Working Title: Buyer 2
Job Class: Buyer 2
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden
Job ID : 90209
Location : Apple Valley
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 11/13/2025
Closing Date : 12/04/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-MAPE
Division/Unit : Operations / Financial Services
Work Shift/Work Hours : 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $26.43 - $38.55 / hourly; $55,185 - $80,492 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position is located at the Minnesota Zoo and has the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule or work in the office. The incumbent will be required to make a telework arrangement with their supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to work in the office at least 50% of the time as determined by policy and discussion with their supervisor.
This position exists to provide purchasing and contract encumbrance services for the Zoo in accordance with state statute and state and Zoo policies. This position receives purchase requests, creates purchase orders, and serves as the agency purchasing card coordinator. The position facilitates clear and accurate communication between Zoo staff and contractors/suppliers. This position provides support and training to Zoo staff, so they have the knowledge and tools to purchase needed goods and services in compliance with applicable law and policy.
Duties include but are not limited to:
Create purchase orders and facilitate vendor communication, so that Zoo staff can obtain needed goods and services at fair prices and in accordance with applicable law and policy. Facilitate review and execution of contracts and annual plan agreements, so that Zoo staff can obtain needed services at fair prices in accordance with applicable law and policy.
Provide support and training to Zoo staff, on purchasing policies, procedures and applicable law as well as on the development of purchase requests, bid specifications, requests for proposals, and contract documents.
Serve as the agency purchasing card coordinator, to provide access to the state's purchasing card program in accordance with applicable law and policy.
Administer review, updates, closeout, and reporting of encumbrances to ensure they are an accurate reflection of outstanding obligations.
Administer procedures for providing specific goods, services or reimbursement to Zoo staff so they receive quality goods/services at low cost to the Zoo.
Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.
Minimum Qualifications
The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.
One (1) year experience with purchasing and contract encumbrance services including experience with bid specifications and/or requests for proposals.
Computer skills sufficient to access data from complex IT systems and manipulate and display data using Microsoft Excel.
Thorough knowledge of government accounting principles, procurement practices, and technology systems.
Excellent customer service and human relations skills.
Experience with comparing and evaluating products for quality and price considerations.
Experience with working under pressure of deadlines and multiple competing demands.
Experience with investigating and questioning staff about their needs and potential suppliers/contractors about their offerings to ensure the appropriate goods/services are obtained at the best possible price.
Preferred Qualifications
AA/AS Degree or post-secondary education in Business, Accounting, or Finance
Knowledge of Minnesota state laws and policies on finances, accounting, and procurement.
Knowledge of State of Minnesota procurement and accounting systems: SWIFT, supplier and vendor portals, etc.
Knowledge of a wide variety of product categories such as mechanical parts, hospital supplies, recreation equipment, uniforms, and office supplies.
Experience facilitating review and execution of contracts for consistency with standard terms and conditions.
Knowledge of contract law.
Training in negotiations.
Physical Requirements
Sedentary to light work in an office setting. There is frequent and ongoing need to sit or stand for long periods of time in a desk/office environment, speak and hear using the telephone, use the hands to enter data via the operation of a computer, operate standard office equipment, and occasionally lift light objects (up to 25 pounds) and perform other similar actions in the fulfillment of job duties.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check including fingerprinting
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
