Purchasing Agent III
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Purchasing Agent III
Salary
$58,872.00 - $76,536.00 Annually
Location
Lakewood, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
RAA-EDO-PAIII-#10632-3/2026
Department
Department of Public Safety
Division
Executive Director's Office
Opening Date
03/20/2026
Closing Date
3/30/2026 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
700 Kipling Street Lakewood, CO 80215
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Nicole Williamson, 720-498-1815, nicole.williamson@state.co.us
Salary Note
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
Hiring Pay Rate
Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,906 - $6,378/month Full Salary Range: $4,906 - $7,849/month
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
This position is open only to current Colorado state residents.
A n eligible list established with this recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.
Our Mission - Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities.
Our Vision - Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado.
Our Core Values - Unity, Honor, Service
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is dedicated to non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
At CDPS, our culture is driven by our commitment to creating a safer Colorado and guided by a public service focus. We strive to provide effective solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans. We model a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth for our employees. We maintain a professional and inclusive workplace.
Careers with a purpose:
If you are passionate about public safety and public service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, consider joining CDPS. Our team at CDPS consists of exceptional individuals and is an environment where you can challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career.
We are committed to providing public safety services to our communities including safety on our roads, preparing for and mitigating environmental disasters such as floods and wildland fires, disaster recovery, combating crime, promoting school safety, and victim services.
Classification and Salary:
PURCHASING AGENT III (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-hr-professionals/job-classifications/class-description-and-minimum-qualifications-for-h1l)
Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,906 - $6,378/month; $58,872 - $76,536/year
Full Salary Range: $4,906 - $7,849/month; $58,872 - $94,188/year
Benefits:
We provide a wide range of benefits to our employees.
Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
Eligible employees receive Basic Life and AD&D insurance equal to their annual earnings subject to a minimum benefit of $50,000 and a maximum of $250,000. Basic Life and AD&D are provided by the State of Colorado at no cost to employees.
The State of Colorado's Wellness Program, State of Health, is a no-cost, year-long program that supports an employee's health and wellness goals. This program offers personalized health coaching, skill groups and more. Participants can earn a $20 per month health insurance premium discount.
Through BenefitHub, State of Colorado employees have access to discounts, promotions and special programs from hundreds of retailers, restaurants, travel and entertainment venues throughout Colorado and across the country.
State contribution into a Health Savings Account when enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan.
Eligible employees have access to medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/time-off-leave/family-medical-leave-act-fmla) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) (https://famli.colorado.gov/) .
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
We offer excellent retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA (https://www.copera.org/member-contribution-rates) for details.
We provide generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/time-off-leave) and four annual wellness days.
The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.
Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
We offer Credit Union of Colorado (https://www.cuofco.org/credit-union-colorado-membership-eligibility) membership eligibility.
To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits (https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/benefits) .
Description of Job
About the Work Unit
The Executive Director's Office (EDO) is the backbone of the Colorado Department of Public Safety, providing effective administrative and management services to the Department's operating divisions. The EDO includes the following:
The Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director - Oversees strategic direction and operations for the department.
Administrative Services Office - Provides division and department-level administrative and support functions encompassing accounting, purchasing and contracts, budget, logistics services (fleet, warehousing, material management and fabrication) and property services (property management, leasing, facilities maintenance, construction project management and insurance programs) to support the operations and programs of CDPS divisions.
Human Resources Office - Supports recruitment, hiring, evaluation, benefits management, personnel actions, payroll and all other human resources functions.
Compliance Office - Manages Departmental Policy, Risk Management, Workers Compensation Program, Workplace Investigations, Internal Auditing, Rulemaking, and ensures compliance with state and federal requirements and the State's LESO 1033/1122 programs.
Colorado Integrated Criminal Justice Information Systems - develops cost-effective information sharing services to provide access for criminal justice agencies while maintaining information security. CICJIS is a collaborative program designed to facilitate information sharing at key decision points in the criminal justice process. There are five participating CICJIS agencies: the Department of Corrections, Judicial, the Colorado District Attorney's Council, the Division of Youth Corrections, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Office of School Safety - assists local schools and communities to create safe and positive school climates for pre-k through higher education schools in Colorado.
The Administrative Services Office provides internal administrative support to the Divisions within CDPS and include the following sections:
Chief Administrative Officer's office
Accounting Services and Commercial Cards led by the Controller
Budget and Policy led by the Budget Director
Purchasing and Contracts by the Purchasing Director
Logistics Services Section led by the Logistics Director
Property Services Section led by the Property Services Director
Work Environment
Hybrid, minimum of two days onsite in the Lakewood office
Work unit core business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with some flexibility available
About the Job
This position works within the Executive Director's Office, assigned to the Administrative Services Office (ASO) and is part of the Procurement Section of the ASO. This unit provides analysis and technical services necessary to conduct procurement and purchasing processes defined by state fiscal and procurement rules, including providing technical procurement advice, recommendations for implementing fiscal or procurement programs, and ensuring compliance with applicable procurement and fiscal rules, laws and guidelines.
This position exists to perform certain procurement and administrative purchasing functions critical to the agency's operations. The position supports the mission objectives of the CDPS purchasing while maintaining compliance with established procurement rules, State and departmental fiscal rules, policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement Program Management
As the purchasing agent with Group II delegated authority, the position shall manage the day-to-day procurement activities that include all divisions. Serves as a resource to provide guidance and training for field, headquarters and support staff regarding procurement practices, policies and rules. Applies working knowledge of Colorado statutes, Procurement Code and Fiscal Rules for the procurement of goods and services. Uses the state accounting system (CORE) on a daily basis to create, record and track all solicitation, and purchase order documents to ensure compliance and sound fiscal management. Maintains compliance with Contract Management System (CMS) requirements.
Provides technical guidance in the preparation, implementation and review of solicitations for CDPS. Coordinates and disseminates information to advise internal customers on proper solicitation procedural requirements to ensure that state and fiscal rules and procurement policy requirements are met. Researches and confers with CDPS staff to evaluate solicitation specification and performance criteria. Assist customers and vendors by providing guidance and objective feedback on solicitations and services.
Contract Drafting, Preparation, Negotiations, Tracking and Routing
This position also drafts Department requested contracts, contract modifications, or other legal documents to ensure legal sufficiency under applicable legal standards, including, but not limited to: the Colorado Revised Statutes; Colorado case law; Federal statutes and contracting guidelines; State Fiscal Rules; State Procurement Code and Rules; Attorney General's guidance; and general legal principles and theories. Prior to contractor negotiations, position discusses with program staff to confirm Departmental intentions and objectives in entering into contract or other legal document for goods or services.
Negotiates various contracts, or other legal documents with contractors to ensure that the Department is receiving the best value possible while maintaining the legal integrity of the contract or other legal document. Drafts contracts that should benefit the State and the taxpayers as a whole. Maintains compliance with Contract Management System (CMS) requirements.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Note, to be considered for this position, you must meet one of the following options for consideration.
Experience:
Six (6) years of professional procurement experience. This experience must be clearly documented on your application and in the supplemental questions.
OR Education and Experience, Knowledge, Skills
Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of professional procurement experience.
Preferred Qualifications and Competencies
Must possess a high level of accuracy and attention to detail and have a strong knowledge
Must be able to accurately interpret and coach others on simple to complex rules and regulations
Must have excellent customer service skills and sensitivity and discretion with respect to confidential matters
Experience in creating, maintaining, and producing reports.
Experience creating training materials.
Must be detail-oriented and have outstanding organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks.
Must be proficient with spreadsheet and word processing software.
Ability to multi-task and maintain a tracked workflow in order to put aside projects that do not have a ready solution for items that require immediate attention
Excellent interpersonal skills and intercultural competence
Exceptional verbal, writing, and presentation skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite
Conditions of Employment
Must be a resident of Colorado at the time of application.
Requires successful completion of an extensive background investigation including reference checks, a polygraph examination, and a fingerprint based criminal background check.
Appeal Rights
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available atwww.colorado.gov/spb. A standard appeal form is available at:www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.
Supplemental Information
Disability Accommodation
If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure equitable opportunity applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources at: cdps_hr@state.co.us .
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
Colorado Department of Public Safety is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship.
Recruitment Timeline Information and Important Notices
Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.
Closing Date: All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.
Supplemental Question: Effective responses to Supplemental Questions will directly relate to your professional experience, career accomplishments, and views about organizational values and approaches, and how they relate specifically to this position and requirements as you understand them. Answers generated by AI-tools will typically be unresponsive.
Transcripts: An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application should education be used as qualification. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.
Military Veterans: If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veteran's preference points. Military personnel who are stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible for this position by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form.
Application Tips : For an overview of State of Colorado application process and application tips, please view this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUwZiY6G24U&feature=emb_logo) .
Resumes, Cover Letters, or other documents submitted will not be reviewed, assessed, or used in the initial stages of the comparative analysis (transcripts submitted to verify that the applicant meets either the education requirement or minimum qualification substitution are exempt from this).
Notifications: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be sent via email to the email address listed on your application. Include your current working email address on your application and check the email provided on your application frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from " state.co.us " and " info@governmentjobs.com " addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.
e-Verify: CDPS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify (http://www.dhs.gov/e-verify) , including your rights and responsibilities.
Comparative Analysis Steps may include (dates are tentative and subject to change):
Structured application review by a panel of SMEs - 4/1-4/7
Spark Hire One-Way Video Interview - 4/9-4/12
In-Person Panel Interview - 4/22
Finalist Interview (Virtual) - 4/27-4/28
Anticipated Start Date - 6/8
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
Please describe how you meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications for this position, and why you are interested in working with the Colorado Department of Public Safety.
02
Describe a challenging procurement project you managed and how you overcame obstacles.
03
Please provide an example of how you resolve conflicts or disagreements with the program requesting the goods or services.
04
Describe your approach to urgent or last-minute purchase requests, especially at year end.
05
I understand that employees of the Colorado Department of Public Safety contribute to the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefit plan and do not contribute to Social Security.
Yes, I understand that
No
06
Positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety require a comprehensive background examination, including a polygraph, a fingerprint based criminal history check, driving history check and references. Are you willing to participate in this process as a condition of employment?
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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