Pharmacy Technician at the Department of Veterans Affairs: A Rewarding Career in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Are you a dedicated and skilled Pharmacy Technician looking for a career that offers purpose, stability, and excellent benefits? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) invites qualified individuals to apply for Pharmacy Technician positions at the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is an exceptional opportunity to serve the nation's heroes while advancing your professional career in a supportive and growth-oriented environment. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and a commitment to work-life balance, a career with the VA offers a truly fulfilling path.

About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in the nation's military and their families. The VA operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and other facilities across the country, providing a wide range of medical services to eligible veterans. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), a major component of the VA, is dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. The Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System (EOVAHCS) is a vital part of this network, offering comprehensive medical and surgical care, as well as behavioral health and rehabilitation services.

Job Responsibilities: What You'll Do as a Pharmacy Technician

As a Pharmacy Technician at the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System, you will be entrusted with significant responsibilities, often working with independent judgment and minimal oversight. Your role is critical to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the pharmacy services. Key duties include:

• Applying Pharmacy Principles: Utilizing knowledge of pharmacy technician principles, practices, concepts, and theories to perform duties and exercise sound technical judgment.
• Prescription Management: Managing the computerized prescription process, accurately entering prescriptions and medication orders, or their electronic equivalents.
• Problem Resolution: Collaborating with healthcare team members, Veterans, and external customers to resolve pharmacy and medication-related issues.
• Mentorship and Training: Training and mentoring developmental pharmacy technicians and students to foster competency and adherence to safe pharmacy practices.
• Medication Dispensing: Accurately dispensing medications and sterile products in strict accordance with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure safe medication distribution.
• Technology Support: Troubleshooting automated dispensing equipment (ADE) and pharmacy technology platforms/databases to maintain efficient operations and resolve technical challenges.

These positions are classified at the GS-7 grade level, indicating a high level of responsibility and the expectation of autonomous work. Technicians at this level often mentor junior staff, assist in performance improvement initiatives, and contribute to various pharmacy settings, including contact centers and non-traditional locations.

Requirements: Qualifications You'll Need

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following basic and specialized requirements:

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed under specific circumstances.
• English Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Background Investigation: Subject to a background and security investigation.
• Drug Screening: Applicants tentatively selected for positions designated as testing-designated will undergo urinalysis for illegal drug use.
• Identification: Must provide acceptable forms of identification for pre-employment requirements (Note: REAL ID compliant identification will be required effective May 7, 2025).
• Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
• Trial Period: A 1 or 2-year trial period may be required to evaluate fitness and public interest.

Grade Determinations (GS-7):

• Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6).
• Certification: Must hold an active national certification as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Demonstrated proficiency in:
  • Pharmacy technician principles and independent work.
  • Computerized prescription processing and data entry.
  • Resolving pharmacy/medication issues with healthcare teams, Veterans, and customers.
  • Training junior technicians and students.
  • Safe medication dispensing practices and procedures.
  • Troubleshooting automated dispensing equipment and pharmacy technology.

Education

While specific educational degrees are not mandated as a basic requirement for all grade levels, any education or degrees used for qualification must be from U.S. Department of Education recognized accredited institutions. Foreign education must be deemed equivalent by a recognized U.S. organization.

Salary Overview

The Pharmacy Technician position is graded at the GS-7 level. The annual salary for this position ranges from $54,124 to $70,363 per year. This salary reflects the GS pay scale and may be subject to locality adjustments. As a federal employee, you can expect regular salary increases based on performance and the federal pay scale.

Benefits: Why Choose a Career with the VA?

Joining the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy a generous allotment of 37 to 50 days of paid time off annually, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Parental Leave: Access up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child, after one year of employment.
• Child Care Subsidy: Full-time employees earning below $144,000 annually may be eligible for a childcare subsidy.
• Retirement: Benefit from a traditional federal pension with a 5-year vesting period and a federal 401(k) plan with VA matching contributions.
• Insurance: Access a range of federal insurance programs, including health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care, with many options transferable into retirement.
• Work-Life Balance: The VA is committed to fostering a healthy work-life balance for its employees.

Application Process: How to Apply

To apply for this exciting opportunity, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official USAJOBS website (USAJOBS.gov).
2. Create a USAJOBS account or log in if you already have one.
3. Click on 'Apply Online' and locate this job announcement.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and any other required supporting documents.
5. Complete the occupational questionnaire. Be thorough and honest in your responses.
6. Submit your complete application package, ensuring all required documents are uploaded, by the closing date: December 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

It is crucial to ensure your application is complete and submitted on time. Late submissions may not be considered.

Application Tips for Success

• Tailor Your Resume: Carefully align your resume content with the duties and qualifications listed in the job announcement. Use keywords from the announcement to highlight your relevant experience.
• Detailed Experience: Provide specific details about your past work experience, including job titles, duties performed, employment dates (month and year), and hours worked per week.
• Required Documents: Ensure you have gathered and uploaded all necessary documents as specified in the 'Required Documents' section. Missing documentation is a common reason for disqualification.
• Occupational Questionnaire: Answer each question in the questionnaire thoughtfully. Your responses are a critical part of the evaluation process.
• Review and Verify: Before final submission, review your entire application package for accuracy and completeness. Proofread carefully to avoid any errors.
• Understand the Grade Level: Recognize that these vacancies are above the full performance level and require national certification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this position?	The annual salary ranges from $54,124 to $70,363.
What are the basic eligibility requirements?	U.S. Citizenship, English proficiency, ability to pass a background investigation, and willingness to undergo drug screening and participate in the influenza vaccination program.
Is national certification required?	Yes, for these GS-7 positions, which are above the full performance level, national certification (PTCB or NHA) is a required qualification.
What documents are needed for the application?	A resume/CV, professional certification, and SF-50 (if applicable). Transcripts, DD-214, or disability letters may also be required based on your eligibility.
Is this a remote or telework position?	No, this position is located at the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is not a remote or telework position.
What is the work schedule?	Work schedules involve variable shifts, including day shifts (Sunday-Saturday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM or 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM) and night shifts (Monday-Thursday, 8:00 PM - 7:00 AM, or Friday-Sunday, 8:00 PM - 8:00 AM).
When is the application deadline?	This announcement is open continuously and closes on December 31, 2026.
What does 'above the full performance level' mean?	It indicates that the position requires more experience and skills than a standard entry-level position at this grade, often involving leadership, specialized tasks, or mentoring duties. For this role, it specifically necessitates national certification.
Can I apply if I am currently a federal employee?	Yes, current permanent VA employees and current permanent federal employees of other agencies are eligible to apply. Ensure you follow the specific instructions for federal employees regarding SF-50 submission if applicable.

A career as a Pharmacy Technician with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers a unique blend of professional challenge and profound personal reward. By joining the VA, you become part of an esteemed organization dedicated to serving those who have served our country. With competitive compensation, robust benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, this is an ideal role for a qualified and compassionate Pharmacy Technician. Don't miss this chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of Veterans. Apply today!