Responsible for complex procurement and contracting activities that demand a high level of technical knowledge and rigorous analytical thinking. Subject Matter Expert who ensures every action taken is fully aligned with applicable federal and state laws, local regulations, municipal ordinances, and the requirements of all governing authorities with jurisdiction over contracted services, in addition to supplies, materials, and equipment purchased. Work performed will directly impact project outcomes, fiscal responsibility, and the trust stakeholders place in the County. This role deals mostly in contract & procurement strategy, cross-department collaboration, and compliance. Flexibility to adjust to changes and the ability to motivate, guide, and influence people to work collaboratively within rules and parameters. Listen and comprehend both internal and external business stakeholder issues. Work and collaborate effectively in a team environment.

The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2026.

The full salary range, including longevity pay for Procurement Specialist is $31.21 - $44.23 per hour.
Procurement Specialist:
An employee in this class is responsible for performing increasingly complex duties involved in conducting the research, analysis and comparison of products and costs as required for the economical purchase of goods and services for requisitioning departments. The work involves identifying suitable items for purchase, obtaining pertinent information from supply sources, and processing purchase transactions. The duties are performed in conformance with prescribed procedures, and transactions not covered by precedent or policies are referred to a higher authority. The work is performed under direction of designated lead or supervisory staff.

Procurement Specialist Senior:
An employee in this class is responsible for analyzing, researching, preparing and reviewing product specifications for the purchase of goods and services for County departments. Work assignments typically involve handling more complex bid procedures and preparing and reviewing product specifications and contracts, and greater independence in determining the procedures used in conducting purchase transactions. Various duties include coordinating proposed contract agreements with county departments and market representatives, preparing contracts and agreements, maintaining records of purchase transactions and conducting research in analyzing product information. The work is performed within prescribed departmental guidelines under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Near and midrange vision; hear within 5 feet and up to 20 feet; feel; use fingers; talk/speak; work alone; customer/public contact; and work inside. FREQUENT: Color vision; grasp; handle; move about; reach; rotate neck; sit; stand; twist at the waist; and right and left wrist turn. OCCASIONAL: Lift up to 10 lbs.; lift and carry up to 20 lbs.; far vision; depth perception; field of vision; visual accommodation; crouch; climb stairs; kneel; reach above shoulder; stoop/bend; work with others; extended days; outside and driving.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Procurement Specialist (Pass/Fail):

• A Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance or related field; OR, an Associate's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance or related field and two years full-time paid verifiable work experience in procurement.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Procurement Specialist Senior (Pass/Fail):

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance or related field, AND four years’ experience in an institutional or corporate position relating to the procurement and issue of materials and supplies.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), or Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB).

Note: At the discretion of the hiring authority, the successful candidate may be considered for appointment at the Procurement Specialist or Procurement Specialist Senior level, contingent on minimum qualifications and department need. This would be determined at the time a job offer is extended.

RATING SYSTEM:
Supplemental Questions will be 100% of the scoring process:
Points will be awarded based on the applicants answers to supplemental questions 9-12.

Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.

Please Note: When answering the supplemental questions on the website, the webpage may time out after 30 minutes. It's recommended you draft your answers in a separate document and copy/paste the answers into the application when you're finished writing. Failure to answer and save all of the questions on the "Supplemental Questions" page within 30 minutes may result in the deletion of your answers by the application system.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT & SCREENING PROCESS SCHEDULE:

• April 28, 2026 - Applicant screening will begin
• Week of May 11, 2026 - Supplemental question scoring to be completed
• Week of May 25, 2026 - Approximate dates for interviews to be conducted

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Department or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.

VETERANS PREFERENCE:
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:

• Veteran: DD214 noting character of service
• Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months.
• Spouse of Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months & marriage certificate. (Eligible only if Veteran is unable to qualify because of the disability.)
• Spouse of Deceased Veteran: DD214, Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate.

Please refer to Minnesota Statute 197.455 for additional requirements. Click Here.

PHYSICAL-MEDICAL STANDARDS:
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.

DRUG TESTING:
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.

BACKGROUND CHECK:
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION:
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Appointees to the position must successfully complete a one-year probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.

NON-DISCRIMINATION:
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.