Purchasing Agent

Summary

This position is part of the Department of Energy. As a Purchasing Agent, you will play a key role in supporting innovative energy research by procuring essential commercial supplies, equipment, and specialized services through government purchase cards, purchase orders, and simplified acquisition procedures.

Duties

The Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office office works to unleash the full potential of America's hydrocarbon and geothermal resources to provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy. National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) office works to discover, integrate, and mature technology solutions to enhance the nation's energy foundation and protect the environment for future generations. Through forward-looking research and technology development, our team of talented and diverse experts provides technology solutions for today and options for tomorrow. We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy At the full performance level, GS-08, Purchasing Agent, you will: Evaluate purchase requests and statements of work for commercial items, specialized equipment, and services to ensure specifications are clear and adequate, processing awards through electronic procurement systems. Collaborate with Program Coordinators to identify commercial sources, determine required levels of competition, and prepare, issue, and evaluate Requests for Quotations (RFQs). Serve as a designated government purchase cardholder, executing micro-purchases, reconciling monthly billing accounts, maintaining compliance records, and handling transaction disputes. Audit vendor invoices and payment vouchers against contract terms to verify receipt of goods or services and correct billing charges, resolving discrepancies or forwarding complex issues for resolution. Deliver procurement guidance to agency personnel regarding Federal Supply Schedules, vendor catalogs, requisition status, and proper formatting for purchasing documentation. Track assigned purchasing workload, independently adjusts daily priorities to meet operational deadlines, and maintains up-to-date knowledge of acquisition regulations and policies. Qualifications

GS-6 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 4 of the following: Reviewing purchase requests, product descriptions, or statements of work for commercial goods, services, or equipment to ensure specifications are clear and complete. Comparing vendor price quotes, unit costs, delivery fees, and quantity discounts against price lists or cost estimates to determine price reasonableness. Utilizing a commercial credit card or purchase card to purchase off-the-shelf items, maintaining transaction logs, and reconciling monthly credit card statements against receipts. Contacting commercial vendors orally or in writing (such as issuing Requests for Quotations - RFQs, using blanket purchase agreements, or issuing purchase orders) to obtain price quotes and place orders within simplified purchase thresholds. GS-7 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 4 of the following: Reviewing purchase requests, product descriptions, or statements of work for commercial goods, services, or equipment to ensure specifications are clear and complete. Auditing vendor invoices, payment vouchers, and receiving reports to confirm accurate calculations and working with vendors or program staff to resolve routine delivery delays, price variances, or billing discrepancies. Utilizing a commercial credit card or purchase card to purchase off-the-shelf items, maintaining transaction logs, and reconciling monthly credit card statements against receipts. Evaluating vendor price quotes, unit costs, delivery terms, and trade discounts against price lists or cost estimates to determine price reasonableness and recommend award selection. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred. CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must (1) meet all of the requirements as described in this section; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as scoring in the in Well Qualified category (or higher). You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position. How You Will Be Evaluated

Your application will be assessed based on your responses to an online assessment that measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. The assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. Your score will place you into one of three pre-defined quality categories under Category Rating procedures. These categories are "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified", and "Qualified". You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here. Your application and resume should demonstrate that you possess the following competencies. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your resume how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the competencies identified below. Use specific examples of employment or experience contained in your resume and describe how this experience has prepared you to successfully perform the duties of this position. Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning Attention to Detail Contracting/Procurement Customer Service Customer Service (Clerical/Technical) Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Problem Solving Reading Comprehension Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Written Communication You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (08/31/2026) of this announcement. To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, clickhttps://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13041097. Other Information

Shared Certificates: The Department of Energy shares lists of applicants among its internal Departmental Elements and organizations. You may be referred for consideration to other DOE Hiring Managers throughout the Department for more than one position based on this application. By applying to this announcement, you understand your application materials may be shared with multiple Hiring Mangers throughout DOE. If additional positions are filled from this announcement conditions of employment may differ. You will be notified if you are referred for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available. Equal employment opportunity policy. Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://www.energy.gov/hc/articles/reasonable-accommodation-and-personal-assistance-service-procedures Veterans Information: https://www.energy.gov/careers/veterans-military-spouses Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and emailing the form to the Administrative Investigations Program at [email protected]. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.