Advance Your Career: Pharmacy Technician (Procurement/Inventory) at the VA
Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes? The Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, is seeking a skilled Pharmacy Technician specializing in Procurement and Inventory. This role is essential to our mission of providing top-tier medical care to those who have served.
Job Responsibilities
As a Procurement Pharmacy Technician, you will serve as an ordering officer, managing complex pharmaceutical supply accounts. Your duties include:
- Procurement: Managing drug inventory through prime vendors and blanket purchase agreements.
- Compliance: Ensuring all purchases meet federal acquisition regulations.
- Inventory Control: Conducting perpetual evaluations of stock to ensure medication availability.
- Training: Assisting in the training and orientation of new staff and students.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria, including:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Certification: Active national certification (PTCB or NHA).
- Background: Ability to clear a security investigation and drug screening.
- Vaccination: Participation in the annual influenza vaccination program.
Comparison: Standard Technician vs. Procurement Specialist
| Feature | Standard Pharmacy Technician | Procurement Pharmacy Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Patient dispensing | Supply chain & ordering |
| Key Skills | Clinical support | Contracting & vendor relations |
| Scope | Medication preparation | Budget & regulatory compliance |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $70,175 to $91,224 per year. The VA provides regular salary increases based on federal performance standards.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off (up to 50 days total).
- Federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Paid parental leave and childcare subsidy options.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Use specific examples in your resume regarding your experience with inventory systems and procurement.
- Use the Template: Ensure you use the mandatory clinical resume template provided by the VA.
- Review Deadlines: Submit your application well before the August 17, 2026, deadline.
Join a team where your work directly ensures the availability of life-saving medications for Veterans. Apply today and build a rewarding career with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Why This Pharmacy Technician (Procurement/Inventory) Job Matters
Join the team at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and play a vital role in ensuring our Veterans receive the high-quality care and medications they earned through their service.
Pharmacy Technician (Procurement/Inventory) Job Overview
The Pharmacy Technician (Procurement/Inventory) position at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC, is a critical role responsible for the complex management of pharmaceutical supply chains. You will act as an ordering officer, managing prime vendor accounts, ensuring contract compliance, and maintaining an efficient inventory that meets the specialized needs of our patient population.
Requirements for Pharmacy Technician (Procurement/Inventory)
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment conditions are met).
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Must undergo a background and security investigation.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
- Successful completion of a probationary trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacy Technician (Procurement/Inventory)
- Experience equivalent to one year at the GS-7 level.
- Active national certification as a Pharmacy Technician (PTCB/CPhT or NHA/ExCPT).
- Strong technical knowledge of federal acquisition regulations and pharmaceutical procurement policies.
- Proven ability to coordinate workflow and train personnel in a complex pharmacy setting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually.
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
- ✓Federal 401k (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
- ✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
- ✓Childcare subsidy options for those who qualify.
💡 How to Apply Pharmacy Technician (Procurement/Inventory) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Pharmacy Technician (Procurement/Inventory) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Download the required clinical resume template provided by the VA.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume, professional certifications, and any relevant SF-50 documentation.
- Submit your final application package before the closing date of August 17, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is clear and specific; do not assume the hiring team knows your previous duties.
- Verify that you have included all necessary documentation (e.g., transcripts or certifications) before submitting.
- Use the specific VA clinical resume template to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
- Monitor your email for status updates following the close of the announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this role?
This role focuses on pharmaceutical procurement, managing supply chains, handling inventory for controlled and non-controlled substances, and ensuring contract compliance within the pharmacy department.
Is this position remote?
No, this is an on-site, in-person position located at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina.
What certification is required?
Applicants must possess an active national certification through either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
What is the trial period?
New employees are subject to a 1- or 2-year trial period to evaluate fitness for the role.
Can I work from home?
No, this position is strictly on-site in Charleston.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to Veterans. Working with the VHA offers more than just a job; it is a commitment to service, honor, and excellence.