Launch Your Federal Career as a Purchasing Agent with the VA
Are you looking for a role that combines administrative expertise with a meaningful mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring a Purchasing Agent for the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. This position is vital for maintaining the supply chain that supports our nation's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Purchasing Agent, you will manage the procurement of highly specialized medical equipment and supplies. Your daily tasks include:
- Executing small purchases and micro-purchases.
- Collaborating with clinical staff to identify medical supply needs.
- Managing inventory and resolving shipment or payment discrepancies.
- Preparing reports and briefing materials for administrative review.
- Utilizing automated supply management systems.
Requirements
Applicants must be U.S. Citizens and must meet the following criteria:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level.
- Time-in-Grade: Current federal employees must demonstrate 52 weeks of service at the GS-5 level.
- Assessment: Completion of an online competency-based assessment.
- Vaccination: Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza program.
Salary and Comparison Table
This position is graded at the GS-6 level. Please see the compensation breakdown below:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | GS-6 |
| Salary Range | $45,409 - $59,031 |
| Schedule | Full-Time (M-F) |
| Duty Location | Murfreesboro / Nashville, TN |
Benefits
Working for the VA offers a robust benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous retirement savings through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Paid vacation and sick time.
- Access to professional development and career mobility programs.
Application Tips
To succeed in your application, ensure your resume is limited to two pages and highlights results-oriented language. Be sure to include your hours worked per week, as the agency will not make assumptions about your experience. Always upload your documents in PDF format to maintain professional formatting.
Joining the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is an excellent way to serve those who have served our country. If you are an organized, detail-oriented individual, we encourage you to apply for this Purchasing Agent role and become part of our dedicated healthcare team.
Why This Purchasing Agent Job Matters
Advance your administrative career while making a direct impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System as a Purchasing Agent.
Purchasing Agent Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Agent to join the Prosthetics and Sensory Aid Service. This role is essential to our mission, ensuring that our Veterans receive timely access to critical medical supplies, equipment, and services. You will act as a bridge between administrative operations and clinical needs, managing the procurement lifecycle from initial requests to final delivery. Based in the vibrant Tennessee Valley area, this position offers the opportunity to work in an integrated healthcare environment serving thousands of Veterans across multiple locations.
Requirements for Purchasing Agent
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade)
- Must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level
- Completion of an online assessment
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation
- Adherence to seasonal influenza vaccination requirements for Health Care Personnel
- Successful completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period
Preferred Qualifications for Purchasing Agent
- Prior experience utilizing a Government Purchase Card
- Working knowledge of medical terminology
- Demonstrated ability to type at least 40 words per minute (WPM)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance programs
- ✓Flexible work schedules including Ad Hoc Telework
- ✓Professional development opportunities
💡 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 is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online application and assessment questionnaire.
- Attach all required documentation, including SF-50s for current/former federal employees.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
- Complete the USA Hire assessment if notified via email.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly states the hours worked per week and includes specific month/year dates for all positions.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page limits.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your documents meet current federal requirements.
- Set aside at least three hours for the USA Hire Assessment.
- Double-check your SF-50s to ensure they prove your time-in-grade eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the resume length requirement?
As of September 2025, federal agencies require resumes to be two pages or less. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite position located in Tennessee. Ad Hoc telework may be available, but this is not a fully remote role.
What medical documentation is required?
While no pre-placement physical is required, you must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
How do I request a reasonable accommodation?
You may request an accommodation for the online assessment within your application profile before beginning the tests.
What if I have gaps in my employment?
The VA is committed to fair hiring practices and does not deny employment based on periods of unemployment or financial hardship.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is an integrated health system serving over 146,000 Veterans across middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky. TVHS is dedicated to the mission of fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served. With state-of-the-art facilities in Murfreesboro and Nashville, we provide comprehensive care ranging from primary health services to specialized tertiary treatments.