Job Description

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Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

The NRAO is seeking a full-time Buyer 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 should 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 their signature authority.

This position will be based at the NRAO offices in Socorro, NM.

What You Will be Doing

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 takes place in an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee typically sits at a desk, uses a personal computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment. The employee frequently is required to communicate in person, by electronic mail, and by telephone. Frequent interaction with vendors, staff and managers to procure goods.

Who You Are

Education

• An Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Experience in purchasing or a related field. Prior experience with an ERP preferred.

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.

Additional Requirement

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting pay rate for this position is between $24.00 and $29.00 per hour. 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

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• 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.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

Application Instructions:

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

We reserve the right to close this posting prior to the listed expiration date above based on the volume and/or quality of the applicant pool.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. 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