Launch Your Career: Purchasing Agent at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center

Are you looking for a career that combines technical procurement skills with a deep sense of purpose? The John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit is currently seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Purchasing Agent to join its Supply Chain Management Service. This role is essential for ensuring that the doctors, nurses, and clinicians who care for our nation’s veterans have the supplies and equipment they need, exactly when they need them.

Job Responsibilities

As a Purchasing Agent, you will be the backbone of daily procurement operations. Your primary duties include:

Purchasing Support: Managing micro-purchases, reviewing purchase requests for accuracy, and resolving shipment or payment discrepancies.
Procurement Execution: Developing selection criteria, conducting market research, and processing orders for medical equipment and services.
Administrative Oversight: Maintaining meticulous records, creating reports in Microsoft Excel, and serving as the primary point of contact for clinical staff regarding procurement status.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-6 position, you must meet several federal requirements:

Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
Documentation: You must provide a current SF-50 dated 01/11/2026 or later.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level (or equivalent) is required.
Assessments: Completion of the online USA Hire assessment is mandatory.
Compliance: Participation in the seasonal flu vaccination program is a condition of employment.

Quick Qualification Comparison

Feature	Requirement Status
U.S. Citizenship	Required
Education	No specific degree required
SF-50 (2026)	Mandatory for current/former employees
Assessments	Required (USA Hire)
Probationary Period	1-2 Years

Salary Overview

This position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) at the GS-6 level. The annual salary range is $50,087 to $65,113, commensurate with experience and federal pay regulations.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits, including:

Competitive health insurance plans.
Federal retirement savings (FERS) with government matching.
Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Training and mentorship opportunities.

Application Tips

Focus on the Resume: Keep your resume to two pages or less. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you hit all the required data points.
Be Specific: Do not assume the hiring team knows your duties. Explicitly state your hours worked and your specific responsibilities in every past role.
Double-Check Dates: Ensure your SF-50 clearly shows your time-in-grade eligibility.

If you have a knack for logistics, a commitment to accuracy, and a desire to serve the Veteran community, this Purchasing Agent role in Detroit offers the perfect opportunity to advance your career while making a tangible impact. Prepare your application materials, review the requirements carefully, and apply before the July 31, 2026, deadline.

Why This Purchasing Agent Job Matters

Launch a mission-critical career in procurement where your daily work directly supports the specialized medical care of our nation's heroes at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center.

Purchasing Agent Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Purchasing Agent to join the Supply Chain Management team in Detroit, Michigan. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in the acquisition of essential medical supplies, equipment, and services. You will act as a key liaison for clinical staff, ensuring that the facility has the tools necessary to provide top-tier care to Veterans. This position is ideal for an organized professional who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment focused on accuracy, efficiency, and exceptional customer service.

Requirements for Purchasing Agent

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must pass a background and security investigation.
Required to complete a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Must be registered with the Selective Service (if male and born after 12/31/1959).
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must meet time-in-grade requirements (if a current or former federal employee).
Must submit a recent SF-50 (dated 01/11/2026 or later) to verify eligibility.
Ability to complete online USA Hire assessments.

Preferred Qualifications for Purchasing Agent

Experience as a Senior Purchasing Agent in an agency headquarters setting.
Proficiency in micro-purchasing procedures using computerized inventory management systems.
Strong technical competence in Microsoft Office suite (Word and Excel).
Proven experience in resolving shipment, payment, or procurement discrepancies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
✓Participation in a mission-driven, Whole Health-focused environment.

💡 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 does not exceed two pages, focusing on relevant accomplishments.
Complete the online application and questionnaire before the closing date.
Upload all required documentation, including current SF-50s and transcripts if applicable.
Submit your application through the portal.
Monitor your email for a link to complete the required USA Hire Assessment.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes month/year start and end dates and hours worked per week for every position.
Submit your most recent SF-50; without a 2026-dated document, you may be disqualified from the internal area of consideration.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting meets the two-page requirement.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Set aside at least three hours of uninterrupted time to complete the USA Hire assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

Ad-hoc telework may be approved based on agency policy and supervisory approval; however, this is not a virtual or full-time remote position.

What happens if my SF-50 is missing?

Failure to provide a recent SF-50 dated 01/11/2026 or later will result in you not receiving the first area of consideration and may lead to your disqualification.

Are there physical requirements for this job?

The position does not inherently require physical labor that cannot be performed with reasonable accommodation.

Is there educational substitution for this grade?

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

What is the work schedule?

*A: This is a Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM position.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care to over 330,000 Veterans in Southeast Michigan, the Detroit VAMC is a Level 1B teaching hospital. By working here, you aren't just filling a job; you are joining a mission-driven team dedicated to the 'Whole Health' approach, prioritizing the well-being of those who have served.