Purchasing Intern

The City of Wichita is NOT an E-Verify Employer.

Distinguishing Features of Work

Kickstart your career in procurement and public finance with the Purchasing Intern position at the City of Wichita’s Finance Department. As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, real-world environment, working closely with experienced professionals in the Purchasing Division. You’ll be involved in meaningful work, from assisting vendors and managing registration processes to conducting research and analyzing data. This is more than just administrative support—this is an opportunity to grow your skills in procurement, policy review, and process improvement. You’ll also have the chance to provide impactful recommendations that help shape the future of the City’s purchasing operations.

Work assignments are tailored to your educational background and skill level, ensuring you’ll learn and grow while contributing to the success of the team. With a flexible schedule that accommodates your academic commitments, this is the perfect opportunity to gain experience while still focusing on your studies.

This Is a Limited Part-time Intern Position (no Benefits)

Workdays and Hours- Work will be between the hours of 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday-Friday) for average of 16 hours per week.

Schedule is flexible based on the student's availability. We encourage students to prioritize their studies and request extended short-term leave in advance whenever needed.

The internship period will not exceed one (1) year but is renewable.

Bargaining Unit: No Union Representation

Examples of Work Performed

Compiles information, records, and completes data entry/clerical functions for the Purchasing Office on a variety of items.

• Performs intern-level work assigned by the Finance Department/Purchasing Division.
• Oversee Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software Vendor Self Service (VSS) registration efforts
• Contacts potential vendors by variety of means for the purposes of increased City vendor registration efforts.
• Assist vendors with registration efforts to ensure accuracy and completeness of information.
• Reviews large amounts of data to identify, coordinate, and organize community outreach efforts.
• Assists with Scanning, Filing, and Oversight of Certificate of Insurance (COI) record retention efforts
• Attends meetings in conjunction with management.
• May review, update, and suggest changes to operations policies and procedures. Once approved by management, may assist in the implementation.
• May review processes and provide recommendations.
• May work in conjunction with the Purchasing Manager or other Division managers.
• Completion of work assignments may require operation of a vehicle.
• These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned as needed.
  

Requirements of Work

• Level of knowledge appropriate to the work being assigned.
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information.
• May require ability to research, analyze, summarize and report findings.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, representatives of other organizations, and/or the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• May require ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas Driver's License.
• An employee will not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
  
  

Experience and Training

Required Experience And Training

• Candidate must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.
• A current cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship.
  
  

Preferred Experience And Training

• Current enrollment in a college or university pursuing a degree in business administration, finance, public administration, supply chain management or purchasing.
• Enrolled as a college Junior or higher by Fall 2027.
• One year of experience in customer service, vendor coordination, or procurement-related tasks in an office setting, including handling inquiries, resolving issues, and facilitating transactions with internal and external stakeholders.
  
  

Offers of employment will be made contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which will include drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a police records check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following links:

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf

Limited positions are not eligible for benefits.

01

I am currently enrolled in an undergradudate or graduate program at a College or University:

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

My cumulative college GPA is in the following range...

• 1.0 or less
• 1.1 to 1.9
• 2.0 to 2.9
• 3.0 to 3.9
• 4.0 or higher
  
  

03

I will be at the following college class status beginning in the Fall 2027 semester:

• Freshman
• Sophomore
• Junior
• Senior
• 1st Year Graduate Student
• 2nd Year Graduate Student
• I am not currently enrolled in a college or university.
  
  

04

(Pur Intern) The following verifies my undergraduate or graduate program education focus:

• Business Administration
• Finance
• Public Administration
• Supply Chain Management
• Purchasing
• My undergraduate or graduate program education focus is not on any of the above fields
  
  

05

I have the following years of experience in customer service, vendor coordination, or procurement-related tasks in an office setting, including handling inquiries, resolving issues, and facilitating transactions with internal and external stakeholders.

• Less than 1 year experience
• 1 to 2 years of experience
• 3 to 4 years of experience
• +5 years of experience
• I do not have any experience in customer service, vendor coordination, or procurement-related tasks in an office setting, including handling inquiries, resolving issues, and facilitating transactions with internal and external stakeholders.
  
  

06

I understand this internship is a limited, part-time position working a minimum of 16 hours per week. I am willing and able to meet this job requirement.

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

I understand this position is a short-term assignment ending Fall 2026 and may be renewable:

• Yes
• No
  
  

08

I am legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question