Logistics and Purchasing Specialist at W. M. Keck Observatory

Waimea/Kamuela, Hawaii, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

20 Mar, 26

Salary

75998.0

Posted On

20 Dec, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Purchasing Skills, Microsoft Office Proficiency, Inventory Tracking, Vendor Management, Logistics Coordination, Process Improvement, Forecasting, Troubleshooting

Industry

Research Services

Description

Logistics and Purchasing Specialist Application Deadline: 18 January 2026 Department: Administration Employment Type: Full Time Location: W.M. Keck Headquarters Reporting To: Procurement Manager Compensation: $64,160 - $75,998 / year Description Love logistics? Take pride in purchasing? Thrive on making things happen behind the scenes? We’re looking for someone who can keep our telescopes turning and our spare parts stocked, could that be you? You’ll support the backbone of our operations—ensuring our operations and project teams have what they need to succeed. Keep our supply chain flowing like a well-oiled hydrostatic bearing system. (Don’t worry. We’ll explain what that means.) Work with a team that loves clear skies as much as efficiency! Ready to help ensure our telescopes are safely on sky tonight and every night? Apply today if you want to make logistics legendary and propel purchasing! Why Choose W. M. Keck Observatory: Competitive starting salary ranging from $64,160 to $75,998. Generous benefits package, including 4 weeks of annual paid vacation. A robust 8% 403(b) employer contribution (with a 4% employee contribution). Tuition assistance for dependent children grades K-12 attending private school on Hawai’i Island. Comprehensive, employer provided health insurance. Be a part of a dedicated team working on the frontiers of astronomy. Key Responsibilities The Logistics Behind the Logistics and Purchasing Specialist: Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Logistics and Purchasing Specialist ensures the timely purchase and delivery of goods and services to our facility. This role routinely reviews requisitions, prepares purchase orders and maintains vendor relationships to secure quality products at competitive prices. The Logistics and Purchasing Specialist tracks inventory, forecasts need, and helps prevent shortages or overages through smart planning. Working with internal customers, the Logistics and Purchasing Specialist follows organizational policies and industry standards for purchasing and logistics, including maintaining records of certain assets. This role must also identify bottlenecks, troubleshoot delivery challenges, and recommend process improvements for efficiency. Most importantly, the Logistics and Purchasing Specialist must partner with operations, finance, and project managers to align purchasing and logistics with organizational goals. Required Qualifications: Education Associate degree, technical certification, or other relevant experience. Experience At least two (2) years of purchasing, inventory, or logistics experience, preferably in a technical or scientific environment. Skills Purchasing Skills Microsoft Office Proficiency. Ability to learn how to use new software platforms. Good working knowledge of parts and supplies procurement and computerized inventory tracking. Certificates and License Valid driver's license and clean abstract.

Responsibilities

The Logistics and Purchasing Specialist ensures the timely purchase and delivery of goods and services, maintaining vendor relationships and tracking inventory. This role involves collaborating with various teams to align logistics with organizational goals.