PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST

Procurement Specialist The Arkansas Department of Shared Administrative Services' goal is to create a more efficient government through epic service delivery and collaboration across state government. The department is comprised of the Office of the Secretary, the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Office, the Division of Building Authority, the Division of Information Systems, the Employee Benefits Division, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Office of State Procurement. The Office of State Procurement (OSP), part of the Arkansas Department of Shared Administrative Services (SAS), helps state agencies purchase the goods and services they need to operate effectively. Internship Overview OSP is looking for a motivated Procurement Intern to join our team for the summer. This internship offers hands-on experience in public procurement and the chance to see how classroom concepts apply in a professional government setting. As an intern, you'll work under the guidance of a procurement manager or team lead and gain exposure to a wide range of projects, including: Assisting with contract management Supporting the development of training materials and communications Helping with vendor maintenance and contract analysis Contributing to reporting and data analysis You'll also collaborate with OSP staff and learn how procurement supports state agencies and their missions. Program Details Duration: 11 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) Dates: May 26 August 7, 2026 (flexible start and end dates) Location: In-person at our Little Rock office Equipment: State-issued equipment and access provided (must be returned at the end of the internship) Who Should Apply Current Arkansas college students entering their junior or senior year in Fall 2026 Students majoring in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or Technical Writing (other majors considered) Candidates with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) Candidates with strong written and verbal communication skills Why Apply? This internship is designed to give you: Real-world experience in public procurement Opportunities to apply what you've learned in the classroom Professional skills you can carry into any career path Position Information Job Series: Procurement Classification: Procurement Specialist Career Path Class Code: PPR04P Pay Grade: SGS05 Salary Range: $47,397- $70,148 Job Summary The Procurement Specialist is responsible for assisting in the procurement of goods and services for state government operations. The Procurement Specialist will work under the supervision of senior procurement staff to ensure that procurement activities are carried out in compliance with state laws and regulations, while also promoting transparency, efficiency, and accountability in government procurement processes. Primary Responsibilities Support senior procurement staff in managing the procurement cycle, including requisitioning, issuing requests for proposals (RFPs), evaluating bids, and drafting purchase orders. Help ensure that procurement procedures are followed accurately and in a timely manner. Assist in preparing documentation related to vendor selection, contracts, and purchase agreements. Serve as a point of contact for vendors and suppliers, ensuring clear and consistent communication regarding procurement needs, requirements, and contract terms. Assist with the review of vendor proposals and contracts to ensure compliance with state specifications. Coordinate with vendors to track order statuses, delivery schedules, and ensure that goods and services are received as agreed upon. Maintain accurate records of procurement transactions, including purchase orders, contracts, and communications with vendors. Ensure that all procurement documents are properly filed and easily accessible for review or audit. Assist in tracking contract renewals, extensions, and modifications, ensuring that all contracts are up to date and compliant with state policies. Knowledge and Skills Ability to maintain accurate and thorough records, review documents carefully, and identify discrepancies or inconsistencies in procurement documents. Strong attention to detail when assisting with contracts, orders, and invoices. Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with internal teams, vendors, and other stakeholders. Ability to explain procurement requirements and provide status updates in a professional and clear manner. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, supply chain management, or a related field is required. Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee's demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs. The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. Nearest Major Market: Little Rock