Job Details

Buyer and Property Specialist

Position Number: 7215876
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Other Administrative Positions

Buyer and Property Specialist

Requisition Number: 72513
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 18-Jun-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

JILA encourages applications for a Buyer and Property Specialist! This position supports overall purchasing and supplies for JILA and reports to the JILA Supply Manager. We are looking for someone with a willingness to learn the research requirements of each of the JILA research laboratories, CU purchasing and supply practices and compliance, and JILA facilities safety and operations.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

JILA is a joint institute of the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. We support eclectic and innovative research programs that foster creative collaborations among our scientists. The wide-ranging interests of our scientists have made JILA one of the nation's leading research institutes in the physical sciences. JILA science encompasses eight broad categories: Astrophysics, Atomic & Molecular Physics, Biophysics, Chemical Physics, Laser Physics, Nanoscience, Precision Measurement, and Quantum Information Science & Technology.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Purchasing & Supply Shop

Large dollar procurement (orders >$10,000): As JILA's subject matter expert, this position will learn, use and implement university procurement procedures when purchasing goods and services for order over $10,000, including any federal, state and university procurement compliance. Acquire and process quotations, fill out and/or edit sole source forms for specialized equipment or services, complete required federal forms related to procurement, and oversee JILA processes related to university contract negotiations.
Small dollar procurement (orders <$10,000): Use university procurement procedures when purchasing goods and services in the university's Marketplace system when placing purchase orders as well as procurement credit cards for some purchases that are under $5,000.
IT procurement: Includes any software or hardware purchase as well as IT services. Use CU IT procedures, including creating, editing and submitting forms that relate to IT cybersecurity issues.

Property Management

Tagging: Track all equipment and equipment fabrication orders requiring property tags. Work with university property accounting office to ensure property tags are created and disseminated to JILA. Affix property tags to CU/JILA equipment with the assistance of JILA staff. Photograph equipment to capture serial numbers and locations within JILA. Use Excel to manipulate and maintain accurate and timely records related to property tags. Notify the property accounting office of any changes to property data such as different room numbers, descriptions, errors made in previous entries. Create, modify and submit bailment agreements in coordination with the Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) to account for off campus property. Apply property tags for subcontracts (such as LBNL) and track the equipment through the duration of the subcontract. Follow all associated regulations and procedures for disposing or surplussing the equipment at the end of the subcontract.
Inventory: Conduct JILA inventory as required by university regulations - annually for reporting, and periodically as needed maintenance. This will include coordinating and completing inventories with all research groups within JILA as well as internal service areas. Inventories will be completed in a timely fashion to follow university regulations.
Surplus: Organize surplus equipment in JILA's surplus room for internal research groups and administrative areas. Provide access to JILA researchers to surplus room for occasional business access. Write up surplus equipment disposal forms and submit to Property Services.
Disposal Process: Ensure JILA is in the university disposal-collection queue and make sure Property Services has access to the equipment on their day of arrival: sort items, obtain approval for disposal by EH&S (Environmental Health & Services) and coordinate to achieve approval on sorted items; track disposed equipment that contains university property tags to ensure that the items are removed from JILA inventory. Complete equipment fabrication cannibalizations with Property Accounting once the fabricated equipment reaches its end life for official purposes.

Foreign Procurement

Place orders, large dollar and small dollar, with foreign vendors as needed. Place small dollar foreign orders with the procurement credit card and others through the CU Marketplace system. Create large dollar requisitions for foreign vendors as needed. Work with foreign vendors and the PSC to ensure Marketplace payments are made via wire transfers. Learn, familiarize and apply knowledge of tariffs to all foreign orders. Estimate future tariff expenses for each foreign purchase request and account for them in the total purchase price.
Work with research groups to submit tariff exemption forms, where applicable, to receive potential tariff exemptions on foreign procurement.

Administrative

Use CU/JILA software systems to keep track of orders and notes regarding JILA procurement. Ensure payments are made on all orders including procurement card orders and Marketplace orders. Enter payment information into CU/JILA software system, the JILA database; collecting, processing and submitting UPS battery disposals through EH&S.

What You Should Know

This position offers a hybrid work modality with a minimum of 3 days per week on campus. During the initial training period, this position will be fully on-site.

What We Can Offer

The annual hiring range is $60,000-$72,000. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree and 1+ years of experience supporting direct purchasing and supply activities for an organization.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
Valid CO driver's license.

What You Will Need

Ability to organize and successfully manage multiple projects occurring at the same time.
Willingness to provide ad hoc support to walk in clients - research students, staff, and faculty.
Proficiency and skill in using spreadsheets for tracking and reporting purposes.
Willingness to learn new systems and processes such as the Marketplace system as well as the university's credit card program.
Internal motivation with the ability to work independently as well as in cooperation with an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to anticipate the needs of the broader team.
A high degree of professionalism.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Ability to engage with a broad group of partners and customers.
Ability to work effectively in a working environment with multiple interruptions.
Ability to establish and maintain positive and cooperative working relationships.
Sensitivity to and appreciation of cultural, political, and geographical differences with ability to work well with faculty, staff, and students from around the world.
Proven excellent communication skills including written, verbal and interpersonal.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A current resume.
A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by 6/18/26 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Buyer-and-Property-Specialist/72513