Working Title: Buyer 2 - Purchasing Specialist

Job Class: Buyer 2

Agency: Minnesota State

Job ID: 97161
Location: Willmar
Telework Eligible: No
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 09/21/2026
Closing Date: 10/06/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: MN St Colleges & Universities / Willmar/Hutch TC-Willmar-MAPE
Division/Unit: MnSCU Ridgewater Willmar TC / MnSCU Rdgwtr Willmar TC Class
Appointment Type: Unlimited, Full-time
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday - 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $26.89 - $39.22 / hourly; $56,146 - $81,891 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.

Under limited supervision/procedural control, this position is responsible for the purchasing activities of the College in compliance with State laws and policy and procedures adopted by Ridgewater College and Minnesota State in a manner to maximize economical purchasing of equipment, supplies, materials and services used by departments and programs on both Ridgewater Campuses. This position also serves as backup for bank receipting and daily reconciliation.

This position is the Point of Contact for Workday purchasing and contracts primarily for Ridgewater College. Responsibilities include determining when contracts are required, which contract should be used, gathering information and contract preparation, reviewing purchase requests and obtaining additional information, ensuring purchasing and contract procedures are followed.

This position also has sole responsibility to ensure that the College's fixed asset inventory practices comply with Minnesota State policy.

Principle Responsibilities include:

Purchasing

Plan, develop and implement the most effective method of procurement to ensure suitability of supplies and equipment in relation to price, quality and specifications to meet the needs of all College personnel according to College, State and Minnesota State policies and procedures.

Provide training and direction to all staff to ensure that the College's purchasing policies, procedures and guidelines are being followed.

Contracts

Work closely with College personnel to identify the appropriate use of non-personnel College contracts and to create and maintain those contracts. Coordinates with employees of Ridgewater College to collect a variety of data required to develop contracts.

Fixed Asset Inventory Management

Direct and manage all College fixed asset activities and processes. Record all fixed asset additions and disposals in Workday and update/edit files in accordance with Ridgewater College policy, procedure and guidelines. Schedule the physical fixed asset inventory review for a third of all

College departments on a three-year cycle. Upon receipt of completed inventory log, complete a visual verification of selected inventory items. Make the appropriate notes on the inventory logs, sign and date. Complete annual review of fixed asset inventory for all assets valued in excess of $10,000.

Serve As a Back-up For Bank Receipting and Daily Reconciliation

Receipt student tuition, third-party funding, resale deposits, parking fees, bookstore revenue, customized training open enrollment course fees and other miscellaneous payments when needed. Deposit cash received into the Loomis virtual vault and deposit check payments into the college bank account using the Bremer Bank check scanner when needed.

Other Duties As Assigned

Perform other duties as identified and assigned by the Director of Business Services to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

Minimum Qualifications (required skills to enter the job; must be identified on application materials)

Two (2) or more years of relevant work experience. An associates degree in a related field can substitute as 6 months of experience.
Highly developed communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, college faculty and staff, Minnesota State System Office staff, MMB I SWIFT staff.
Strong computer experience with programs such as Microsoft Office; specifically excel and word.
Ability to maintain records and multi-task while supervising routine administrative and clerical work.
Ability to prepare specifications and to evaluate goods and substitutes for price quality.
Interpersonal/human relations skills sufficient to establish effective working relationships with managers, staff and vendors.
Knowledge of inventory control methods.

Preferred Qualifications (desired But Not Required)

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field.
Knowledge of systems such as SWIFT and the Minnesota State purchasing and accounting system i.e. ISRS
Knowledge of state statutes and Minnesota State policies and procedures.
Knowledge of contract law and its general application. 1 + years contracting experience

How To Apply

To view the full job posting and to apply please go to: https://minnstate.wd115.myworkdayjobs.com/Minnesota_State_Careers/job/RIDG---Willmar-Campus/Buyer-2---Purchasing-Specialist_JR0000005804

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Felicia Telecky at felicia.telecky@ridgewater.edu or 320-234-8534.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Felicia Telecky at felicia.telecky@ridgewater.edu.

About Minnesota State

Institution Information

MISSION: Ridgewater College empowers diverse learners to reach their full potential and enrich their lives through personalized and relevant education in an accessible, supportive, and inclusive environment.

VISION: Ridgewater College is a student-centered educational leader focused on innovation, excellence and affordability.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

Enterprising - We are future-focused, and change-oriented, developing creative solutions to challenges that maximize our institutional, system and local resources.
Empowerment – We develop and empower employees to make decisions to best serve students and stakeholders.
Excellence – We strive to exceed expectations in all that we do.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – We seek to understand and appreciate the needs and experiences of every individual and actively work to provide genuine opportunities for everyone to succeed and participate in college activities and processes.
Trust and Respect – We are committed to developing a culture based in processes and behavior that create trust and respect among all stakeholders.
Collaboration – We connect and work together to achieve common goals while respecting needs and interests of stakeholders.
Curiosity and Creativity – We constantly strive to understand, learn, change, and improve.
Accountability – As individuals and groups, we willingly accept and take ownership of our successes and failures.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

A sense of purpose in their work
Connection with their coworkers and communities
Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

Paid vacation and sick leave
12 paid holidays each year
Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

Training, classes, and professional development
Tuition reimbursement
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

Other Information

Employment information for this position can be found in its collective bargaining agreement or its plan document at http://mn.gov/mmb/employee-relations/labor-relations/Labor/.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State 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.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

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Buyer 2 - Purchasing Specialist