Procurement Officer I

Overview

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), established in 1972, serves as the state's primary regulatory and service organization for animal health, consumer services, plant and pest management, and resource conservation. The agriculture sector is Maryland's leading industry, and the department's programs continue to expand.

The Office of Central Services within MDA provides vital support services, including facilities management, contract administration, procurement, fleet management, and small, local, and minority business development.

Position Summary

This role involves comprehensive procurement responsibilities to support MDA's mission by acquiring equipment, services, construction, supplies, IT, and other resources. The Procurement Officer I assists the Central Services team and Chief Procurement Officer with complex procurements, ensuring adherence to State Procurement Regulations (COMAR Title 21), best practices, and departmental policies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Selects suitable procurement approaches based on state regulations for departmental acquisitions.
• Prepares specifications for purchasing goods, services, IT, equipment, construction, real estate, and facility maintenance following required protocols.
• Creates contracts, manages amendments, renewals, and advertising obligations.
• Conducts solicitation activities including bid advertisements, proposal requests, pre-bid conferences, and site inspections.
• Develops evaluation criteria, supervises the review process, and facilitates contract awards.
• Negotiates pricing and terms for sole source, emergency, and non-competitive procurement scenarios.
• Conducts research and provides testimony for Board of Public Works approvals; collaborates with legal advisors on procurement irregularities, disputes, and appeals.
• Assesses contractor compliance and performance, including minority business enterprise requirements, recommending corrective actions when necessary.
• Keeps thorough procurement documentation in line with state regulations and departmental records policies.
• Performs financial management information system (FMIS) procurement-related tasks.
• Ensures purchasing card transactions adhere to regulations and reconciles monthly statements.
• Delivers procurement regulation workshops to program staff at least annually.
• Provides guidance and expert support to paraprofessional and program personnel.
• Upholds excellent customer service in compliance with state policies.

Required Qualifications

Option 1: Six years of experience including at least two years in contract management or procurement involving solicitation, evaluation, negotiation, awarding of contracts, and ensuring compliance with governmental procurement laws; plus four additional years of professional contract or procurement experience.

Option 2: Five years of experience with a minimum of one year in contract/procurement management involving similar duties; plus four additional years of professional experience.

Education and Certification Substitutions:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution may substitute for four years of experience under Option 1 and for required experience under Option 2 when combined with relevant experience.
• Graduate education (30 credit hours per year) can substitute for experience.
• Completion of certifications such as Certified Public Manager, Certified Professional Contracts Manager, Certified Public Purchasing Officer, or Certified Professional Public Buyer can substitute for the additional four years of experience.
• Military service as a commissioned officer or specialist in relevant procurement fields may substitute on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Procurement Officer from the Maryland Department of General Services Procurement Academy.
• Understanding of procurement theories, principles, and practices as outlined in COMAR Title 21.
• Hands-on experience managing solicitations and contractor engagements.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines effectively.
• Proficiency with FMIS, eMMA, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office.

Additional Information

• Position is open only to current state employees.
• Motor vehicle operator’s license valid in Maryland is required if driving duties are assigned.
• Must obtain Maryland Department of General Services Procurement Professional certification within one year of appointment if not already certified.
• Bargaining unit status: G.

Selection Process

Applicants must provide comprehensive information on qualifications by the closing date. Applications will be rated and ranked on suitability, with an eligibility list maintained for at least one year.

Benefits

Employment includes State of Maryland benefits.

Application Instructions

Online application submission is preferred. Paper applications and supporting documents may be mailed, delivered, or faxed but must be received by the closing date. Resumes will not substitute for the official application.

Maryland is an equal opportunity employer encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities, bilingual candidates, and veterans.