Sales Representative, Prison Industries
California State Personnel Board Specification
Definition
Under the direction of the Sales Manager, Prison Industries, to perform independently the office and field work necessary to develop sales outlets and provide consultation to public agencies for all products manufactured and services offered by Prison Industries; and to do other related work.
Typical Tasks
Acts as sales representative for products and services of Prison Industries enterprises including wood and metal furniture, educational products, library and laboratory equipment, paper towels and tissue, detergents, clothing, bedding, shoes, tobacco, canned goods, and laundry; calls on purchasing agents, city and county administrators, and other public officials to provide or present detailed drawings and specifications and to discuss the merits of Prison Industries products and their application to potential customer needs; advises the Prison Industries management on competitive prices, market trends, sales potentials, customer reactions to Prison Industries and commercial products and possible new products for addition to the line; consults with customers in such matters as office layout, color coordination, and product design; investigates customer complaints and takes or recommends appropriate action; arranges for and accompanies customer tours of Prison Industries enterprises as well as other institutional areas; addresses various groups on programs of the Department of Corrections; may appear before county boards of supervisors, city councils, school boards, or other public agencies and bodies; in conjunction with presentations to or negotiations with public agencies may contact the local news media; keeps informed on new developments in product and material categories utilized and manufactured by Prison Industries; keeps abreast of departmental program developments to provide information and answer questions for persons contacted; participates in exhibits, conferences, conventions and periodic sales staff meetings; prepares reports and correspondence.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
Two years of experience in the Prison Industries program of the Department of Corrections performing the duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to that of Sales Order Supervisor.
Or II
Experience: Three years of experience as a wholesale or institutional salesperson selling a variety of products to large public or private organizations. (Experience as a route salesperson or rack jobber is not considered qualifying.) and
Education: Equivalent to completion of two years of college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required college education on a year-for-year basis.)
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles, techniques, and trends in marketing practice; problems involved and methods used in sales work; laws pertaining to the Prison Industries and to prisons; organization and functions of the Department of Corrections and Prison Industries; organizations, facilities and services of city, county and State agencies; industrial design, color coordination, and office layout; materials and processes used by Prison Industries in the manufacture of products in various categories.
Ability to: Communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written presentations; plan and make preliminary designs of custom products or adapt stock items to fit customer needs; analyze situations accurately; independently organize tasks to make efficient use of time; present the program of the Department of Corrections as well as products of Prison Industries; establish and maintain effective cooperative relations with persons contacted; make comprehensive and accurate field reports.
Special Personal Characteristics
Demonstrated sales ability; ability to work with relative independence; neat personal appearance; willingness to travel; tact; willingness to work irregular hours.
