Are you interested in putting your mind to work, solving problems for diverse stakeholders, and turning requests and plans into concrete detail on paper? If so, then a purchasing position in the Procurement Division may be for you. This is a fast paced office environment where we create over 20,000 contracts annually, with often repetitive and detailed documentation processes that require individual discipline and persistence to achieve success. We are currently seeking purchasers, who have experience in procurements, goods (i.e., commodities, supplies, etc.) and services to support our customers with processing requisitions, creating and overseeing solicitations, evaluating and awarding bids, and creating contracts. Our ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to complete multiple assignments within short time frames, while paying attention to detail, and organizing and prioritizing all aspects of their work assignments. The Procurement Division offers flexible work hours, continuing education and training, and the opportunity to work on a range of subjects with many different groups of employees within TxDOT.

Work location: The selected candidates' work location may be headquartered in TxDOT - Stassney Campus (Austin, TX) or any of the following 25 TxDOT District offices located in Abilene, Amarillo, Atlanta, Austin, Beaumont, Brownwood, Bryan, Corpus Christi, Childress, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, Laredo, Lubbock, Lufkin, Odessa, Paris, Pharr, San Angelo, San Antonio, Tyler, Waco, Wichita Falls, and Yoakum.

Position Title Salary Grade/Range

Purchaser III B17: $42,976 - $64,469
Purchaser IV B19: $48,244 - $78,028
Purchaser V B21: $54,278 - $87,046

This position is for Purchaser III, IV, or V. The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors, and based on business needs.

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans

• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules

• Paid Leave and Holidays

• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees

• On-the-Job Training

• Tuition Assistance Program

• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives

• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities

• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Purchaser III

Performs basic purchasing functions for the Department. Work involves research, study and evaluation of assigned commodities, supplies and services. Advises district and division personnel on purchasing procedures and quality of commodities, supplies and services. Employees at this level have purchasing knowledge and skills, must learn public purchasing rules and procedures, and perform work guided by their lead or supervisor.

Purchaser IV

Performs intermediate level purchasing functions for the Department. Work involves research, study, and evaluation of assigned commodities, supplies, and/or services. Advises district and division personnel on purchasing procedures and quality of commodities, supplies, and/or services. Work requires contact with other governmental agencies and private entities. Employees at this level are knowledgeable of public purchasing rules and procedures, and perform work independently on assignments; however, all unusual issues are referred to the lead or supervisor.

Purchaser V

Performs advanced purchasing duties for the Department. Work involves research, study and evaluation of assigned commodities, supplies and/or services. These procurements require a high level of skill and detail. Works with district and division personnel on purchasing procedures and quality of commodities, supplies and/or services. Work requires contact with other governmental agencies and private entities. Employees at this level are knowledgeable of public purchasing rules and procedures and establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the lead or supervisor.

Essential Duties:

Purchaser III
• Prepares requisitions for term contract and open market purchases; makes delegated purchases.
• Assists in developing specifications and/or Statements of Work (SOW), including conducting market research, obtaining product literature, and comparing features to user needs.
• Coordinates and compiles standard reports.
• Reviews specifications and response documentation for completeness and compliance.
• Assists with evaluation of responses and preparation of award recommendations.
• Coordinates and participates in product demonstrations, testing, and evaluations.
• Provides basic guidance and serves as a liaison between districts, divisions, and vendors.
• Prepares correspondence to departmental staff, vendors, and/or the Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) regarding solicitations, clarifications, and order status.
• Maintains procurement files, including product literature, requisitions, contracts, and correspondence.
• Assists in preparing procurement documentation and maintaining commodity/service files.
• Monitors and reports general market trends, including pricing and product changes.
• Supports VetHUB program reporting requirements.
• Represents the Department at meetings as assigned.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Purchaser IV
All of the above and:
• Prepares and leads development of technical specifications and SOWs, including market analysis and alignment with customer requirements.
• Coordinates and compiles complex reports and procurement analyses.
• Leads evaluation of responses and develops award recommendations for management and/or CPA.
• Coordinates and facilitates pre-response conferences and vendor engagement activities.
• Provides guidance and technical support to districts and divisions on procurement requirements and specification development.
• Makes recommendations for standardization of equipment, materials, supplies, and services.
• Serves on division specification committees and represents the Department at internal and external meetings.
• Acts as liaison for more complex procurement issues involving districts, divisions, and vendors.
• May train and mentor staff.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Purchaser V
All of the above and:
• Provides advanced technical expertise on highly complex procurements, including specifications, SOW development, and evaluation strategies.
• Analyzes market conditions, technological advancements, and pricing trends; determines impacts and recommends strategic procurement actions.
• Serves as primary liaison for complex, high-impact procurements and vendor relationships.
• Provides leadership and authoritative guidance to districts, divisions, and staff on procurement policy, quality of goods/services, and best practices.
• Reviews and approves complex solicitation documents, evaluations, and award recommendations.
• Leads cross-functional coordination for large or sensitive procurements.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in any discipline.

Experience:

• Purchaser III - 1 year experience in purchasing.

• Purchaser IV - 2 years experience in purchasing, with a preference for some public purchasing experience.

• Purchaser V - 3 years experience in purchasing, which includes 1 year of public purchasing experience.

(Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).

Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

• Related experience and/or relevant technical training may be substituted for education on a year per year basis.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Purchaser III/IV - must obtain the Certified Texas Contract Developer Certification (CTCD) within 12 months of the date of hire.
• Purchaser V - must obtain the CTCD and Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM), or dual certification (CTCD/CTCM), within 18 months of the date of hire.
  

Competencies:

Purchaser III
Considerable knowledge of:
• Research and analysis methodologies
• Specification and Statement of Work (SOW) writing fundamentals
• Goods and services purchased by the Department
• State laws, rules, and procedures related to purchasing, expediting, and ordering

Proficient Skill in:
• Analyzing and organizing business and technical data
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting policies, and state and federal regulations
• Scheduling and coordinating work assignments and resources
• Evaluating products, materials, and equipment performance
• Preparing technical and statistical reports
• Administrative support practices (writing, editing, recordkeeping, records management)
• Public relations and maintaining effective working relationships
• Developing and delivering presentations
• Using computers and applicable systems/applications
• Applying basic mathematical concepts
• Communicating effectively

Purchaser IV
All of the above and:
Advanced Knowledge of:
• Moderately complex technical specification and SOW development
• Development of evaluation criteria
• Oracle PeopleSoft systems and operations
• Inventory and stock control procedures

Proficient Skill in:
• Evaluating solicitation responses and developing award recommendations
• Coordinating procurement activities, including but not limited to scheduling and facilitating customer requirements development, pre-response, evaluation, negotiation, post award, and debriefing meetings with internal and external stakeholders
• Training staff in procurement processes and procedures
• Advanced data analysis and reporting
• Administrative and documentation practices, including report writing, records management, and documentation standards
• Communicating effectively across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders

Purchaser V
All of the above and:
Expert Skill in:
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting complex policies, laws, and regulations
• Developing and delivering presentations to diverse and senior audiences

Advanced Competency:
• Providing authoritative guidance on procurement practices, regulatory compliance, and technical specifications
• Serving as a subject matter expert for complex procurements and evaluation processes, and policy interpretation

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Sedentary Work: Involves lifting no more than 10 lbs at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying small items such as files or tools.
  
• Standing: Occasional to prolonged periods of standing may be required.
  
• Repetitive Motion: Requires substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers (e.g., keyboarding and document handling).
  
• Visual Requirements: Requires close visual acuity for tasks such as viewing computer screens, analyzing data, and extensive reading.

Conditions of Employment:

Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions.

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

Click on the appropriate occupational category to view the MOS codes

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

Additional Applicant Information for applicants