Empower Your Career: Inventory Management Specialist at VA Portland

Are you searching for a career where your organizational skills directly benefit the lives of others? The VA Portland Health Care System is currently seeking a highly motivated Inventory Management Specialist to join our logistics team. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in supply chain and inventory control within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Whether you are an early-career professional or an experienced logistician, this role provides the stability of Federal employment combined with the rewarding mission of serving those who have served our nation.

Job Responsibilities

As an Inventory Management Specialist, your daily contributions will be vital to the success of our health care facility. Key responsibilities include:

Inventory Control: Managing expendable and durable medical equipment (DME) to ensure optimal stock levels.
Strategic Forecasting: Utilizing data to predict supply needs and preventing shortages.
Analytical Problem Solving: Identifying trends in inventory data and recommending process improvements.
Stakeholder Coordination: Liaising with clinical teams, vendors, and procurement specialists to ensure seamless logistics operations.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GS-07	GS-09
Experience Requirement	1 Year Specialized	1 Year Specialized (higher level)
Education Substitution	1 Year Graduate	Master's/2 Years Graduate
Performance Focus	Learning/Progressive	Full Performance Level

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must be U.S. citizens and meet the specific specialized experience or educational requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. Because this role involves the physical management of supplies, you must be comfortable lifting boxes under 40 pounds. Additionally, all employees must participate in the VA's seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Salary Overview

This position is part of a career ladder (GS-07 to GS-09). The annual salary range is $54,370 to $86,461, depending on the grade at which you are selected and your qualifications.

Benefits

Working for the VA comes with an industry-leading benefits package, including:

Extensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
A robust federal pension system and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
13 days of sick leave and substantial annual leave.
Opportunities for career advancement and federal service mobility.

Application Tips

Focus on Results: Quantify your achievements in previous roles.
Adhere to the Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
Detail Your Experience: Clearly list hours worked per week to ensure credit for part-time or full-time roles.
Proofread: Double-check that your transcripts and SF-50 forms are attached correctly.

If you are ready to apply your logistics talents to a meaningful mission in a beautiful location like Vancouver, Washington, we encourage you to review the full job requirements and submit your application today. Serving our Veterans is not just a job—it is a calling.

Why This Inventory Management Specialist (Ex) Job Matters

Join the VA Portland Health Care System and play a pivotal role in ensuring our Veterans receive the medical equipment and supplies they depend on daily.

Inventory Management Specialist (Ex) Job Overview

The VA Portland Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Inventory Management Specialist to join the Logistics Service. In this vital role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end management of expendable supplies and durable medical equipment, ensuring our clinical teams have exactly what they need to provide world-class, compassionate care to our nation's heroes. This position offers a dynamic career ladder from GS-07 to GS-09, allowing you to develop your logistics expertise in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

Requirements for Inventory Management Specialist (Ex)

U.S. Citizenship
Must complete an online assessment
Must be able to lift light boxes up to 40 pounds
One-year probationary period is required
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Background and security investigation clearance

Preferred Qualifications for Inventory Management Specialist (Ex)

Experience in managing durable medical equipment and expendable inventory
Proven ability to use automated inventory management systems
Strong analytical skills for forecasting supply needs and resolving logistics issues
Experience in acquisition strategy development for medical equipment
Demonstrated ability to coordinate with clinical staff and external vendors

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health Insurance
✓Federal Retirement Plan (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
✓Paid Federal Holidays
✓Generous Annual and Sick Leave accrual
✓Work-life balance in a structured Monday-Friday schedule

💡 How to Apply Inventory Management Specialist (Ex) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Inventory Management Specialist (Ex) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare a Federal-style resume (max 2 pages) highlighting relevant experience and hours worked.
Complete the online questionnaire.
Upload required documents (transcripts, SF-50s, etc.).
Submit your application before the closing date of October 16, 2026.
Complete the USA Hire Assessment if prompted.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes month and year for all start/end dates.
Explicitly state hours worked per week for all previous roles to verify full-time status.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting complies with the two-page limit.
Upload transcripts as PDFs to maintain formatting.
Highlight your experience with specific medical supply systems and logistics software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I qualify with education instead of work experience?

Yes, for the GS-07 level, one full year of graduate-level education may qualify you. For the GS-09 level, a master's degree or two years of progressively higher-level graduate education may be substituted.

Is this a remote or virtual position?

No, this is an on-site position based in Vancouver, Washington, and requires daily presence for inventory management duties.

How long is the probationary period?

New hires are required to complete a one-year probationary period or a two-year trial period to evaluate performance and conduct.

What if my SF-50 is more than a year old?

*A: You must provide a supplemental SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade eligibility.*

Is there an assessment required?

*A: Yes, you will likely be required to complete an online USA Hire assessment after submitting your initial application.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: to care for those who have served in our military, as well as their families and survivors. The VA Portland Health Care System is a premier facility committed to providing compassionate, whole-health care. By joining our team, you become a critical link in the chain of care that ensures our clinicians and staff have the necessary tools and equipment to perform their life-saving work.