Prepare and send Requests for Quotes, and make award selections based on best value.
• Prepare and send larger Request for Proposals, and participate in the competitive selection process with proposal evaluation teams.
• Negotiate price, delivery and other contractual items in original procurement actions and in any subsequent changes.
• Enter all purchasing transactions into electronic purchasing system. Track open orders. Contact vendors and expedites late orders.
• Ensure delivery of materials and services in accordance with scheduled needs. Contact vendors about any issues with deliverables or invoices.
• Complete tax-exempt certificates, credit applications and credit letters for vendors.
• Ensure all purchasing is conducted in accordance with NSF, AUI, and Observatory requirements.
• Prepare documentation required to obtain contract or purchase order approval from NSF.
• Support all internal and external audit requests.
• Initiate capital equipment worksheets for fixed assets.
• Prepare and maintain monthly credit card reconciliations.
• Proactively comply with Observatory and government safety policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is mission driven, team oriented and typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment.

Who You Are:

• You have an Associate's degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• While not required, you may have two years of experience in purchasing or a related field. Qualified candidates with several years of experience may be considered for a higher-level Buyer classification.

Competency Summary

• Demonstrated written communications
• Demonstrated oral communications
• Customer service skills
• Attention to detail
• Knowledge of standard office practices
• Knowledge of business English, spelling and arithmetic and the ability to make difficult arithmetic calculations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and public
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to organize and perform work independently in a multi-task environment, thorough understanding of Division functions and Observatory policies, the ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures, and to make decisions in accordance with regulations and established policies.

Total Rewards:

AUI offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees' overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

AUI's benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. NRAO provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI's retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant's base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the "Apply" button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit http://jobs.jobvite.com/nrao/jobs. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20

The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer

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