Launch Your Career as a Materials Handler at the Northport VA Medical Center
Are you looking for a stable career where your hard work directly impacts the lives of those who served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a diligent and physically capable Materials Handler to join the Logistics Service team at the Northport VA Medical Center. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy dynamic, fast-paced work environments, organizational tasks, and the satisfaction of ensuring medical teams have the supplies they need.
Job Responsibilities
As a Materials Handler, you will serve as a key player in the supply chain of the medical center. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Receiving and Processing: Verifying incoming shipments against electronic purchase orders and resolving discrepancies.
- Inventory Management: Maintaining the flow of materials through the warehouse, including shelving, rotating stock using the FIFO (First-In, First-Out) method, and monitoring temperature-sensitive products.
- Distribution: Picking and packing orders for clinical areas, ensuring timely delivery to meet the facility's emergency and daily needs.
- Equipment Operation: Safely operating powered industrial vehicles, including forklifts and hand trucks.
- Safety and Compliance: Adhering to OSHA safety standards and maintaining a clean, orderly warehouse environment.
Work Requirements Comparison
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Ability | Must handle items over 100lbs with equipment/help |
| Licensing | Current, valid, unrestricted driver's license |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Vaccination | Annual influenza vaccination is required |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must hold a valid, unrestricted driver's license.
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation.
- Willingness to participate in the mandatory influenza vaccination program.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $26.89 to $31.39 per hour, commensurate with experience and federal pay scales.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs enjoy a robust benefits package, including potential credit for prior military or federal service toward leave accrual, access to health and retirement programs, and the professional stability that comes with a federal appointment.
Application Tips
- Format Matters: Ensure your resume is in PDF format and strictly adheres to the two-page limit requirement.
- Detail Your Experience: Since specific training requirements vary, be explicit about how your past experience prepared you for warehouse, logistics, and inventory work.
- Documents: Double-check that all required SF-50 forms and veteran preference documentation are uploaded correctly.
Serving our Veterans requires dedication, precision, and a strong work ethic. If you are ready to apply your logistics skills in a meaningful way, we encourage you to apply for the Materials Handler position at the Northport VA Medical Center before the November 2, 2026, deadline.
Why This Materials Handler Job Matters
Join the dedicated team at the Northport VA Medical Center and play a vital role in ensuring our nation’s heroes receive the essential supplies and equipment they need.
Materials Handler Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a motivated Materials Handler to join our Logistics Service in Northport, New York. In this role, you will be the backbone of our warehouse operations, ensuring the efficient receipt, storage, distribution, and inventory management of bulk and bin materials. You will collaborate with team members to support clinical and administrative departments by delivering vital supplies and maintaining a safe, organized, and compliant workspace.
Requirements for Materials Handler
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possession of a current, valid, and unrestricted state-issued driver's license.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
- Must complete a pre-employment physical and background/security investigation.
- Requirement to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting items over 40-100 lbs and frequent walking/pushing/pulling.
- Must serve a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Preferred Qualifications for Materials Handler
- Experience in warehouse operations, inventory management, or logistics support.
- Proficiency in operating powered industrial vehicles such as forklifts and powered hand trucks.
- Demonstrated ability to follow technical instructions and maintain accurate inventory records.
- Knowledge of hazardous material handling and safety protocols.
- Experience in a healthcare or hospital logistics environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay
- ✓Federal leave accrual (with potential credit for prior military or work experience)
- ✓Comprehensive health and wellness programs
- ✓Opportunity to serve the Veteran community
- ✓Structured career path within the federal government
💡 How to Apply Materials Handler Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Materials Handler Job
- Create or log into your account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Review the job announcement and ensure your resume is limited to a maximum of two pages.
- Prepare your documents, including your resume and relevant SF-50 forms, in PDF format.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all required supporting documentation by the 11/02/2026 deadline.
- Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting consistency.
- Use concise, results-oriented language that aligns with the job duties described.
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid disqualification.
- Clearly document your relevant experience, including hours worked per week for part-time positions.
- Verify that your SF-50 documentation clearly demonstrates your time-in-grade if you are a federal employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is experience in a warehouse required?
While no specific length of training is mandatory, you must provide evidence in your resume that your experience and skills are sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
What physical demands should I expect?
The role involves walking, pushing, and pulling, as well as lifting boxes weighing over 40 pounds and handling larger items over 100 pounds with the help of specialized equipment or teammates.
Do I need a driver's license?
Yes, a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required to operate government-owned vehicles.
What is the work schedule?
The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Can I submit a photo of my driver's license?
No, please do not submit a photo of your license. You may be asked to provide the physical document during the interview process.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. By joining the Northport VA Medical Center, you become a valued member of a team providing compassionate, high-quality care to Veterans and their families.