Summary The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana is seeking qualified applicants for the full-time permanent position of Procurement Specialist. Responsibilities The Procurement Specialist is located in the Shared Administrative Services (SAS) Unit and supports the district court and probation office, performing and coordinating administrative, technical, and professional work ensuring that the court unit is provided with supplies, materials, equipment, and services required for optimal functionality. The incumbent ensures compliance with appropriate guidelines, policies, and internal controls. Duties include purchasing supplies, equipment, and furnishings, and preparing bids, as required. The Procurement Specialist may also maintain service contracts. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Procure supplies, equipment, services, and furnishings from government and non-government sources through new contracts, competitive bids, or existing government contracts. Plan and coordinate time and delivery of purchases. Assess requests for goods and services by ensuring they are allowable under limitations, restrictions, and policies. Confirm availability of funds. As needed, provide expenditure reports to supervisor for special projects. Prepare purchase orders from approved requests; ensuring proposed purchase will satisfy the requestor's need, and forward for approval. Review invoices from suppliers and prepare payment vouchers for approval, including supporting documentation. Order repairs and oversee maintenance on office equipment, including monthly meter reading for all leased copiers. Deliver and issue materials and supplies to requestors and offices throughout the district. Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production, and distribution capabilities as well as the reputation and history. Prepare specifications, solicitations, and requests for qualifications/proposals; research products and equipment; prepare product/equipment specifications. Obtain and review competitive bids, quotes, and proposals from vendors and contractors; discuss evaluations and review with requesters and subject matter experts. Negotiate with vendors for the best price over contracted services and purchases. Coordinate with selected vendors on supply and delivery of purchased items. Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contracted obligations; assist with clarifying contract requirements and resolving any conflicts. Prepare contracts, monitor contract use, and send reporting requirements for court interpreters. Identify and maintain lists of vendors and sources of supply for goods and services. Assist with records management by filing, scanning, and maintaining procurement documents in accordance with the record disposition schedules and Judiciary Procurement Program Procedures. Adhere to the Guide to Judiciary Policy and Judiciary Procurement Program Procedures. Adhere to the court unit internal controls procedures. Perform other related duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of Employment The United States District Court requires employees to adhere to a Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. New Selectees are subject to background check or investigation and subsequent favorable suitability determination, and selectees to high-sensitive positions are subject to updated background investigations every five years. Qualifications MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent with a minimum of two years general experience and one year of specialized experience. General Experience is progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates the possession of, or the ability to acquire, the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the position's duties. Specialized Experience is progressively responsible experience in the following: procurement and contracting principles, procurement law, accounting or financial management, accounts payable, policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and statutory mandates, which provide knowledge of the rules, regulations, and terminology of procurement administration. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Public Administration from an accredited college or university. Current certification as a Contracting Officer is desirable. Applicants should possess excellent computer and typing skills, including skills in word processing, scanning and uploading PDF documents, email, and web browsers. Position encompasses a great deal of responsibility and requires a mature, self-motivated person with a professional attitude. Applicant must also demonstrate excellent organizational skills and skills in prioritizing tasks and work assignments. The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing is required since frequent contact is with a wide variety of individuals. Good knowledge of language usage, grammar, and spelling is required. Education Please read the "Qualifications" section. Additional Information The Office of the Clerk provides clerical support, record keeping, and administrative services to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The Clerk's Office provides both short- and long- range opportunities for those interested in a service career with the United States Courts. The U.S. Probation Office provides assistance in the administration of justice and promotes community safety, gathers information, supervises people under supervision, interacts with collateral agencies, prepares reports, conducts investigations, and presents recommendations to the court. * If hired at CL-25, Promotion to the next grade exists without further competition based on performance, and at the discretion of the court unit executives. Full salary range for this position is $47,966 - $85,844.