Launch Your Career as a Purchasing Agent with the VA
Are you looking to transition into a career where your daily work directly supports the health and quality of life of our nation's Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking talented, detail-oriented individuals to serve as Purchasing Agents within the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS). With openings in San Francisco, Santa Rosa, and Eureka, this is a unique opportunity to join a mission-driven organization.
Job Responsibilities
The primary focus of the Purchasing Agent is to provide medical supply procurement and inventory management. You will serve as the engine behind the scenes, ensuring that clinical staff have the equipment necessary to provide care. Core duties include:
- Procurement Execution: Reviewing and triaging prosthetic consults to ensure Veterans receive the right equipment on time.
- Vendor Management: Evaluating quotes and identifying vendors that offer the best value to the government.
- Inventory Accountability: Managing prosthetic inventory, tracking expiration dates, and ensuring items are stocked.
- Compliance: Ensuring all purchases adhere to strict federal procurement policies and micro-purchase thresholds.
Requirements
To qualify for this role, you must demonstrate a foundation of specialized experience.
| Level | Specialized Experience/Education Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-05 | 1 year of equivalent GS-04 experience OR 4 years of post-high school education. |
| GS-06 | 1 year of equivalent GS-05 experience in medical/prosthetic procurement. |
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and are subject to background investigations. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive salary range of $40,736 to $73,796 annually, depending on the specific duty location and qualifications.
Application Tips
- Resume Limit: As of September 2025, resumes must be exactly two pages or less. Overly long resumes will not be considered.
- Be Detailed: Ensure your resume lists specific start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week. The VA cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Assessment Readiness: If invited to complete the USA Hire assessment, set aside three hours of uninterrupted time.
Working for the VA is an opportunity to dedicate your skills to a noble cause. If you have the procurement background and the drive to help Veterans, we encourage you to apply before the closing date. Join our team and make a lasting impact.
Why This Purchasing Agent Job Matters
Join the VA San Francisco Health Care System and play a vital role in ensuring our Veterans receive the life-changing medical equipment and support they deserve.
Purchasing Agent Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking dedicated individuals for two Purchasing Agent positions within the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS). Based in Northern California, these roles offer a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the well-being of those who served our nation. You will manage the procurement of essential medical supplies, durable equipment, and prosthetic devices, acting as a crucial link between clinical providers and the Veterans who rely on their specialized health services.
Requirements for Purchasing Agent
- U.S. Citizenship
- Ability to complete a one-year probationary period
- Must be able to pass a background and security investigation
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Must complete an online onboarding process and assessment
- Adherence to the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program requirement
Preferred Qualifications for Purchasing Agent
- Experience with medical supply or prosthetic procurement
- Proficiency in VISTA or similar clinical procurement software
- Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume inventory and invoices
- Experience working with federal procurement policies and micro-purchase thresholds
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package
- ✓Opportunities for professional career advancement
- ✓Work-life balance with standard Monday-Friday schedules
- ✓Generous paid time off and leave accrual
- ✓Eligibility for federal retirement benefits
💡 How to Apply Purchasing Agent Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Purchasing Agent Job
- Create a profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
- Prepare a concise, two-page resume highlighting relevant procurement experience.
- Submit your application and complete the required online competency assessments.
- Upload all necessary documentation, including transcripts and veteran preference documents, before the deadline.
- Monitor your status via the application portal for interview notifications.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under two pages; longer resumes will result in disqualification.
- Use specific, results-driven language and explicitly state your hours worked per week for each position.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your duties; document every detail of your relevant experience.
- Save all documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
- Check your spam folder frequently for emails regarding the USA Hire assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely for this position?
No, this is not a virtual position. Candidates must reside within a commutable distance of the selected duty location in San Francisco, Santa Rosa, or Eureka.
Is a degree required to apply?
For the GS-05 level, you may substitute education for experience (4 years of education above high school). There is no educational substitution allowed for the GS-06 level.
What is the role of a Purchasing Agent in PSAS?
You will manage the end-to-end procurement process for prosthetic and sensory aids, including triaging consults, selecting vendors, processing orders, and maintaining inventory accountability.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA San Francisco Health Care System is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served. As part of the Veterans Health Administration, you will be part of an honorable, supportive community. The VA prides itself on being more than just an employer; it is a space where professionals find emotional satisfaction in their work and receive the tools needed to maintain a healthy work-life balance.