Launch Your Career as a Purchasing Agent with the VHA

Are you looking for a career that combines administrative expertise with a meaningful mission? The VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System is currently seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Agent to support our clinical and administrative teams. This position offers a stable federal career, competitive pay, and the unparalleled satisfaction of serving those who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As a Purchasing Agent, you will serve as a vital link in the medical supply chain. Your primary focus will be procuring essential medical equipment and prosthetic devices. Your daily responsibilities include:

Facilitating the acquisition of durable medical equipment and supplies.
Adhering to strict Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and VAAR guidelines.
Collaborating with clinical providers to assess and fulfill Veteran-specific medical needs.
Managing vendor relations and ensuring all entities are registered within the System for Award Management (SAM).
Maintaining accurate documentation in the Electronic Contract Management System (eCMS).
Reconciling purchases and providing regular reports on prosthetic expenditures.

Requirements

To be eligible for this role, applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet the following criteria:

Experience/Education: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level or an equivalent combination of education and experience (at the GS-5 level).
Assessment: Completion of the USA Hire online assessment is required.
Compliance: Participation in the mandatory influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment.
Time-in-Grade: Current federal employees must have held a position at the GS-5 level for at least 52 weeks.

Comparison: GS-5 vs. GS-6 Qualifications

Feature	GS-5 Level	GS-6 Level
Experience Requirement	1 Year Specialized	1 Year Specialized (at GS-5 level)
Education Substitution	Yes (4 years post-HS)	No
Core Focus	Routine purchases	Complex purchasing & analysis

Salary and Benefits

This position is graded at the GS-5 to GS-6 level, offering a salary range of $45,963 to $66,605 per year. Beyond the salary, the VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Health and Wellness: Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and life insurance options.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.

Application Tips for Success

Respect the Limits: The federal government has moved to a two-page maximum for resumes. Keep yours concise and impact-focused.
Documentation Matters: If you are a current federal employee, upload your most recent SF-50 and any older SF-50s needed to prove your 52-week time-in-grade.
Tailor Your Content: Use keywords from the job announcement to describe your past experience. Recruiters cannot make assumptions about your qualifications if they are not explicitly written.

If you have the skills to manage complex procurement tasks and a heart for serving Veterans, this Purchasing Agent position at the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System is an ideal fit. Apply before the deadline to take the next step in your federal career.

Why This Purchasing Agent Job Matters

Become a vital part of the Veterans Health Administration team in Leeds, Massachusetts, and help us fulfill the promise to our nation's heroes by ensuring they receive the high-quality medical equipment they deserve.

Purchasing Agent Job Overview

The VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Purchasing Agent to join our team. In this role, you will perform essential procurement and inventory management duties, specifically focusing on prosthetic and sensory aids services. Your work will directly impact the daily lives of Veterans by ensuring they have timely access to durable medical equipment and supplies. You will operate in a dynamic healthcare environment, collaborating with clinical staff and external vendors to facilitate efficient service delivery.

Requirements for Purchasing Agent

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must complete an online assessment.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period.
Must comply with mandatory annual influenza vaccination requirements.
Must provide valid, REAL ID-compliant identification.
Current federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Purchasing Agent

Experience with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and VAAR protocols.
Proficiency in electronic contract management and medical inventory databases.
Strong background in administrative support within a medical or clinical setting.
Proven ability to manage procurement cards and reconcile complex financial records.
Demonstrated skill in collaborating with medical professionals to meet patient-specific needs.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Generous retirement savings programs, including TSP
✓Paid federal holidays
✓Annual and sick leave accrual
✓Life and long-term care insurance options
✓Professional development and training opportunities
✓Supportive and inclusive work environment

💡 How to Apply Purchasing Agent Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Purchasing Agent Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Ensure your resume explicitly details duties, hours worked per week, and employment dates.
Gather required documents, including SF-50s for federal employees and transcripts if using education to qualify.
Complete the online application and questionnaire before the deadline.
Check your email for instructions regarding the mandatory USA Hire assessment.
Submit your complete application package by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting requirements.
Check your resume for the two-page limit; over-length resumes will result in immediate disqualification.
Be specific about your experience; do not assume the recruiter knows your past duties.
Verify your SF-50 clearly shows time-in-grade; award SF-50s are not sufficient.
Save and upload your documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I qualify for this role using only my education?

Substitution of education for experience is only applicable at the GS-5 level, provided the coursework is directly related to the position. There is no educational substitution allowed for the GS-6 level.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a virtual position. While Ad-Hoc telework may be available, you are expected to be on-site at the VA facility in Leeds, Massachusetts.

What happens if I forget to submit my SF-50?

Incomplete application packages will not be considered. You must include all required documentation, such as your most recent SF-50, at the time of submission.

Is relocation assistance offered for this role?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.

Can I update my application after submitting it?

Yes, you may edit your application in your USAJOBS account at any time before the announcement closes.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare to America’s Veterans. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) stands at the forefront of this mission, managing one of the largest healthcare systems in the world. Joining the VA means becoming part of a community dedicated to integrity, compassion, and excellence.