Bookstore Buyer

General Summary

Posting will remain open until filled. Priority screening for applications received by December 21, 2025.

The Bookstore Buyer primary duties are purchasing textbooks, snacks and beverages for the Highline College Bookstore and other duties requested by the store manager.

This is a full-time, classified position, which is eligible for overtime.
Schedule:
Mon - Wed: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Thurs: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 1:30pm

Salary Information: The salary range stated above reflects the starting step of Range 38 (Step C) and ending step (Step M) salary for this classified position. Based on salary placement of Step C, it will take 5 years to reach Step L on the salary schedule, 11 years to reach step M on the salary schedule. This does not reflect any contractual changes; legislative mandated salary increases or Cost of Living Increases (COLA's) that may be approved in the future.

Essential Tasks

Reporting to the Bookstore Manager, this postilion will:
Textbooks:

• Work with minimal supervision in procuring textbook order requests from faculty. Analysis request to determine quantities to order;
• Communicates with faculty regarding textbook orders and ordering procedures;
• Works with textbook vendors, wholesales and partners to obtain lowest cost possible for textbooks;
• Determines proper inventory levels in the textbook department;
• On a monthly basis, inventories textbooks, notates and corrects discrepancies;
• Sets textbook prices for new, used and rental books by using tools that compare Highline prices with competitors;
• Ensure that textbooks are properly shelved and shelf tags are correct.

• Works with vendor to order all snacks and beverages;
• Maintains proper inventory level of snacks/beverages;
• Sets pricing on snacks/beverages mindful of established margins.

• Verifies daily cash deposits;
• Assist in counting the safe weekly;
• Conducts quarterly inventory of textbooks;
• May be required to close the Bookstore;
• May be required to work the customer counter.

• Communicate effectively (verbal and written) with a diverse population;
• Proficiently navigate an electronic environment, including use of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite and ctcLink student data systems;
• Work both independently and as a member of a team;
• Demonstrate cultural competency skills, including a commitment to anti-bias and equity and an appreciation of a highly diverse environment.

• Customer service principles;
• Vendor Management.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• High School completion or equivalent; AND
• One year full-time experience in retail buying or purchasing merchandise for resale.

Supplemental Information

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

THE COLLEGE

Founded in 1961, Highline College was the first community college to be established in King County and is one of 34 community and technical colleges. More than 350,000 alumni have graduated from Highline over the years. Nestled between Seattle and Tacoma, we are located on the traditional village sites of the Muckleshoot, Puyallup and many other Coast Salish tribes.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Your online application must include the following to be considered complete:
1. A detailed resume that addresses the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position;
2. A letter of application/cover letter (two-page maximum, recommended) that addresses your ability to meet the QUALIFICATIONS, and KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES for the position.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• National Criminal Background Check may be required;
• This position is covered under the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) bargaining agreement.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The college provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types).

The Title IX Coordinator, Danielle Slota, can be reached at (206) 592-3600 or DSlota@Highline.edu. 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 12, President’s Office

For accessibility needs, Melanie Lawson, can be reached at (206) 592-3320 or MLawson@Highline.edu. 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 12, Human Resources.

The Vice President of Human Resources, Melanie Lawson, can be reached at (206) 592-3320 or MLawson@Highline.edu. 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 12, Human Resources.

You can receive this information in an alternate format by contacting hrstaff@highline.edu.