Become a Purchasing Agent with the Department of Veterans Affairs

Are you looking for a career that combines technical expertise with a meaningful mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a motivated Purchasing Agent to join the Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) in Columbus, Ohio. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have served our country. As a member of our team, you will ensure that Veterans receive the essential medical equipment, rehabilitation tools, and sensory aids they need to live full, healthy lives.

Job Responsibilities

As a Purchasing Agent, your work will directly impact patient care. Your responsibilities will be split between complex and routine procurement tasks:

Technical Procurement: Utilizing the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and VA policies to acquire medical supplies.
Clinical Support: Coordinating with medical providers to determine the necessary equipment for Veterans based on clinical assessments.
Inventory Management: Managing the storage and retrieval of medical aids, ensuring supplies are available when needed.
Discrepancy Resolution: Managing shipment, payment, and order errors to ensure seamless service delivery.

Daily Task Comparison

Feature	Complex Purchasing	Routine Purchasing
Frequency	60% of duties	40% of duties
Focus	Specialized Medical/Surgical	Standard Durable Equipment
Complexity	High (Regulatory/Clinical)	Moderate (Operational)

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following federal requirements:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience: One full year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level.
Assessment: Completion of required online assessments.
Health: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Salary Overview

This position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale at the GS-6 grade level. The salary range for this role is $47,383 to $61,598 per year, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Working for the federal government comes with unparalleled benefits, including:

Competitive salary with regular step increases.
Robust health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Generous leave accrual (annual and sick leave).
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

Application Tips

Keep it Short: Your resume cannot exceed two pages.
Be Specific: Detail your hours per week and specific duties to ensure your qualifications are clear.
Formatting: Use a standard, legible font and save your document as a PDF.
Check Your Email: If you are required to complete a USA Hire assessment, watch your inbox (and spam folder) for the unique URL.

If you are ready to put your procurement skills to work for a noble cause, we encourage you to apply today. The Veterans of Columbus, Ohio, are waiting for your support. Join us in fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served.

Why This Purchasing Agent Job Matters

Launch a rewarding career with the Department of Veterans Affairs and make a tangible difference in the lives of those who served our nation.

Purchasing Agent Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Purchasing Agent to join the Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) at the VA Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. In this role, you will play a critical part in the procurement of essential medical equipment and supplies, ensuring that our Veterans receive the high-quality care and support they deserve. This is a technical position that requires precision, compliance with federal regulations, and a genuine passion for supporting the Veteran community.

Requirements for Purchasing Agent

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level.
Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
Ability to perform light physical tasks, such as lifting up to 25 pounds and moving within a warehouse/clinical environment.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Purchasing Agent

Experience in procurement or supply chain management for medical facilities.
Familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and VA-specific procurement policies.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a healthcare setting.
Proficiency in managing inventory and resolving supply discrepancies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Generous paid time off and leave accrual
✓Predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities
✓Comprehensive federal healthcare and retirement programs
✓Opportunities for professional growth within a mission-driven organization

💡 How to Apply Purchasing Agent Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Purchasing Agent Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages.
Complete the online questionnaire and required assessments.
Upload all necessary supporting documents, including transcripts and veteran documentation if applicable.
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date of July 13, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet formatting requirements.
Focus your resume on results-oriented language and specific competencies required for the role.
Ensure your resume clearly lists hours worked per week, as full-time is calculated at 35-40 hours.
Double-check your email spam folder for notifications regarding the USA Hire assessment.
Upload documents as PDFs to maintain formatting and page count integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a virtual position. Candidates must reside within a commutable distance of the VA Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.

What is the page limit for the resume?

To comply with the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes must be no longer than two pages.

Are there physical requirements for this job?

Yes. The role involves warehouse inventory management, which may include lifting up to 25 pounds, standing, bending, and walking between various medical center departments.

Do I need a degree for this position?

*A: No, there is no specific educational substitution for this grade level, provided you meet the required specialized experience.*

What is the work environment like?

*A: It is a hybrid of office-based purchasing and active warehouse management, requiring some physical movement and lifting.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional care that improves their health and well-being. Working for the VA means becoming part of a community that values compassion, integrity, and excellence. We offer a supportive environment, excellent work-life balance, and the opportunity to serve those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.