Pharmacy Technician Opportunity at VA Long Beach Health Care System (GS-07)

Embark on a rewarding career serving those who have served our nation. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, is actively seeking a dedicated and skilled Pharmacy Technician for its Outpatient Pharmacy at the VA Long Beach Health Care System. This critical role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the profound satisfaction of contributing to the health and well-being of America's Veterans. If you are passionate about patient care and possess a strong understanding of pharmaceutical practices, this GS-07 position is an excellent opportunity to advance your career within a mission-focused organization.

About the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the second-largest department in the U.S. federal government, dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in the nation's military and their families. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, providing a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and extended care services. The VA Desert Pacific Health Care Network, which includes the VA Long Beach Health Care System, advocates for a Whole Health System of care. This approach emphasizes empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being through personalized health plans, healing relationships, supportive environments, and community connections.

Job Responsibilities

As a Pharmacy Technician in the Outpatient Pharmacy, your primary responsibility will be to ensure the accurate and efficient preparation and dispensing of medications. This involves a variety of tasks critical to patient safety and care:

Prescription Verification: Accurately verify patient prescriptions using electronic systems like VISTA and CPRS, and ScriptPro barcode scanning to ensure medication validity and status.
Medication Preparation: Accurately count, pour, weigh, measure, mix, package, and label medications as prescribed, ensuring all pharmaceutical practices are followed.
Order Assembly: Review prescriptions for accuracy, select the correct drug (generic or trade name), check expiration dates, and assemble completed orders for pharmacist review.
Customer Service: Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external pharmacy customers, addressing inquiries regarding prescription processing and status.
Inventory Management: Maintain accurate rolling inventories of controlled substances (CS) using pharmacy automation systems and perform complete 72-hour inventory counts for vault and emergency cache supplies.
Storage and Security: Ensure all drugs and supplies are stored appropriately and securely, adhering to United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and VA guidelines, including specialized storage for high-risk, hazardous, controlled substances, and temperature-sensitive items.
Process Improvement: Assist in revising and implementing section management procedures and may assume leadership roles within the scope of assignments.
Workload Prioritization: Effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and proactively support other pharmacy operational areas when workload permits.
Shipping Programs: Ensure proficient use of local mail shipping programs (e.g., Endicia, FedEx) for medication delivery.
Troubleshooting: Assist in troubleshooting automated dispensing equipment (ADE) and various technology platforms and databases.

Requirements

To be considered for this Pharmacy Technician position, applicants must meet the following essential qualifications:

Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed under specific circumstances.
English Proficiency: Must be proficient in both spoken and written English.
Background Investigation: Applicants are subject to a background and security investigation.
Identification: Must provide acceptable forms of identification for pre-employment requirements.
Drug Screening: Applicants for positions designated as testing-designated are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Refusal to test will result in denial of employment.
Seasonal Influenza Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Trial Period: A 1 or 2-year trial period may be required to evaluate fitness and whether continued employment advances the public interest.

Educational and Experience Requirements:

Equivalent Combinations: Equivalent combinations of qualifying education and experience that total at least 100% are qualifying for all grade levels.
GS-07 Level: Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06).
Certification (for positions above the full performance level): Must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) OR the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).

Physical Requirements:

The work requires the ability to perform sustained activities including standing, walking, typing, and procedures necessary for medication procurement and delivery. This includes regular bending, stooping, stretching, and lifting/carrying pharmaceutical supplies up to 40 pounds. Pushing carts within the pharmacy dispensing area is also a key part of the role.

Salary Overview

This Pharmacy Technician position is classified at the GS-07 grade level. The annual salary ranges from $72,849 to $94,706 per year, depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Benefits

As a federal employee with the Department of Veterans Affairs, you are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

Health Insurance: Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program offers a variety of plans to meet your needs.
Dental and Vision Insurance: Available through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
Retirement Plan: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) provides retirement income, life insurance, and long-term care insurance.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A retirement savings and investment plan similar to a private sector 401(k) plan.
Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year.
Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
Continuing Education and Training: Opportunities for professional development and advancement.

Application Tips

To ensure a successful application, please follow these recommendations:

Detailed Resume: Craft a comprehensive resume that clearly outlines your experience, skills, and accomplishments relevant to the Pharmacy Technician role. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
Review Requirements: Carefully read through all the qualification requirements, including education, experience, and any necessary certifications. Ensure your application package directly addresses these.
Complete Questionnaire: Answer all questions in the occupational questionnaire honestly and thoroughly. Make sure your responses align with the information provided in your resume.
Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, such as transcripts, certifications, DD-214 (for Veterans), and SF-50s (if applicable), before starting the application process.
Proofread: Before submitting, proofread your entire application package for any errors or omissions.
Submit Early: Avoid waiting until the last minute. Submit your application well in advance of the closing date to prevent any last-minute technical issues.

This Pharmacy Technician position at the VA Long Beach Health Care System offers a unique opportunity to serve America's Veterans while building a stable and fulfilling career. With a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a commitment to professional growth, this role is ideal for experienced pharmacy technicians looking to make a significant impact. If you are ready to dedicate your skills to a noble cause and join a team that values its employees, we encourage you to apply. Serve your country by serving its Veterans.

Why This Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient Pharmacy) Job Matters

Empower Veterans' health by joining the VA Long Beach Health Care System as a dedicated Pharmacy Technician. Make a tangible difference in our community and advance your career in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient Pharmacy) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, is seeking a motivated Pharmacy Technician for an outpatient pharmacy role at the VA Long Beach Health Care System. This position is crucial in ensuring Veterans receive their medications accurately and efficiently. You'll be an integral part of a healthcare team dedicated to providing exceptional care and supporting the well-being of our nation's heroes. This is an opportunity to contribute to a fulfilling mission within a highly respected organization.

Requirements for Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient Pharmacy)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
Subject to a background and security investigation.
Must complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Must be willing to serve a 1-2 year trial period.
For positions above the full performance level, national certification through PTCB (CPhT) or NHA (ExCPT) is required.
Knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts, and theories.
Knowledge of computerized prescription processing and data entry.
Ability to resolve pharmacy/medication issues with healthcare teams, Veterans, and external customers.
Ability to train developmental pharmacy technicians and students.
Ability to dispense medication accurately following regulations and policies.
Ability to troubleshoot automated dispensing equipment and technology platforms.
Must be capable of sustained standing, walking, typing, bending, stooping, stretching, and lifting up to 40lbs.

Preferred Qualifications for Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient Pharmacy)

Experience as a pharmacy technician with direct patient care in an outpatient setting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary ranging from $72,849 to $94,706 per year.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave.
✓Retirement savings plan (401k) with agency contributions.
✓Life insurance coverage.
✓Professional development and training opportunities.
✓Supportive work environment focused on employee well-being and career growth.

💡 How to Apply Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient Pharmacy) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient Pharmacy) Job

Visit the USAJOBS website and log in or create an account.
Search for this position (Position ID: CBSX-13098595-27-RR).
Click 'Apply Online' to begin the application process.
Complete the occupational questionnaire thoroughly.
Upload all required documents, including your resume, SF-50 (if applicable), and any other supporting documentation.
Review all your responses and uploaded documents for accuracy.
Submit your complete application package by the closing date of October 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is detailed and accurately reflects your experience and qualifications, specifically highlighting skills relevant to pharmacy technician roles.
Pay close attention to the occupational questionnaire and provide clear, specific answers.
Gather all required documents in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and complete.
Submit your application well before the deadline to account for any technical difficulties.
For former federal employees, include a copy of your most recent SF-50.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The annual salary for this Pharmacy Technician position ranges from $72,849 to $94,706.

What are the basic requirements to apply?

Key requirements include U.S. Citizenship, English proficiency, willingness to undergo a background check, and participation in mandatory health programs like the seasonal influenza vaccination. Specific educational or certification requirements may apply depending on the grade level.

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this is not a virtual or telework position. The work is located in Long Beach, California.

What documentation is required for the application?

You will need to submit a long-form resume/CV, and potentially an SF-50 (for current/former federal employees), DD-214 (for Veterans' preference), professional certifications, transcripts, and other supporting documents as specified in the announcement.

What is the full performance level for this position?

The full performance level for this vacancy is GS-07.

What is the salary range for this Pharmacy Technician position?

The annual salary for this GS-07 position ranges from $72,849 to $94,706.

What are the essential qualifications for this role?

Key requirements include U.S. citizenship, English proficiency, willingness to undergo a background investigation and drug screening, and participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program. Specific education and experience equivalent to one year at the GS-06 level are required, with national certification needed for positions above the full performance level.

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

You must submit a long-form resume/CV. Depending on your eligibility, you may also need to provide an SF-50, DD-214, transcripts, professional certifications, and other supporting documentation as listed in the 'Required Documents' section.

What is the full performance level of this position?