Procurement Specialist

* Now Hiring: Procurement Specialist *

Looking to build a stable, rewarding career in the public sector with an organization that values your growth?

The City of Gardner is seeking a detail-oriented, organized Procurement Specialist to anchor vital supply-chain, accounts payable, and inventory operations for our municipal electric utility. This dynamic role acts as the central logistical hub for our department—balancing sharp administrative data management (auditing credit card logs, verifying fuel tracking, processing vendor invoices) with hands-on inventory coordination in our utility warehouse and equipment yards.

No direct utility experience? We will train the right person!
If you have 2 to 4 years of experience in bookkeeping, warehousing, accounts payable, or general inventory tracking—coupled with strong Excel skills, a great driving record, and an eagerness to learn—we want to hear from you.

Apply today to join a dedicated team, support our frontline utility crews, and keep the City of Gardner powered!

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Public Procurement Policy: Direct, verifiable ability to interpret and rigidly apply municipal purchasing policies, spending thresholds, statutory procurement processes, and competitive bidding rules.
• Work Order Synchronization: Advanced ability to audit technical field work orders and translate complex material logs into accurate software updates.
• Technical Data Standards: Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and dedicated ERP/Utility Inventory Management software. Enforces a zero-error tolerance on manual entries.
• Industrial Equipment Operation: Ability to safely and effectively operate utility inventory machinery, forklifts, and utility transport vehicles.
• Professional Communication: Ability to communicate clearly, assertively, and professionally with internal departments, field crews, and external corporate vendors.
• Accountability & Time Management: Demonstrates active listening, manages multiple conflicting tasks accurately, and adheres rigidly to management deadlines under minimal oversight.
• Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to independently recognize subtle accounting or inventory errors, trace the root cause, and proactively execute practical solutions.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Education: Associate’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Licensure: Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License with a good driving record.
• Certification: Must possess or obtain a valid Forklift Operator Certification within 30 days of appointment and maintain it continuously.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 to 4 years of progressive experience in Accounts Payable, Technical Inventory Control, or general purchasing workflows. Experience directly within a utility, construction, or public works environment is highly preferred, but the City is willing to train the right individual who possesses strong technical data skills and operational adaptability.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Requires walking, bending, or climbing over rough, uneven utility inventory yard terrain and working outside in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to safely lift, move, or maneuver warehouse items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Operates industrial tools, warehouse machinery, and standard office equipment.
• Works dynamically between an outdoor industrial yard environment and a professional office setting with moderate to loud noise levels.