Become a Vending Supply Clerk with the Veterans Canteen Service
Are you looking for a stable career opportunity that allows you to give back to those who have served our country? The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is currently hiring a Vending Supply Clerk in Albany, NY. This role is essential to the day-to-day operations of our healthcare facilities, ensuring that patients, families, and staff have reliable access to refreshments and supplies.
Job Responsibilities
As a Vending Supply Clerk, your daily duties are varied and hands-on. Your primary goal is to ensure all assigned vending machines are fully operational, clean, and stocked with high-quality products. Key tasks include:
- Inspecting Machines: Conducting daily checks to ensure machines are functioning correctly and are fully stocked.
- Inventory Control: Placing and receiving supply orders, maintaining stockroom efficiency, and rotating stock to prevent spoilage.
- Maintenance: Performing minor equipment troubleshooting and contacting vendors for complex repairs.
- Sanitation: Ensuring all machines meet manufacturer and VCS sanitation standards.
- Financial Security: Verifying cash collections from machines, documenting transactions, and ensuring funds are secured for management.
- General Support: Assisting in the cafe, brew, or retail store as needed to support team goals.
Comparison: Vending Supply Clerk vs. General Retail
| Feature | Vending Supply Clerk | Typical Retail Clerk |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Environment | Facility-wide (Vending Machines) | Store Counter |
| Physicality | High (lifting/walking) | Moderate (standing) |
| Primary KPI | Machine Uptime/Stock Levels | Sales Volume |
| Customer Interaction | Minimal (Supportive) | High (Direct Sales) |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate:
- Experience: At least one year of hands-on experience with vending machines.
- Physical Ability: Must be capable of lifting up to 40 lbs unassisted and spending the workday standing, walking, and bending.
- Documentation: A valid REAL ID is required for access to the facility.
- Character: Ability to pass a federal background investigation.
Salary Overview
This position offers a set hourly rate of $20.25 per hour. A formal pay-setting process is used to determine final compensation, and the salary will be within the advertised range.
Benefits
Joining the VA healthcare team means more than just a paycheck. You will gain the stability of federal employment, contribute to a noble mission, and work within an organization that values employee growth and the welfare of Veterans.
Application Tips
- Highlight Experience: Be explicit about your vending machine maintenance background. Assume the hiring panel knows nothing about your past roles.
- Volunteer Work: Do not discount volunteer work. If you have handled inventory or maintenance in a volunteer capacity, include it in your resume.
- Follow Procedures: Ensure your USAJOBS account is up to date and your application package includes all requested documents before the September 16, 2026, deadline.
Working for the Veterans Canteen Service is a unique opportunity to provide essential services in a meaningful setting. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to contribute to the VA mission in Albany, we encourage you to submit your application today.
Why This Vcs - Vending Supply Clerk - Albany Ny Job Matters
Support those who served by keeping essential services running—join the Veterans Canteen Service as a Vending Supply Clerk in Albany, NY.
Vcs - Vending Supply Clerk - Albany Ny Job Overview
The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking a motivated and reliable individual to join our team in Albany, New York. As a Vending Supply Clerk, you will play a vital role in the daily operations of our vending program, ensuring that Veterans, their families, and VA staff have access to quality products and services. You will be responsible for the upkeep, sanitation, and inventory of vending equipment, contributing directly to the comfort and convenience of those who rely on the VA Healthcare system.
Requirements for Vcs - Vending Supply Clerk - Albany Ny
- Minimum of one year of prior experience working with vending machines
- Ability to read and interpret detailed instructions and manuals
- Basic mathematical proficiency for inventory and cash handling
- Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service
- Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and lift/move up to 40 pounds unassisted
- Possession of a current, valid REAL ID
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service
Preferred Qualifications for Vcs - Vending Supply Clerk - Albany Ny
- Prior experience in retail or food service environments
- Proven track record of maintaining equipment or small-scale inventory systems
- Experience with cash handling and balancing registers or vending machine currency
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly compensation
- ✓Opportunity to serve the Veteran community
- ✓Stability of federal government employment
- ✓Structured work environment with clear policies
💡 How to Apply Vcs - Vending Supply Clerk - Albany Ny Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Vcs - Vending Supply Clerk - Albany Ny Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.gov
- Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully
- Prepare your resume detailing relevant experience and volunteer work
- Complete the required occupational questionnaire
- Upload all necessary supporting documentation, including SF-50s if applicable
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 16, 2026
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions regarding your experience.
- Include both paid and unpaid/volunteer experience to highlight your competencies.
- Double-check that all required documents are uploaded; incomplete packages will not be considered.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
- Ensure your document uploads have cleared the security virus scan prior to the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Vending Supply Clerk?
You are responsible for inspecting, stocking, cleaning, and maintaining vending machines, as well as managing inventory and assisting in cafe or retail operations when needed.
Do I need specific experience to apply?
Yes, you must have at least one year of experience working with vending machines to qualify for this role.
Is Veterans' Preference applied to this role?
Because the Veterans Canteen Service operates under 38 U.S.C. 7802, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply, though qualified Veterans will be given full consideration.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
Since 1946, the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) has been an integral part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare system. As the largest healthcare network in the United States, the VA relies on VCS to provide reasonably priced merchandise and services that contribute to the comfort and well-being of Veterans. We pride ourselves on being a Veteran-facing organization dedicated to excellence and service.