This first review of applications will be March 4, 2025.Please submit the following required documents on theState of Montana Careerswebsite: * *Resume -**Please include dates of employment and your supervisor’s name/phone number for each position**.* * * For a complete job description, please emailopi.careers@mt.gov * * *Why you would enjoy working here;**Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200 unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI’s purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000 students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400 school districts, 16,000 educational professionals, and 3,000 adult learners. * * * _Benefits of working for OPI:_ · Work/life balance · Family friendly · Dedicated and caring colleagues · Health coverage · Retirement plans · Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year) · Opportunities and room for professional growth · Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. *_Job Overview:_* Develops and administers a cost-effective, professional procurement and contract administration program for the Office of Public Instruction by ensuring fair competition, maximizing the purchasing value of public funds, and providing leadership and services for innovative, responsive, and accountable public procurement. *_Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):_* · Knowledge of the State of Montana Procurement Policy Montana Codes Annotated (MCA), and OPI procurement policy and procedures, the competitive bid procedure and format application regarding specific types of purchases. · Overall knowledge of a wide variety of commodities. · Working knowledge of the SABHRS system and specifically how it relates to purchasing functions. · Knowledge of negotiation techniques and methods. · Knowledge of theory principles, practices and techniques of governmental contracting. · Knowledge of research methods and data gathering/interpretation; the competitive negotiation process, specification research and product evaluation. · Working knowledge of state government, local government and municipal government structure and regulations. · Knowledge of the Invitation for Bid (IFB) and Request for Proposal (RFP) process; and formal contract procedures. · Considerable knowledge of the following: research, system analysis, data gathering and data analysis, specification research and writing, inventory, invoice, and supply functions. · Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, or cost-benefit analysis. · Thorough knowledge of inventory accountability and business factors for determining good purchasing practices. · Knowledge of business administration principles and practices such as business law and cost analysis and Montana purchasing statutes. · Working knowledge of contacting vendors, modifying requests, and negotiating bulk purchasing. · Skill in the use of personal computer for document preparation, research, database management, maintenance, and communication; computer spreadsheet and word processing applications, calculator, and variety of standard office equipment (copier, fax, phone). · Maintains effective, friendly working relationships both internally and externally. · Ability to plan coordinates, develop, and analyze procedures. Represents agency to other agencies and the public, communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. · Applies the fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of particular field of specialization. Interprets and applies organization policy. Recommends changes in procedures and operates with substantial latitude with actions and decisions. I review my progress with management. · Ability to make professional judgments through research and data analysis using analytical and quantitative techniques, and the procurement process. · Ability to develop policy, plans and purchasing specifications for commodities and services; to analyze bids and evaluate contracts; to solve problems; negotiate vendor contracts; to mediate disputes between vendors and end users. · Ability to communicate effectively in a professional manner, both orally and in writing with fellow employees, management, other agencies, and the public to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff and other agencies; and research and develop specifications. · Ability to use discretion and judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information during negotiations or dispute resolution. *_Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience_*_):_ · High School diploma or equivalent · One year of purchasing, technical writing, project management, contract administration, or other applicable experience. · Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.** *_Does this sound like you?_* Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online, including any veterans or disability preference documentation.When submitting the required documents, you must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position.Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. This position is in the PERS retirement system. **Title:** *Purchasing and Contract Officer (66085)* **Location:** *Helena* **Requisition ID:** *25140395*