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The Procurement Division of the County Executive’s Office is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Buyer II. Under general supervision, a Buyer II provides a full range of detailed and complex procurement services for all county departments.

Examples of Duties:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receive, review, and check purchase requisitions to determine needs of departments, market conditions, and product availability. 
• Consult and assist departments with product selection and procurement methods.
• Invite and accept bids, and evaluate prices, discounts, and delivery conditions. 
• Assist departments in the preparation of product specifications and contracts. 
• Analyze bids for conformance to specifications and award bids. 
• Interview with sales and manufacturers' representatives about products and services. 
• Investigate complaints and problems and make recommendations for solutions and/or adjustments. 
• Serve on various project teams and committees as required. 
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and correspondence. 
• Provide technical assistance to departments on the County's automated purchasing system. 
• Instruct departments on County procurement procedures and policies. 
• Perform related duties and special projects as assigned.

The ability to provide excellent customer service, engage in active listening to understand customer needs, and connect quickly with County personnel are critical to success in this position.

There are several other competencies, including technical, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational, which will be important for success in this role.

• Procurement Expertise – In-depth knowledge of large-scale procurement practices and public agency procurement principles and familiarity with federal and state laws and regulations affecting procurement.
• Commodity Knowledge – Understanding of commodity sources, marketing practices, and pricing strategies and experience with both formal and informal bidding processes.
• Contract Management – Ability to develop and analyze product specifications, bids, and contracts.
• Technical Proficiency – Skilled in the use of procurement-related computer programs and analytical tools.
• Analytical Skills – Proficient in analyzing purchase requisitions and evaluating complex specifications and proposals.
• Problem Solving – Ability to identify and resolve procurement issues swiftly and effectively.
• Negotiation Skills – Capability to invite and evaluate bids and negotiate prices and terms with vendors.
• Effective Communication – Strong oral and written communication skills for interacting with clients, vendors, and stakeholders, including the ability to write clear, concise reports and correspondence.
• Relationship Management – Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with various stakeholders, including both internal customers and external vendors.  
• Instruction and Guidance – Aptitude for providing technical assistance and instructing departments on procurement procedures.
• Project Management – Ability to manage projects and contribute to various committees and project teams.
• Adaptability – Works effectively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of experiences that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  

• A typical way to qualify at the Buyer II level might be three years of experience that would demonstrate knowledge and command of complex commodity areas, and the principles, policies, and procedures of public agency procurement.

 
Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, procedures, and applications of large-scale procurement. 
• Laws and regulations governing procurement policies and procedures in public agencies. 
• Procedures and requirements of governmental procurement. 
• Commodity sources of supply, trade, brand names, publications, and source material in the field of procurement.
• Procedures and practices of procurement using formal and informal bidding. 
• Sources of supply, marketing practices, and pricing methods and differentials. 
• Computer programs related to procurement and word processing.

 
Skill/Ability to:

• Analyze purchase requisitions and evaluate specifications, proposals, bids, and contracts for complex commodity areas and purchases. 
• Develop product specifications, bids, and contracts. 
• Solve problems efficiently. 
• Perform the necessary research and make informed decisions using all available information and resources. 
• Work in a fast-paced environment. 
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 
• Write clear, concise reports and correspondence. 
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with customers, vendors, and procurement team members.
• Ensure procurements are conducted in compliance of County procedures and policies. 

 

APPLICATION / EXAMINATION

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply.  Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination. 

 

Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.  
   

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%) which may include a performance exam. Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.  

 

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply.

 

Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire. 

 

Tentative Recruitment Schedule
Deadline for Applications:  June 25, at 11:59 PM
Application Screening:  July 1-2, 2026
Combined Panel and Departmental Interview:  July 13 and/or 14, 2026
  
About the County  
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

 

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

 

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.

 

Analyst: Chet Overstreet (06122026) (Buyer II - E125)

The City of Foster City is seeking a highly skilled Communication Specialist to develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive public information and communications program for the Police department. This position plays a critical role in promoting the department’s mission, goals, and values through strategic outreach, education, and public engagement initiatives.

The Communication Specialist will design and execute public relations strategies, oversee media communications, and support departmental leadership on matters involving public affairs. This role requires strong professional judgment, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to operate effectively in high‑visibility environments.

While the current vacancy is in the Police Department, the list may be used to fill future vacancies in other departments for the duration of the list. 

Education and Experience
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities. A typical way would be:

Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent; coursework in social media, communications, and journalism is highly desirable, but not required.

Experience: No experience is necessary; one (1) year of paid or documented volunteer experience in an office environment is highly desirable.

Special Requirements
Ability to move boxes, tables and chairs, and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

To review the full job announcement click on the "Foster City Communications Specialist" below.

Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed for relevant education, experience, training and other job related qualifications. Based upon a review of employment applications received, a limited number of the qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the examination process.

The process will consist of an Oral Panel Interview (weighted 80%) and a written exercise (weighted 20%). An eligibility list will be established from those who pass the examination process with a score of 70% or higher. Current and future vacancies may be filled from this list. The list will remain in effect for at least one year unless exhausted sooner. 

The department will invite the most qualified candidates from the eligibility list to a final department interview. The Police department will make the hiring decision.

Expected Dates for Examinations (subject to change):
Oral Panel Interview: TBD
Department Interview: TBD

Note: Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited to participate in the selection process. The City of Foster City reserves the right, at its discretion, to limit the number of qualified candidates invited to the selection process. 

Application Filing Period: Closes at 5:00pm on the date stated in the job announcement; however, it may close prior to the filing end date if sufficient applications have been received. If sufficient applications have not been received, then the filing period end date may be extended.