Launching Your Career as a Purchasing Agent with the Veterans Health Administration
Are you looking for a career that combines technical procurement skills with a mission-driven purpose? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Syracuse, New York, is currently seeking a motivated Purchasing Agent to join its Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS). This role is more than just procurement; it is a vital link in the chain of care that provides medical equipment and supplies directly to the men and women who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
The Purchasing Agent acts as the operational lead for procurement within the Prosthetic Service Line. Key responsibilities include:
- Procurement Execution: Managing the purchase of medical supplies, surgical implants, and durable medical equipment.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and VA-specific directives to ensure legal and efficient procurement.
- Coordination: Serving as a primary point of contact for clinical providers, surgeons, and external vendors to fulfill Veteran needs.
- Data Management: Utilizing automated systems to track inventory, process invoices, and manage procurement packages.
Salary and Grade Overview
This position is categorized under the General Schedule (GS) system. Below is a breakdown of the current compensation for this role.
| Position Level | Pay Scale | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Purchasing Agent | GS-6 | $45,409 - $59,031 |
Qualifications and Requirements
To qualify for this GS-6 level position, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level. Your background should demonstrate:
- Experience in procurement clerical support.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Ability to summarize technical information from files to create reports.
- Direct experience working with vendors or medical staff to prioritize procurement needs.
How to Apply
The application process is conducted through the federal hiring portal. Ensure you have your documentation ready, specifically your most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Log in to your account and review the job opportunity announcement.
- Create or update your two-page maximum resume.
- Complete the online questionnaire.
- Complete the required USA Hire assessment to measure your professional competencies.
A role with the VHA is an opportunity to contribute to a noble mission while building a stable, long-term career in federal service. If you have the procurement skills and a passion for supporting Veterans, we encourage you to submit your application before the closing date.
Why This Purchasing Agent Job Matters
Join the Veterans Health Administration in a vital role ensuring our nation's heroes receive the medical equipment and support they need.
Purchasing Agent Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Purchasing Agent to join the Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) team. In this role, you will be the backbone of medical procurement for Veterans, coordinating critical clinical requirements ranging from durable medical equipment to surgical implants. You will act as a key liaison between medical staff, clinical providers, and external vendors to facilitate care for those who have served our country.
Requirements for Purchasing Agent
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must meet all qualification and time-in-grade requirements by the closing date.
- Completion of an online assessment is required.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must successfully complete a background/security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Current federal employees must provide an SF-50 to verify time-in-grade.
- Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
Preferred Qualifications for Purchasing Agent
- Experience in medical supply procurement or related inventory management.
- Proven ability to manage procurement packages within an Electronic Contract Management System (eCMS).
- Familiarity with VA or federal purchasing regulations (FAR/VAAR).
- Strong organizational skills for managing detailed specifications and complex statements of work.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and pay schedule.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Retirement savings plans (FERS) with government matching.
- ✓Career advancement and training opportunities within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- ✓Opportunities for credit toward annual leave based on qualifying prior service.
💡 How to Apply Purchasing Agent Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Purchasing Agent Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
- Prepare your resume according to the two-page limit requirement.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, SF-50s, or military service records.
- Submit your application and complete the required online questionnaire.
- Complete the mandatory online assessment if prompted after submission.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages to remain eligible.
- Be specific about your hours worked per week; a full year is based on 35-40 hours weekly.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
- Clearly document your duties in chronological order.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder for optimal formatting compliance.
- Set aside three hours for the assessment process; it can be saved and resumed if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is located in Syracuse, New York, and requires on-site presence.
What is the education requirement for this role?
There is no specific educational substitution for this grade level; qualification is based on relevant specialized experience.
Can I update my resume after submitting?
Yes, you may edit your application until the announcement closes, but you must resubmit the entire package.
What if I have a disability that prevents me from taking the online assessment?
*A: You may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. The agency will evaluate these requests on a case-by-case basis.*
How long should my resume be?
*A: To comply with current federal hiring policies, your resume must be two pages or less.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and their families. The Veterans Health Administration, the largest integrated health care system in the U.S., provides comprehensive care to millions of Veterans. Working at the VHA means being part of a team dedicated to compassionate, whole-health care.