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Purchasing Research Intern

Division of State Purchasing

State of Florida Department of Management Services

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

 

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Purchasing Research Intern will conduct national and local research related to purchasing and contract management policies and procedures. This research will be used to drive change within the Division of State Purchasing, impacting purchasing and contract policies and procedures across the State of Florida. This in-person position will work with the Deputy Director of Operations and purchasing staff at the Department of Management Services' main office in Tallahassee, FL approximately 20 hours per week during the summer and fall semesters of 2026. The Purchasing Research Intern may:

 

  • Communicate with stakeholders at various levels.
  • Review various procurement policies and procedures.
  • Conduct task analyses.
  • Organize and analyze data.
  • Present data to stakeholders, including agency leadership.
  • Produce clear reports with actionable recommendations.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

 

In the Division of State Purchasing, we:

 

  • Recognize other perspectives and treat all with respect, kindness, and empathy.
  • Own what we do; we share what we know.
  • Do the right thing whether someone is watching or not.
  • Ask questions to seek deeper understanding.
  • Innovate to add value.

 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The ideal candidate is:

  • Professional. Ability to work in an office environment.  
  • Communications driven. Ability to utilize written and oral communication methods to accurately and succinctly convey information.
  • Business oriented. Knowledge surrounding procurement, contracting, risk management, supply chain and logistics, or finance.
  • Organized. Skilled with planning long-term projects to achieve positive outcomes.
  • Technology oriented. Comfortability with standard applications like Microsoft Office and Adobe. Willingness to learn other applications as necessary.

 

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Currently a Junior, Senior, or Graduate-level student with a minimum GPA of 3.0 participating in a degree program in the following major areas: supply chain, logistics, business, accounting, finance, risk management, human performance, data analysis, or related.
  • This position requires sedentary work and repetitive motion.
  • Ability to work well in teams.
  • Ability to be available from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

Our Organization and Mission:
Under the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, Secretary Pedro Allende and DMS’ Executive Leadership Team, the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) is a customer-oriented agency with a broad portfolio that includes the efficient use and management of real estate, procurement, human resources, group insurance, retirement, telecommunications, fleet, and federal property assistance programs used throughout Florida’s state government. It is against this backdrop that DMS strives to demonstrate its motto, “We serve those who serve Florida.”

Florida's purchasing power allows the Division of State Purchasing to deliver the best value in goods and services for state agencies and eligible users. The division strives to develop and implement sound and transparent procurement practices throughout the state and is dedicated to building strong relationships with state agencies, eligible users, and vendors. The division promotes fair and open competition in the state's procurement process and provides professional leadership and guidance to state agencies.

Application Process

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and copy of your transcript. Please send all questions regarding this position to:

Gerard Steele, Deputy Director of Operations
Division of State Purchasing
Florida Department of Management Services
Gerard.Steele@dms.fl.gov
(850) 879-1050

Special Notes:
DMS is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce.  Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following provided email addresses:
DMS.Ability@dms.fl.gov
DMS.Veterans@dms.fl.gov
An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DMS Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 488-2707. DMS requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.