Launch Your Career as a Purchasing Agent with the VA
Are you looking to transition into a stable federal role where your work directly impacts the health and well-being of America's Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Purchasing Agent to support the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. This role is ideal for those with strong procurement, administrative, and inventory management skills.
Job Responsibilities
As a Purchasing Agent, your primary responsibility is to ensure that medical facilities have the necessary supplies to operate effectively. Your duties will include:
- Procurement Support: Researching and purchasing medical equipment and services using purchase cards.
- Inventory Management: Tracking obligations and monitoring expenditures to prevent waste.
- Administrative Coordination: Communicating with medical staff regarding procurement needs and maintaining accurate records.
- Regulatory Compliance: Following federal acquisition guidelines to process orders accurately.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must meet several federal requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level |
| Documentation | 2-page resume limit |
| Security | Must pass a background investigation |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $45,409 to $59,031 per year. In addition to base pay, federal employees enjoy comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement savings (TSP), and generous paid leave.
Application Tips
- Format Your Resume: Ensure it is exactly two pages or less.
- Documentation: Include all relevant SF-50 forms if you are a federal employee.
- Clarity: Clearly state your hours worked per week for every position listed.
This role is a fantastic opportunity to start a meaningful career within the federal government. Ensure you submit your application by the closing date and follow all instructions provided in the announcement.
Why This Purchasing Agent Job Matters
Launch a meaningful career supporting our nation's heroes by joining the Veterans Health Administration as a Purchasing Agent in Tennessee.
Purchasing Agent Job Overview
The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Agent to join the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service. This pivotal role ensures that Veterans receive the essential medical equipment and supplies they need. You will manage procurement requests, handle vendor interactions, and maintain supply inventory for our medical facilities in Murfreesboro and Nashville, playing a direct role in the quality of care provided to our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Purchasing Agent
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must meet one-year time-in-grade requirements if a current Federal employee (GS-5 equivalent)
- Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level
- Registration with Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
- Subject to background and security investigation
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Must maintain a maximum two-page resume format
Preferred Qualifications for Purchasing Agent
- Experience utilizing a government-issued purchase card
- Working knowledge of medical terminology
- Ability to type at least 40 words per minute (WPM)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package
- ✓Health and life insurance options
- ✓Retirement savings plans
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Ad hoc telework opportunities
- ✓Professional development and training
- ✓Potential for leave accrual credit based on prior service
💡 How to Apply Purchasing Agent Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Purchasing Agent Job
- Create or update your account on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume that is no more than two pages.
- Review all required documents, including SF-50s if you are a federal employee.
- Submit your online application and complete the required questionnaire by the closing date.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire online assessments if prompted.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly lists job titles, duties, start/end dates, and hours worked per week.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page limit.
- Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting.
- Double-check that your SF-50 forms clearly demonstrate one-year time-in-grade eligibility.
- Set aside three hours to complete the online assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of this position?
The Purchasing Agent supports the Prosthetics & Sensory Aid Service by procuring medical supplies and equipment, managing inventory, and ensuring administrative compliance.
Can I work remotely?
This is not a virtual position, though it does offer ad-hoc telework flexibility.
Is there a page limit for my resume?
Yes, federal agencies now enforce a strict two-page limit for resumes for this role.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, relocation incentives are not authorized for this role.
Can I apply if I am not a veteran?
Yes, this position is open to various hiring paths, though veterans' preference may apply if you qualify.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans, the VA is committed to excellence, innovation, and compassion. By joining the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, you will be part of a team that serves Veterans across middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky.