Project Assistant / Purchasing Agent
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay: $23.00–$28.00/hour DOE
Position Overview
Key Staffing is seeking a motivated and driven Project Assistant / Purchasing Agent to support project managers, procurement activities, inventory management, and field operations for a leading industrial services company specializing in power plant and cogeneration plant shutdowns.
This is not a traditional office position. Approximately 50% of the role is spent in the office performing purchasing, inventory, and administrative functions, while the remaining 50% is spent in the field supporting Project Managers during active projects. The ideal candidate is eager to learn the business firsthand, comfortable working in industrial environments, and thrives in fast-paced situations where priorities can change quickly.
We're looking for someone who is resourceful, persistent, and willing to do whatever it takes to help projects succeed. This individual should be self-motivated, have a strong sense of urgency, and enjoy solving problems in high-pressure environments where downtime can have a significant operational and financial impact.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Support Project Managers with daily project coordination during industrial shutdowns and maintenance projects.
- Create and manage purchase orders for materials, equipment, rentals, tools, and project supplies.
- Source vendors, request pricing, negotiate availability, and coordinate deliveries to project sites.
- Research materials, equipment, and specialty tools to support project needs.
- Track inventory using Microsoft Excel and perform inventory control, cycle counts, and material reconciliation.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, inventory logs, project documentation, and procurement files.
- Assist with equipment rentals, fleet coordination, and material logistics.
- Communicate professionally with vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, field personnel, and customers through phone calls and email correspondence.
- Prepare reports, spreadsheets, and project documentation using Microsoft Office and Microsoft Project.
- Spend time alongside Project Managers in the field taking notes, gathering project information, documenting progress, and learning operational processes firsthand.
- Assist with job costing, invoice reconciliation, and project expense tracking.
- Support multiple projects simultaneously while adapting to changing priorities and urgent operational needs.
- Perform additional administrative and operational duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in purchasing, project coordination, procurement, construction administration, or a related field.
- Experience within industrial services, manufacturing, fabrication, construction, oil & gas, power generation, heavy equipment, or similar industries strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Project.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including spreadsheet management, inventory tracking, and data entry.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Outlook.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects while meeting tight deadlines.
- Comfortable working both in an office environment and active industrial job sites.
- Valid driver's license with the ability to travel locally between project sites as needed.
Preferred Traits
The ideal candidate is someone who:
- Takes ownership and follows through until the job is complete.
- Is persistent and resourceful when solving problems.
- Has a strong sense of urgency and performs well under pressure.
- Is comfortable working in environments where priorities change quickly.
- Has thick skin and can confidently communicate with vendors, subcontractors, and field personnel.
- Is eager to learn from experienced Project Managers and grow within the organization.
- Is dependable, flexible, and willing to work overtime during critical project shutdowns.
- Enjoys being both behind a computer and out in the field supporting operations.
Core Competencies
- Purchasing & Procurement
- Project Coordination
- Inventory Management
- Microsoft Project
- Advanced Microsoft Excel
- Vendor Relations
- Administrative Support
- Problem Solving
- Organization & Time Management
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Initiative & Ownership
- Sense of Urgency
- Leadership Potential
Work Environment
This position is approximately 50% office-based and 50% field-based. Employees will regularly work alongside Project Managers at industrial facilities while also supporting procurement, inventory, reporting, and administrative functions from the office.
Occasional overtime, extended workdays, weekends, and schedule flexibility are expected during emergency shutdowns and critical customer projects. Candidates should be comfortable working in fast-paced industrial environments where responsiveness and teamwork are essential to project success.
Commitment to Diversity: As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multi-generational and multicultural workforce, Key Staffing recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability and actively foster inclusion in all forms both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates, and partners.
Pay: $23.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
