Launch Your Career as a Purchasing Agent with the Veterans Health Administration

Are you looking for a career that combines technical skill with a meaningful mission? The Northport VA Medical Center is currently hiring a Purchasing Agent to join its Logistics Service team. This role is essential to our daily operations, ensuring that the staff who care for our nation’s Veterans have the tools, supplies, and services they need to provide world-class medical treatment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Purchasing Agent, you will act as a vital link between the VA and its vendors. Your daily tasks will include:

Procurement: Managing delivery orders and small purchases to meet the hospital's requirements.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all purchases adhere to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and VA Acquisition Regulations (VAAR).
Financial Management: Acting as a purchase card holder for micro-purchases.
Problem Solving: Addressing and resolving shipment, delivery, or payment discrepancies.
Administrative Support: Preparing reports, maintaining procurement files, and editing purchase requests for accuracy.

Requirements

This position is open to various hiring paths, including federal employees and veterans. Key requirements include:

U.S. Citizenship.
Successful completion of an online assessment.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level.
Adherence to the agency's seasonal influenza vaccination policy.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $53,512 to $69,565 per year, commensurate with your experience and qualifications.

Comparison Table: Why Work for the VA?

Feature	Benefit Description
Mission	Serving those who served our country.
Work-Life Balance	Standard 8AM-4:30PM schedule; potential for telework.
Stability	Federal career status and comprehensive benefits.
Growth	Opportunities for internal promotion and professional development.

Application Tips

To stand out, be sure your resume is concise and strictly adheres to the two-page limit requirement. Focus on results—use your experience section to highlight how your procurement work positively impacted your previous organization. Always include specific dates and hours worked to ensure your eligibility can be verified.

If you have a knack for logistics and a heart for service, a role as a Purchasing Agent at the Northport VA Medical Center is an ideal next step. Apply today to help us provide the best care possible to America's Veterans.

Why This Purchasing Agent Job Matters

Join the Northport VA Medical Center team and play a critical role in supporting those who served our nation by managing essential procurement operations.

Purchasing Agent Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a diligent Purchasing Agent for the Logistics Service at the Northport VA Medical Center. In this role, you will facilitate the acquisition of necessary supplies, equipment, and services through purchase orders and small purchase procedures. You will be responsible for navigating federal acquisition regulations, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring that our medical staff and veterans receive the resources they need to thrive.

Requirements for Purchasing Agent

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Must complete an online application, questionnaire, and assessment.
Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
Must complete a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent.
Must provide an SF-50 demonstrating time-in-grade if currently or previously a federal employee.

Preferred Qualifications for Purchasing Agent

Experience performing clerical or assistant duties in procurement and supply management.
Proficiency with automated inventory management systems and Microsoft Office (specifically Word and Excel).
Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and VA-specific procurement policies.
Proven ability to resolve shipment and payment discrepancies with vendors.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and step increases.
✓Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans.
✓Accrued annual leave and sick time.
✓Opportunities for federal career advancement.
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to the Veteran mission.

💡 How to Apply Purchasing Agent Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Purchasing Agent Job

Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
Review all documentation requirements, ensuring your resume is two pages or less.
Complete the online questionnaire through the application portal.
Attach all required documents, including SF-50s or transcripts if applicable.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Complete the required online assessment if prompted by the system.

💡 General Tips

Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and length.
Ensure your resume includes start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page limit.
Use clear, results-oriented language rather than just listing duties.
Apply well before the deadline to account for potential technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the educational requirement for this position?

There is no educational substitution for this grade level; you must qualify based on your specialized experience.

Can I telework in this role?

Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process, but this is not a fully remote or virtual position.

How long can my resume be?

Per the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes must be limited to two pages. Applications with longer resumes may be deemed ineligible.

Is there an educational requirement?

*A: No, this role is based on specialized work experience rather than a specific degree.*

How do I handle Reasonable Accommodations?

*A: You may request an accommodation for the online assessment through the application portal if you have a documented disability.*

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 nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the Northport VA Medical Center means becoming part of a community that values compassion, integrity, and service. You will be directly contributing to the "Whole Health" care model that supports our veterans in every aspect of their lives.