<p>The Purchasing & Inventory Assistant (Inventory Assistant) is part of the District's Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Department, working as the first line of defense in ensuring the correct parts are staged and ready for O&M's needs. Daily work is focused in the District's Enterprise Asset Management System (EAM) to process, track, and maintain records relating to parts received and removed from inventory. The Inventory Assistant also monitors existing inventory by performing daily, weekly, and monthly counts, as well as performing planned maintenance on critical spares in inventory. Finally, the incumbent will perform shipping and receiving duties, manage the key lockbox, and maintain the expense storeroom. Job duties can be physically demanding, requiring the ability to safely handle packages. Forklift use is also required. </p> <p>The Inventory Assistant works under the general direction of the Reliability Process Manager.</p> <p>Who We Are</p> <p>Established in 1930 to protect the lakes and streams of the upper Yahara watershed, the District is a wastewater collection and treatment utility serving about 435,000 people in 24 Madison-area owner communities covering about 190 square miles. Organized as a municipal corporation, the District is governed by a nine-member Commission appointed by the communities we serve.</p> <p>The District owns and operates 150 miles of pipe and 18 regional pumping stations that convey approximately 37 million gallons of wastewater to the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant daily. Through the treatment process, we recover valuable resources from the wastewater we receive before returning clean water to the environment. </p> <p>Our mission is to protect public health and the environment. The District is dedicated to service, reliability, and sustainability, and our tradition of innovation has positioned us as a leader among clean water utilities.</p> <p>Working at the District is more than just a paycheck. It is about taking care of the communities we live in and giving back to the environment that surrounds us. We are trusted leaders working together to protect one of our most valuable resources- our water. When you think about your career and what you want to accomplish in your lifetime, choose to do Work Worth Doing!</p> <p>Check us out here!The successful Inventory Assistant brings the following qualities to the work:</p> <ul> <li>Organized/Attention to Detail. Sees the value of process. Given a varied amount and degree of parts and service requirements, can organize and prioritize work to be efficient and effective.   Has the ability to stay on task in the face of adversity. Keeps detailed records organized and accurate for future use. </li><li>Customer Focused. Values the importance of delivering high quality, accurate, and innovative service to internal and external customers; responds promptly to customer requests and is accessible to them; follows through on commitments in a timely manner; maintains positive, long-term working relationships.  </li><li>Initiative. Independently identifies issues and remains on task. Internally motivated and willing to move forward to meet deadlines and achieve results. Desire to improve, both personally and process-wise. </li><li>Adaptable and Improvement Oriented. Demonstrates flexibility in the face of change, projects a positive demeanor regardless of changes in working conditions, and shows the ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities without loss of composure. Constantly looks for improvements to help others.  </li></ul> <p>Results</p> <p>The following results fulfill the purpose and meaning of the Inventory Assistants' work:  </p> <ul> <li>Clean and Organized Work Order Bins. Ensure that items staged for work orders are neatly staged, accounted for, and all notes are up to date and accurate in the EAM system. Work Orders should be maintained in proper status/job action code. </li><li>Stocked and Maintained Expense Storeroom. Work with our vendors to properly stock and maintain our expense storeroom. Continually track all expense locations and make prompt reorders to replenish stock.   </li><li>QA/QC Items before Scheduling - Audit items received for condition, quantity, and proper part #'s. Initiate the return or replacement process before items get scheduled for O&M. </li><li>Lowered Adjustments of Inventory. Accurately count the inventory on a regular basis. Make recommendations on changes and enhancements to improve tracking. </li><li>Minimized Stockouts - Track stockouts in the system. Escalate items for review for stocking or improvement. </li><li>Managed Inventory Planned Maintenance Program - Inventory is counted and maintained by criticality to ensure parts are available and in the right condition. </li><li>Clean, Organized Receiving Areas - Maintain all receiving and stocking areas. Move inventory as needed to ensure areas remain free of clutter. </li><li>Data Driven Improvements. Manage processes closely to supply high-quality data. Use data collected to identify ways to improve. </li></ul> <p>Duties</p> <p>For a complete list of the duties, please click here.Education and Experience:</p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Minimum 3 years of experience in a storeroom or inventory related field which included receiving shipments, stocking, and picking orders. </li><li>Experience in using Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook (email). </li><li>Must have a valid driver's license </li><li>Forklift certified or the ability to become forklift certified. </li></ul> <p> </p> <p>Preferred:</p> <ul> <li>Experience using a computerized inventory or purchasing management system.  </li><li>Two (2) year degree from an accredited college or university focusing on business, accounting, technology or a closely related field. </li><li>Has completed formal storeroom, inventory, and/or reliability centered maintenance training. The incumbent will be expected to complete identified formal training within 3 years in the role. </li></ul> <p>Only the most well-qualified candidates should be expected to be hired above the midpoint of the Salary Range, </p> <p>Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:</p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Working knowledge of purchasing and inventory principles, practices, methods, and procedures. </li><li>Working knowledge of and ability to use computer software applicable to the position, including Microsoft Office Suite, and computerized purchasing and inventory software. </li><li>High attention to detail and standards of quality </li><li>Ability to use a forklift, pallet jack, and pallet stacker. </li><li>Good oral and written communication skills   </li><li>Ability to anticipate needs, problems, and changes and make recommendations to management. </li><li>Ability to demonstrate strong leadership skills. </li><li>Ability to work independently and problem solve issues. </li><li>Advanced skills in using software to analyze data. </li><li>Skill in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with coworkers, staff in other departments, and outside parties. </li><li>Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form. </li><li>Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline driven environment. </li><li>Ability to work independently and as a part of a team and take on new tasks with high level of difficulty. </li><li>High integrity, ethical standards and commitment to maintain confidentiality. </li><li>Supports the mission, vision, and values of the district by modeling service, reliability, and sustainability and displays a commitment to inclusion and diversity. </li></ul> <p>Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment but regularly requires work in the field with exposure wastewater and other hazards. Must be able to physically access areas of the plant where inventory is maintained. Must be able to stand, walk, stoop, crouch, sit, twist, turn, climb stairs and/or ladders for extended periods when delivering and stocking materials. The position requires one to be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time with the ability to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment. The position requires the ability to read and write words and numbers, and it also requires the ability to communicate in person, publicly, or over the phone.The noise level varies from quiet to loud.</p> <p>Must be able to lift and carry materials and inventory weighing up to 35 pounds.</p> <p>This position is not eligible for remote work consistent with the District's remote work policy.</p>