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Procurement Specialist 2
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (PA)
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Procurement Specialist 2
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Procurement Specialist 2
Salary
$59,345.00 - $90,211.00 Annually
Location
Dauphin County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2025-36177-02720
Department
State Employees' Retirement System
Division
SR Op Off
Opening Date
11/20/2025
Closing Date
12/4/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
02720
Position Number
00036444
Union
Non Union
Bargaining Unit
A3
Pay Group
ST07
Bureau / Division Code
707002
Bureau / Division
Operations Office
Worksite Address
30 North Third Street
City
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
17101
Contact Name
DJ Korlewitz
Contact Phone
717.237.0395
Contact Email
+ Description
+ Benefits
+ Questions
THE POSITION
The State Employees' Retirement System (SERS) seeks an experienced procurement professional to join its team in procuring goods and contracts for services to help the agency successfully carry out its purpose of providing life-sustaining benefits to retirees and their beneficiaries. If this sounds like you, read on for more details!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position functions to strategically source and procure goods and services, negotiate and administer contracts, and implement corrective actions for contract non-compliance. The work requires meticulous attention to detail; superior organizational skills; the ability to quickly shift between tasks; and a strong customer focus. You’ll regularly be challenged to timely solve agency procurement needs while adhering to Commonwealth procurement policies and agency procedures.
Interested in learning more? Additional details can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD\_NEOGOV.asp?p=00036444) .
About SERS: Established in 1923, SERS is one of the nation's oldest retirement plans for public employees and manages the pension benefits of more than 240,000 employees and retirees for 99 public sector employers. In 2024, SERS paid about $4.0 billion in benefits and managed $38.7 billion in assets. Additional information is available at www.SERS.pa.gov.
Our mission is to prepare our members and participants to achieve financial security in retirement. We achieve this through focusing on our mission, acting ethically and with integrity, empowering our members, embracing innovation, fostering life work balance, modeling an inclusive and respectful workplace, valuing and developing team members, collaborating, and finding joy in our work.
SERS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified individuals to our team. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful work environment that fosters personal and professional growth, embraces the contributions of all team members, and leverages diversity in people, ideas, and experiences to achieve our highest potential.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
+ Full-time employment, 37.5-hour work week, Monday through Friday
+ Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM with a one-hour unpaid meal period.
+ Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home part-time (hybrid telework schedule), depending on operational needs. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you must work on-site at the work location specified in this job posting. Telework arrangements are subject to change. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
+ Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
+ You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
+ Financial Disclosure: The individual appointed to this position will be required to disclose financial information consistent with provisions of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act and the Governor's Code of Conduct.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
+ One year of experience as a Procurement Specialist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) ;or
+ One year of professional experience performing contract management work; and a bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, logistics, project, or operations management, or a related field;or
+ An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Other Requirements:
+ You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.
+ You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
+ Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
+ If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
+ Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
+ Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
+ Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
+ 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
+ Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
+ Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
+ Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
+ You must provide complete and accurate information or:
+ your score may be lower than deserved.
+ you may be disqualified.
+ You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.
+ Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Procurement Specialist 1 for one full year or more?
+ Yes
+ No
02
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.]
03
How many years of full-time professional experience performing contract management work do you possess? (Contract management work is the process of managing contracts, deliverables, deadlines, and contract terms and conditions.)
+ 1 year or more
+ 6 months but less than 1 year
+ Less than 6 months
+ None
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
How much graduate coursework have you completed in business, supply chain, logistics, project, or operations management, or a related field? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting visitingwww.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
+ 30 credits or more
+ 15 but less than 30 credits
+ Less than 15 credits
+ None
06
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
+ Yes
07
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - RESEARCH
Conducts research by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information related to procurement needs. Researches and coordinates information from other personnel and program areas to determine the best method of contracting for items or services.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience researching records and files for various contracting projects and reports and gaining information through discussions with customers, partners, or stakeholders. I compiled all available information from a variety of data sources and determined if the information was appropriate for inclusion in the final analysis.
+ B. I have experience researching records and files for various contracting projects and reports and gaining information through discussions with customers, partners, or stakeholders. I compiled all available information from a variety of data sources but did NOT determine if the information was appropriate for inclusion in the final analysis.
+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to research methods, research design and analysis, library sciences, market research, or data collection.
+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
08
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ The actual duties you performed related to researching and compiling information.
+ Your level of responsibility.
09
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
+ College/University
+ Course Title
+ Credits/Clock Hours
10
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – CONTRACT DEVELOPMENT AND PROPOSAL ANALYSIS
Develops technical specifications and language for agency contracts, requests for proposals, quotes, information, applications, and invitations to bid in accordance with established contract and procurement policies. Analyzes vendor proposals and creates follow-on documents to ensure procurement needs are met and established policies are followed.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience developing technical specifications and language for contracts. I analyzed vendor proposals to ensure procurement needs were met and established policies were followed.
+ B. I have experience analyzing vendor proposals to ensure procurement needs were met and established policies were followed but did NOT develop the technical specifications and language for the contracts.
+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to procurement, business administration, logistics, contract law, or supply chain management.
+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
11
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ The actual duties you performed related to contract development and proposal analysis.
+ The types of contracts and proposals you developed and analyzed.
+ Your level of responsibility.
12
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
+ College/University
+ Course Title
+ Credits/Clock Hours
13
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – CONTRACT NEGOTIATION AND EVALUATION
Negotiates contract terms and conditions such as cost, delivery, performance, and technical requirements. Evaluates vendor performance to determine necessity for amendments, extensions, or termination of contracts.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience negotiating contract terms and conditions. I evaluated vendor performance to determine the need for amendments, extensions, or termination of contracts.
+ B. I have experience evaluating vendor performance to determine the need for amendments, extensions, or termination of contracts but did NOT negotiate the contract terms and conditions.
+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to contract negotiation, contract management, or data analysis.
+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
14
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ The actual duties you performed related to contract negotiation and evaluation.
+ The types of contracts you negotiated and evaluated.
+ Your level of responsibility.
15
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
+ College/University
+ Course Title
+ Credits/Clock Hours
16
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Provides technical assistance and consultative services to staff regarding the development, implementation, and evaluation of procurement contracts. Advises staff and vendors on procurement regulations, policies, and methods. Assesses and defines needs or problems and recommends possible solutions.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience providing technical assistance and consultative services to staff and vendors to identify needs and answer questions. I recommended possible solutions to problems or concerns.
+ B. I have experience providing technical assistance and consultative services to staff and vendors to identify needs and answer questions but did NOT recommend possible solutions to problems or concerns.
+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public relations, counseling, public speaking, psychology, or sociology.
+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
17
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ The actual duties you performed related to the technical assistance you provided.
+ Your level of responsibility.
18
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
+ College/University
+ Course Title
+ Credits/Clock Hours
19
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 – WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Prepares technical or narrative documents such as status or monthly reports, which identify current expenditures or contract activity. Authors narrative and analytical reports that convey a project's effectiveness in meeting business requirements.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience writing reports or other documents which included recommendations for changes or action.
+ B. I have experience writing reports or other documents to provide information, but they did NOT include recommendations for changes or action.
+ C. I have experience drafting reports or other documents but someone else ensured the accuracy of the included information.
+ D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to business writing, technical writing, English composition, or journalism.
+ E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
20
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ The actual duties you performed related to written communication.
+ The types of documents you prepared.
+ Your level of responsibility.
21
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
+ College/University
+ Course Title
+ Credits/Clock Hours
22
WORK BEHAVIOR 6 – DEVELOPING STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES
Develops and implements procedures to eliminate unacceptable risk and provide a uniform system of controls to ensure accountability related to purchasing. Monitors agency compliance with established purchasing standards and identifies areas of risk related to the accuracy and completeness of procurement documents.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience developing purchasing standards and procedures and implementing changes as necessary.
+ B. I have experience implementing purchasing standards and procedures. I provided feedback and recommendations for changes as needed.
+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to policy development.
+ D. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
23
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ The actual duties you performed related to developing purchasing standards and procedures.
+ Your level of responsibility.
24
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
+ College/University
+ Course Title
+ Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
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