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Purchasing Agent

Water agencies constantly purchase materials, such as water treatment equipment, chemicals, pipe, valves, vehicles, and office supplies. Buying such large quantities of material requires specialized skills. Purchasing agents must:

  • oversee the purchase, delivery, storage, and inventory of materials and supplies;
  • be aware of problems related to delivering and transporting hazardous chemicals;
  • manage decisions about the best source for buying an item;
  • maintain good relationships with companies who sell materials to the water agency.
Education: On-the-job training or two- or four-year degree in business
Certificates, licenses: No
Desirable traits and skills: Well organized; attention to detail; strong people skills; strong math skills; good communicator; problem solver
For more information: American Purchasing Society
30 W. Downer Pl.
Aurora, IL 60506
http://www.american-purchasing.com

National Association of Purchasing Management, Customer Service
2055 East Centennial Circle
P.O. Box 22160
Tempe, AZ 85285
http://www.napm.org

National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc.
11800 Sunrise Valley Dr., Suite 1050
Reston, VA 20191-5302
http://www.nigp.org
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