Pharmacist Career Opportunity: Defense Health Agency, Little Creek
Are you a dedicated clinical pharmacist looking to make a meaningful impact on the health and readiness of our military service members? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently accepting applications for a Pharmacist position located at the Little Creek Amphibious Base in Virginia. This is an exceptional opportunity for a qualified professional to join a mission-driven organization.
About the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated medical system that delivers health services across the Department of Defense. Serving over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families, the DHA is a strategic partner in combat support and global healthcare delivery. When you join the DHA, you become part of a team committed to "Anytime, Anywhere-Always" readiness.
Job Responsibilities
As a Pharmacist, your day-to-day operations will involve much more than dispensing medications. You will be a vital member of the clinical support team, performing tasks that include:
- Clinical Review: Screening for drug interactions and reviewing laboratory results during the prescription verification process.
- Patient Advocacy: Interviewing patients to identify drug allergies and past adverse reactions.
- Medication Reconciliation: Ensuring accuracy in therapeutic regimens and identifying redundant therapies.
- Collaboration: Working with physicians and practitioners to provide information on proper drug usage.
- Direct Care: Prescribing medications under command-approved protocols and documenting pharmaceutical care in medical records.
Comparison: Public vs. Federal Pharmacy Practice
| Feature | Retail Pharmacy | DHA Clinical Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Customer Service/Sales | Mission Readiness/Clinical Care |
| Patient Base | General Public | Military Members/Retirees |
| Practice Type | High Volume Retail | Integrated Clinical Setting |
| Collaboration | Independent/Limited | Interdisciplinary Health Teams |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: A doctoral degree in Pharmacy (PharmD) from an ACPE-accredited institution.
- Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted pharmacy license.
- Technical Proficiency: Ability to distinguish basic colors and perform clinical assessments.
- Security: Ability to pass a background check and obtain a Secret clearance.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position is competitive, ranging from $135,722 to $176,442 per year, depending on qualifications and locality adjustments. Beyond the salary, the Federal government provides a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Generous Thrift Savings Plan matching
- Federal Pension eligibility
- Extensive leave accrual programs
Application Tips for Success
Applying for federal positions requires strict adherence to documentation standards. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less and contains every detail requested in the announcement. Avoid using jargon or acronyms that HR recruiters might not understand. Finally, ensure your license is clearly attached to your application package to avoid being flagged as ineligible.
If you are a licensed pharmacist with a drive for clinical excellence and a desire to serve the military community, this role at Little Creek offers an unmatched career path. Ensure your documents are prepared and submit your application via the USAJOBS portal before the September deadline.
Why This Pharmacist Job Matters
Join the Defense Health Agency as a Pharmacist at Little Creek and play a critical role in supporting the health and readiness of our nation's military heroes.
Pharmacist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency is seeking a dedicated and professional Pharmacist to join the clinical team at the Little Creek Amphibious Base in Virginia. In this role, you will provide essential pharmaceutical care, including medication dispensing, clinical consultations, and therapeutic monitoring, ensuring that active-duty service members, retirees, and their families receive top-tier medical support. This position operates in a dynamic clinical environment committed to excellence in patient safety and mission readiness.
Requirements for Pharmacist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Doctoral degree in Pharmacy from an ACPE-accredited institution or equivalent
- Current, active, valid, and unrestricted pharmacy license in a U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Minimum of one year of professional pharmacy experience including dispensing, administration, and medication reconciliation
- Ability to distinguish basic colors
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
- Successful completion of a drug test
- Must be able to satisfy the one-year probationary period requirement
Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacist
- Experience in clinical pharmacy within a federal or military medical treatment facility
- Demonstrated ability to perform medication therapy management and patient counseling
- Proficiency in clinical documentation and electronic medical record systems
- Experience with investigational drug handling and command-approved prescribing protocols
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance options
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates
💡 How to Apply Pharmacist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Pharmacist Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing link.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Upload your valid pharmacy license and other required supporting documents.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
- Clearly list your work history including employer names, specific dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.
- Do not use acronyms that may be unfamiliar to HR staff; use plain, descriptive language.
- Triple-check that your license is attached, as missing documentation will render your application ineligible.
- Submit early to avoid technical issues as the system requires time to scan for viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
The pharmacy currently operates Monday through Friday, from 0700 to 1630.
Can I use foreign education for this role?
Yes, but you must provide an evaluation from an accredited organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign education to prove it is equivalent to a U.S. doctoral degree.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this position is not eligible for telework or remote status; on-site presence at the Little Creek Amphibious Base is required.
What is the closing date for this application?
*A: The position closes on September 8, 2026.*
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: While not authorized as a standard, recruitment or relocation incentives may be considered for highly qualified candidates.*