Procurement Agent – Ames National Laboratory

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:
Degree in a business or commodity-related field.
Experience acquiring, bidding, or sourcing goods and services.
Experience negotiating pricing, terms, and conditions.
Computer experience such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), bid software, contract management software, Smartsheet, etc.
Experience working in an area directly related to sourcing or procurement.
Experience reading and understanding contractual terms and conditions.

Job Description:

Would you like to work for a National Laboratory that conducts world-renowned research? Would you enjoy working on a diverse, beautiful, university campus? Can you imagine yourself in a mid-sized location that regularly ranks as one of the U.S. Best Places to Live ? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider a career with Ames Laboratory!

Ames Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy federally contracted National Laboratory located in Ames, Iowa, on the campus of Iowa State University. We are dedicated to translating foundational science through applied research to create technological innovations. We create materials, inspire minds to solve problems, and address some of the most challenging issues facing our world today. We promote and believe in a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, civility, and shared ownership in support of the Laboratory’s collective success. We offer an exceptional benefits package, including flexible work schedules and hybrid environments are available.

Ames National Laboratory is seeking applicants for a Procurement Agent. The objective of an Ames Laboratory Procurement Agent is to provide efficient, timely, and effective procurement services for the Lab while maximizing the resources. This is an entry level position that will be procuring goods, services, and supplies, and supporting the Lab’s small business program  in support of Laboratory Operations.

Responsibilities of the position include learning the following: development of specifications, terms, and conditions for the procurement of assigned commodities; establishing criteria of award; evaluating and analyzing bid responses; making award decisions in cooperation with the director and requesting departments; executing purchase orders and contracts for goods and services, using a procurement credit card, monitoring contracts to ensure performance compliance; and seeking remedies for noncompliance when necessary. Assignments may also include the areas of cost/price analysis and small business development. The position will work under the general direction of senior agents initially to learn the commodity areas assigned but will eventually have limited supervision.

The successful candidate should have the willingness to learn purchasing processes and business practices, as well as the skills to develop specifications and negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions. The successful individual also will possess strong analytic, reasoning, and interpreting skills and be computer proficient. The position holder must be innovative, professional, organized, and detail-oriented. Above-average written and verbal communication skills to communicate and negotiate tactfully with a diverse group of laboratory personnel and suppliers regarding goods and services, Federal and State regulations, policies, processes, orders, and procedures will be necessary in order to be successful in the position.

The individual will possess the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team and problem-solve effectively. Above-average interpersonal skills and the ability to foster positive, collegial, and collaborative relationships with diverse groups of internal and external constituents will be essential for success. The successful candidate also will possess the ability to provide exceptional customer service while meeting deadlines and working effectively in a high volume, fast-paced environment while adhering to applicable state and federal laws and established Board of Regents and university policies and procedures.

Appointment Type:
Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS807

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

3) List of Professional References
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• This job may also be eligible for flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours and a hybrid working environment.

Original Posting Date:
January 19, 2024

Posting Close Date:
February 4, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R13857