Summary/objective

The Inventory Specialist plays a key role in ensuring operational efficiency by maintaining accurate inventory records, coordinating the procurement and distribution of materials, and overseeing warehouse operations for WCWD’s water and wastewater systems. This position supports multiple departments by ensuring adequate stock levels, managing vendor relationships, and optimizing material flow while adhering to safety and compliance standards.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Receive, inspect, store, and distribute a wide variety of materials, equipment, and supplies used in the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems.
• Monitor and maintain accurate inventory records using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software.
• Track, manage, and coordinate reordering of materials based on minimum stock levels, usage history, and planned work to prevent stockouts or overstock.
• Develop and implement inventory management forecasting method within the CMMS/EAM platform to automate reorder point calculations, set and dynamically adjust minimum and maximum stock levels, and adapt inventory controls based on usage trends and evolving work schedules.
• Prepare daily truck stock by analyzing prior-day usage data and scheduled job assignments to restock vehicles with necessary items; fulfill internal inventory requests and ensure that crews are properly equipped at the start of each workday.
• Coordinate with field staff and supervisors to define standard material lists required for fully equipping service vehicles based on job types, seasonal needs, and emergency preparedness requirements, utilizing CMMS/EAM forecasting methods and historical usage data to inform and optimize these lists.
• Collaborate with the IT department to establish data standards and assist in the design and ongoing development the CMMS and EAM systems.
• Assist the Purchasing Agent in purchasing a variety of routine and non-routine items; contacts vendors concerning price and availability of materials, parts, and equipment; solicits bids and quotes; and determines or recommends vendor selection.
• Assists the Purchasing Agent to maintain the District purchase requisition and order system, contract records, project files, status reports, and other related documents while ensuring compliance with policy and procedures.
• Lead physical and cycle counts; reconcile discrepancies and maintain audit-ready inventory records.
• Issue materials to field crews and authorized personnel; ensure proper documentation and tracking. Deliver materials as needed.
• Maintain organized and clean warehouse and yard areas, ensuring materials are stored in compliance with safety and operational protocols.
• Ensure all materials are handled and stored in compliance with OSHA safety standards and internal district policies.
• Operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other warehouse equipment safely and efficiently.
• Assist with disposal or recycling of obsolete inventory and coordinate asset tracking/tagging.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on inventory levels, budget impacts, and purchasing activities.
• During emergency periods, respond to field or emergency material needs after hours, as needed.
• Participate in internal training sessions and maintain knowledge of district materials, safety protocols, and supply chain practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Working knowledge of water and wastewater utility materials (pipes, valves, meters, pumps, etc.).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in inventory management systems, Microsoft 365 suite, and CMMS/EAM platforms.
• Inventory control principles and best practices; practices, theories, and principles related to procurement.
• Ability to analyze data and resolve inventory discrepancies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to evaluate and analyze information to create and communicate recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with vendors, internal teams, and field personnel.
• Familiarity with procurement principles and practices.
• Understanding of basic accounting and purchasing documentation.

Reporting relationships

• Reports to: Manager of Operations
• Coordinates with Operations Coordinator, Construction Supervisor, Operations Supervisor, Water Accountability Supervisor, AMR/AMI Supervisor, and others.

Work environment

• Work performed in both warehouse and office environments.
• Frequent physical movement including loading/unloading shipments, climbing ladders, lifting up to 75 pounds.
• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Regular use of warehouse equipment and vehicles.
• Subject to moderate noise, dust, and movement of heavy equipment.

Physical demands

• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 75 pounds.
• Frequent bending, climbing, reaching, and standing for extended periods.
• Operation of warehouse equipment including forklifts and pallet jacks.

Travel required

Some travel within the WCWD service area to pick up materials, deliver supplies to job sites, and attend vendor meetings or training sessions.

Education and experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, or purchasing, preferably in a utility or public agency environment.
• Associate’s degree or coursework in business, supply chain, logistics, or related field preferred.
• Experience with inventory platforms is highly desirable.

Additional eligibility requirements Certifications and Licenses

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Forklift Certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire).
• First Aid/CPR Certification (must be obtained within 6 months of hire).
• Must reside within a one-hour response time of the work location.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


Warren County Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer