Advance Your Pharmacy Career: Become a Pharmacy Technician at the Birmingham VA Medical Center
Are you a certified pharmacy technician looking to make a meaningful impact? The Birmingham VA Medical Center is hiring a dedicated professional to join our specialized team. This role offers the chance to apply your skills in sterile compounding and patient-centered pharmacy care to support our nation’s Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a GS-8 Pharmacy Technician, you will perform high-level functions that require technical expertise and independent judgment, including:
- Sterile Compounding: Preparation of hazardous and non-hazardous sterile medications following USP 795, 797, and 800 standards.
- Inventory Management: Monitoring and rotating stock, managing chemotherapy supplies, and minimizing waste.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to VHA, Joint Commission, FDA, and OSHA safety guidelines.
- Staff Training: Orienting new employees and students on proper pharmacy policies and procedures.
- Workflow Analysis: Coordinating daily pharmacy operations to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the following criteria:
- Certification: Active national certification (PTCB or ExCPT).
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
- Physical Standards: Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 40 pounds.
- Vaccination: Participation in the mandatory influenza vaccination program.
Salary and Comparison Table
This position is graded at the GS-8 level. Compensation reflects the technical demand and the clinical significance of the work provided to our Veterans.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $65,210 – $84,770 |
| Grade | GS-8 |
| Location | Birmingham, Alabama |
| Schedule | 8-hour shifts, including weekends/holidays |
| Clearance | Not Required |
Benefits of Working at the VA
Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, a generous retirement plan with TSP matching, and consistent paid time off. Beyond the financial incentives, you will enjoy the reward of serving those who have sacrificed for our country.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Use your resume to specifically describe your experience with compounding and automated systems.
- Documentation: Ensure your certification and transcripts are attached to your application package.
- Follow Instructions: Carefully follow the prompts in the USAJOBS portal to ensure you don't miss any required questions.
If you are ready to elevate your pharmacy career and join a mission-driven organization, the Birmingham VA Medical Center encourages you to apply. This role offers professional fulfillment, competitive federal pay, and the opportunity to serve a community of deserving Veterans.
Why This Pharmacy Technician Job Matters
Elevate your career as a Pharmacy Technician with the Birmingham VA and provide essential, life-saving care to our nation's heroes.
Pharmacy Technician Job Overview
The Birmingham VA Medical Center is seeking a skilled and dedicated Pharmacy Technician for a full-performance (GS-8) position. You will play a critical role in our specialized pharmacy department, focusing on sterile compounding, hazardous drug handling, and pharmacy operations. If you are a nationally certified technician with a passion for excellence, join our mission-driven team to serve those who have served.
Requirements for Pharmacy Technician
- U.S. Citizenship (unless recruitment of citizens is not possible).
- Current national certification through PTCB (CPhT) or NHA (ExCPT).
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Completion of a background and security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting up to 40 pounds and standing for long periods.
Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacy Technician
- Advanced knowledge of USP 795, 797, and 800 standards.
- Experience in sterile and non-sterile hazardous medication compounding.
- Proficiency in managing automated dispensing systems and pharmacy inventory.
- Demonstrated skill in training and orienting staff and students.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate workflow in a clinical setting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and pay scale.
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP) with employer matching.
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within the VA system.
- ✓Access to the VA's integrated health care mission and supportive work culture.
💡 How to Apply Pharmacy Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Pharmacy Technician Job
- Create or log in to your account at USAJOBS.
- Prepare your long-form resume, transcripts, and proof of certification.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire linked in the announcement.
- Upload all required supporting documents (SF-50, licenses, etc.).
- Submit your application package before the deadline of November 2, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in sterile compounding and pharmacy operations.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your previous duties; be specific and detailed.
- Double-check that all certifications are active and clearly documented in your application.
- Submit your package well before the closing date to avoid technical delays.
- Verify that your transcript shows the required science or pharmacy-related coursework if you are using education to qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of certification is required for this role?
Applicants must hold an active national certification through either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB/CPhT) or the National Health career Association (NHA/ExCPT).
Can I telework in this position?
No, this position requires on-site work and is not eligible for telework due to the nature of sterile compounding and pharmacy operations.
What is the work schedule for this position?
The schedule consists of 8-hour shifts between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, including rotating weekends, holidays, and nights.
Is relocation authorized?
No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
U.S. citizens are prioritized. Non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are unavailable.
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. The Birmingham VA Medical Center is a 139-bed tertiary care facility. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality, compassionate, and comprehensive health care, ranging from primary care to complex surgical, oncological, and rehabilitative services.