YOSEMITE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT Range: 27

BOOKSTORE TEXTBOOK BUYER

DEFINITION Under direction, performs specialized technical procurement duties related to the purchasing of textbooks and related items for a campus bookstore; coordinates with vendors and suppliers to meet inventory needs; coordinates purchasing processes; performs bookstore marketing and sales functions; and performs related work as assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the second and advanced technical level class of the Bookstore Support Series within the Yosemite Community College District (YCCD). Positions in this class perform highly complex and technical duties in support of bookstore purchasing functions, utilizing advanced technical knowledge of this specialized subject area to make decisions and complete assignments. This class may be distinguished from the class of Bookstore Merchandise Buyer because incumbents in that class perform technical procurement duties related to the purchasing of general goods, materials, supplies, computer-related equipment and other non-textbook items. It may also be distinguished from the class of Bookstore Operations Coordinator because incumbents in that class serve as lead workers with responsibility for assigning, directing and monitoring the work of subordinate employees on a regular basis. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Incumbents in this class work under the direction of a manager, receiving occasional supervision while working toward a definite objective that requires use of a wide range of procedures. Incumbents plan and/or determine specific procedures or equipment required to meet assigned objectives and solve non-routine problems, referring only unusual matters to a supervisor. An incumbent in this class does not directly lead or supervise other full-time employees, but may assign, direct and/or monitor the work of subordinate full time, part time, and/or student employees on a project or assignment basis. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only) • Based on schedule information for the academic term, sets up and/or updates database

information in an automated ordering system; identifies textbook needed, inventory levels, sales history, return information, and invoicing information; sets parameters in the system to accommodate purchasing decisions, buyback functions, buying guides and other issues.

• Generates preliminary textbook requisitions with textbook histories and forwards to faculty and division secretaries for review; when approved, enters adopted textbook selections into system; resolves discrepancies and coordinates change requests.

YOSEMITE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT Range: 27 Bookstore Textbook Buyer Page 2 • Determines desired quantities for each book, taking into consideration such factors as stock on

hand and anticipated returns and buybacks. • Researches textbook availability; compares vendor price, quality, service, benefits, timelines,

incentives and other vendor information to make purchasing decisions. • Creates purchase orders; places orders on-line, by phone or by fax; secures price quotes; where

pre-payment is required, submits information to accounting staff for payment; conducts follow-up activities to finalize purchase transactions.

• Monitors order status and verifies on-time delivery; oversees the receipt of orders; verifies quality and quantity of order; contacts vendors and publishers regarding shipping errors, arranging for replacement or credit as appropriate.

• After the school term has started, identifies oversupplies and coordinates returns as needed. • Monitors textbook inventory throughout the school year and places orders to address out of

stock books, late textbook adoptions and special orders. • Prepares and maintains standard buying and supply lists; establishes and maintains records to

assist in evaluating new and alternative sources of textbooks. • Assists with bookstore marketing and sales functions; develops and recommends textbook

merchandising techniques and monitors market trends. • Initiates textbook buyback events; estimates buyback needs and potential; establishes buyback

prices; organizes promotional events by preparing advertising and designing mailers/flyers. • Monitors buyback and return inventories to ensure that used books remain available for

students to purchase without creating an oversupply. • Reconciles and maintains inventory levels of stock on hand. • May assist with day-to-day bookstore operations; may direct, train, and/or instruct subordinate

employees on a project or assignment basis. • Generates and prepares reports, correspondence and other documents; performs other

advanced technical administrative support duties as needed. • Performs other related duties as assigned. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS • Work is generally performed in an indoor commercial sales environment and requires

substantial public contact. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The knowledge and ability requirements are representative of essential duties. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Knowledge of: • Operational characteristics and services of a college bookstore. • Methods and techniques of textbook buying.

YOSEMITE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT Range: 27 Bookstore Textbook Buyer Page 3 • Principles, practices and applications of purchasing. • Basic mathematical calculations. • Principles and practices of merchandising and retail sales. • Principles and practices of filing and record keeping. • Principles and practices of inventory control. • Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers. Ability to: • Coordinate the ordering and receiving of all college textbooks and course materials. • Maintain a detailed and accurate inventory of assigned materials. • Provide effective customer service to bookstore patrons. • Deal effectively with textbook vendors and publishers. • Evaluate sales histories and estimate required textbook and course material needs. • Order materials in a timely manner to meet established deadlines. • Confer with instructors regarding textbook requirements and resolve problems. • Perform basic mathematical calculations. • Maintain accurate and current records and files regarding textbook sales and enrollment. • Ensure adherence to publishers' established policies and regulations. • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of

work. Licenses and Certificates: • Depending upon assignment, a valid license to drive in California may be required. Physical and Mental Standards: • Mobility: ability to sit for long periods, move about an office, stand occasionally, reach above

and below desk level. • Dexterity: fine manipulation sufficient to operate a computer keyboard, handle individual

papers, write and take notes. • Lifting: frequent lifting of papers, files, equipment and material weighing up to 25 pounds;

occasional lifting of items up to 50 pounds. • Visual Requirements: close vision sufficient to read files, documents, and computer screens

and do close-up work; ability to adjust focus frequently. • Hearing/Talking: ability to hear normal speech, speak and hear on the telephone, and speak in

person. • Emotional/Psychological Factors: ability to make decisions and concentrate; frequent contact

with others including some public contact; frequent deadlines and time-limited assignments. Education and Experience: Any combination of education, experience and/or training that would likely provide the above-required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. Typical background patterns that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities are:

YOSEMITE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT Range: 27 Bookstore Textbook Buyer Page 4

Pattern I

• Experience: Two years equivalent to a Bookstore Merchandise Buyer at YCCD.

OR Pattern II

• Education: Possession of an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in business administration, marketing, general accounting, finance or a closely related field.

• Experience: Four years performing sales and/or marketing work, including two years

performing technical purchasing duties that included inventory maintenance, vendor evaluation, and procurement coordination in a college bookstore or similar environment.

Special Requirements: • None Class Adopted: 03/01/09 Class Amended: XX-XX-XX