Procurement Specialist-YRTC-Kearney

Procurement Specialist – Youth Rehabilitation & Treatment Center (YRTC), Kearney, NE

Health & Human Services – Agency 25

Hiring Rate: $23.50/hour (+$3.00 facility differential)

Final date to receive applications: 01-13-2026

At the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), our mission is to help people live better lives. We are seeking a detail-oriented Procurement Specialist to support operations at the Youth Rehabilitation & Treatment Center (YRTC) in Kearney. In this role, you’ll ensure the timely, compliant, and cost‑effective acquisition of goods and services that directly support youth care and facility operations.

• 156% state‑matched retirement — one of the best in the nation
• 13 paid holidays + generous leave starting immediately
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• $20,000 employer‑paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement & professional development
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fun, mission‑driven, and supportive team environment
• Job stability in public service

• Perform detailed reviews of purchase requests for standard and specialized goods, equipment, and services to ensure adequacy, consistency, appropriate specifications, and compliance with administrative requirements.
• Determine appropriate procurement methods based on procurement history, estimated cost, urgency, proprietary considerations, availability of competition, and applicable directives.
• Solicit sources of goods and/or services; analyze pricing, discount rates, delivery dates, transportation charges, supplier performance, financial responsibility, and other factors to recommend the most advantageous offer.
• Solicit oral or written quotes using Open Market Purchase Authority and informal/formal procurement processes.
• Receive and review informal and formal bids and quotes; assess price reasonableness and verify competition requirements.
• Evaluate offers considering price, discounts, transportation costs, and delivery timelines; negotiate with vendors on procurement issues.
• Prepare purchase orders and perform post‑award follow‑up; place orders using appropriate methods, including purchase orders against established contracts.
• Prepare final contracts with required documentation and award recommendations.
• Assist with loading and unloading equipment when necessary.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, procurement, supply/inventory operations, or a related field AND procurement‑related experience. Education may be substituted with experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in procurement, supply chain, inventory management or purchasing operations.

Other Requirements: Valid driver’s license required. Must be at least 21 years of age.

Knowledge &

Skills:

• Recordkeeping, inventory control, and inventory systems
• Equipment, surplus property, and transportation methods
• Marketing, sales, and customer consultation
• Applicable state, federal, and agency regulations

Abilities:

• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Represent the agency at federal, state, and local levels
• Analyze needs and recommend effective solutions
• Compile reports and maintain accurate documentation
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships

Ready to put your skills to work for a greater purpose? Join the State of Nebraska DHHS and help ensure vital resources reach the programs and communities that need them most — including those serving Nebraska’s youth.

Apply today and be part of something bigger.

If you’re currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please do not apply through this external career site. Log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app.

For more information on benefits, visit the State of Nebraska benefits page.

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or genetics.

Seniority Level: Entry level

Employment Type:

Full‑time

Job Function:
Purchasing and Supply Chain

Industry: Government Administration

Apply BELOW