Join the Alexandria VA Health Care System: Career Opportunity for a Purchasing Agent

Are you looking to advance your federal career while making a tangible difference in the lives of American Veterans? The Alexandria VA Health Care System is currently hiring a Purchasing Agent to join its Logistics Service team. This role is fundamental to the seamless operation of our medical facilities, ensuring that our healthcare providers have the equipment and services they need to deliver high-quality care.

Job Responsibilities

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for executing the procurement of a diverse range of specialized services, medical supplies, and equipment. Key responsibilities include:

Procurement Execution: Managing delivery orders and small purchases while adhering to federal acquisition regulations.
Vendor Relations: Conducting market research, identifying reliable sources, and processing payments.
Administrative Support: Developing reports using MS Office, maintaining accurate inventory records, and serving as a primary point of contact for medical staff.
Financial Oversight: Monitoring expenditures to identify and prevent potential fraud, waste, and abuse.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal criteria:

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must meet Time-In-Grade (TIG) requirements (e.g., 52 weeks at the GS-05 level for internal applicants).
Must submit a resume of two pages or less.
Must pass a pre-employment physical and background check.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.

Salary Overview

Position Level	Salary Range
GS-06 Purchasing Agent	$45,409 - $59,031 per year

Benefits

Working for the Veterans Health Administration comes with an array of benefits designed to support your work-life balance and long-term security:

Robust Health Insurance programs.
Retirement benefits via FERS and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Comprehensive leave packages (vacation and sick time).
Professional development and training opportunities.

Application Tips

Resume Length: Strictly adhere to the two-page limit.
Documentation: Include your most recent SF-50 to verify your federal employment status and grade.
Clarity: Use precise, results-oriented language. Do not leave room for the agency to make assumptions about your experience.
Formatting: Use clear fonts like Lato or Arial and save as a PDF for best results.

If you possess strong attention to detail and a commitment to logistics excellence, the Purchasing Agent position at the Alexandria VA Health Care System offers a rewarding career path. Apply today to become a part of a team that puts the needs of our Veterans first.

Why This Purchasing Agent Job Matters

Advance your federal career at the Alexandria VA Health Care System and play a vital role in supporting those who served our nation.

Purchasing Agent Job Overview

The Alexandria VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Purchasing Agent to join our Logistics Service team in Alexandria, Louisiana. This position is essential for ensuring that our medical facilities have the necessary equipment, supplies, and services to provide world-class, compassionate care to our Veterans. You will manage procurement tasks, maintain inventory records, and collaborate with diverse teams to resolve shipping and vendor discrepancies in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Requirements for Purchasing Agent

U.S. Citizenship.
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-05 level for current federal employees).
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level.
Successful completion of an online assessment.
Ability to pass a background/security investigation.
Commitment to the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must be able to provide acceptable identification for employment verification.

Preferred Qualifications for Purchasing Agent

Prior experience in federal purchasing or procurement support.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel for report generation.
Experience with automated inventory management systems.
Demonstrated ability to resolve complex vendor, shipment, and payment discrepancies.
Excellent interpersonal skills for liaising with medical staff and external stakeholders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Life and long-term care insurance programs.
✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS pension and TSP.
✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for career advancement within the VA system.
✓Employee assistance programs and wellness resources.

💡 How to Apply Purchasing Agent Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Purchasing Agent Job

Log in or create an account on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your procurement experience and duties, ensuring it does not exceed two pages.
Submit your online application, questionnaire, and all required documents before the closing date.
Complete the required USA Hire assessment if prompted via email.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to two pages or less; longer resumes will result in disqualification.
Clearly define your duties, hours worked per week, and dates of employment for each position on your resume.
Attach all required SF-50 forms to prove time-in-grade and federal status.
Use a professional, sans-serif font (e.g., Lato, Arial) for your resume.
Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, though it is not a virtual position and requires on-site presence as needed.

What is the primary mission of the Alexandria VA Health Care System?

The mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to provide compassionate care to those who have served in our nation's military and their families.

What is the work schedule?

The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, subject to facility needs.

Is there an educational substitution for this grade?

No, there is no educational substitution for this specific grade level.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served our country. The Alexandria VA Health Care System, located in the heart of Louisiana, is not just a workplace but a community-oriented healthcare hub. Known for its accessibility to national forests and high quality of life, Alexandria is an excellent place to build a professional future. Joining our team means committing to a mission of service, compassion, and excellence.