Review Vacancy
AgencyEducation Department, State
TitlePurchasing Agent, CFO-825/01579
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $66951 to $85138 Annually
Duties Description The New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of the Chief Financial Officer is seeking candidates for a Purchasing Agent position in the Contract Administration Unit. This Unit is responsible for the Department’s procurement, grant-making, and contracting processes. Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Review purchasing requisitions submitted by program offices. Determine the correct procurement method in accordance with State Finance Law, OGS guidelines, and NYSED internal procedures;
• Identify when centralized contracts, discretionary purchases, RFQs, sole source, or emergency procurements are appropriate;
• Develop detailed specifications, bid requirements, scopes of work, and complex RFQs;
• Conduct market research to identify qualified vendors, pricing, and product availability;
• Review vendor quotations and assist in evaluation processes. Respond to vendor inquiries related to solicitations, specifications, or procurement rules. Coordinate the preparation, issuance, and tracking of formal and informal solicitations;
• Recommend vendor selections in accordance with statutory and policy requirements;
• Prepare purchase orders and ensure all required documentation is complete for internal and external review;
• Maintain procurement records consistent with audit and retention requirements;
• Provide direction and daily oversight to the Assistant Purchasing Agent. Provide guidance and training to internal staff on purchasing processes;
• Review and approve RFQs, requisition analyses, and purchasing documents prepared by the Assistant Purchasing Agent;
• Assist the Senior Purchasing Agent with complex or time sensitive procurement initiatives;
• Ensure adherence to MWBE/SDVOB requirements, statutory thresholds, and internal controls;
• Stay current on changes in procurement laws, OGS guidance, and statewide purchasing policies; and
• Recommend improvements to NYSED purchasing procedures and workflows.
Minimum Qualifications NY HELPS
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are:
• Six years of purchasing experience which includes being responsible for the purchase of a wide variety of supplies, materials, equipment, and services.
Substitution: An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.
COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Eligible List Appointment: Candidates must be reachable on the Civil Service eligible list for this title. If you are on the Civil Service eligible list for this title, you may receive a canvass letter. You must complete and return it as instructed on the letter.
55b/c Appointment: This position is eligible for 55b/c designation and candidates with 55b/c eligibility are encouraged to apply. Candidates must possess a current 55b/c eligibility letter and meet the minimum qualifications.
It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.
Additional Comments CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This will be a permanent, competitive or non-competitive appointment. For 55b/c appointment, candidates must possess the minimum qualifications, a current 55b/c eligibility letter and are subject to verification of applicant eligibility. Promotions and transfers may change appointees’ negotiating unit. Candidates should be aware that changes in negotiating units may affect their salary, insurance, and other benefits.
Verification of experience will be required at the time of interview for all candidates.
This position allows for the opportunity to telecommute up to 30% each bi-weekly pay period and is granted at the discretion of the supervisor and the appointing office.
This position leads to a maximum salary of $85,138 based on annual performance advances. For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts
Interested in a job with New York State, but don’t know where to start?
Visit these links for information on working for New York State:
• https://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/
• https://www.cs.ny.gov/pio/publications/gettingajob.pdf
Generous benefits of working for New York State, including, but not limited to, the following:
Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave in year one, increasing to 20+ days with additional years of service.
• Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA and eight (8) days paid sick leave annually for M/C.
• Annual professional leave and educational leave opportunities for eligible staff.
Health Care Benefits
• Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
Additional Benefits
• Enrollment in the New York State pension system which has earned the distinction of being one of the best-managed and best-funded plans in the nation OR Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match (eligibility requirements apply).
• NYS Deferred Compensation and an exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan.
• Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C Only).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Eligibility for various life insurance options.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Office of Human Resources Management
Email Address omsjobs@nysed.gov
Address
Street NYS Education Department
89 Washington Avenue, OHRM Room 528EB
Notes on ApplyingAPPLICATION: Qualified candidates should send a resume and letter of interest by September 1, 2026 to OMSJobs@nysed.gov (email submissions are preferred). Your resume must clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. You must include the Box number (CFO-825/01579) of the position in the subject line of your email and cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. Links to application materials will not be accepted (i.e., Google Docs). Your social security number may be required to confirm your eligibility.