Become a Purchasing Agent with the Veterans Health Administration
Are you looking for a career that combines administrative expertise with a meaningful mission? The Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia, is hiring a Purchasing Agent. This position plays a critical role in the logistics chain, ensuring that our healthcare providers have the tools they need to serve our nation's Veterans effectively.
Job Responsibilities
As a Purchasing Agent, your daily tasks will involve:
- Procurement Support: Researching products, managing vendor relationships, and issuing purchase orders.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all acquisitions align with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and VA-specific guidelines.
- Administrative Oversight: Managing purchase card transactions, updating inventory systems, and maintaining accurate records.
- Coordination: Acting as a point of contact for medical staff to resolve supply chain discrepancies.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level.
- Meet the Time-in-Grade requirements if you are a current federal employee.
- Successfully complete a background investigation and pre-employment onboarding.
Salary Overview
The GS-6 grade level for this position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $45,409 to $59,031, depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits Table
| Benefit Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Retirement | FERS & Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching |
| Insurance | Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance options |
| Leave | Paid vacation and sick leave accrual |
| Flexibility | Ad-hoc telework eligibility based on agency policy |
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Keep your resume to a strict two-page limit to comply with federal hiring standards.
- Clarity: Use precise language when describing your duties. Do not assume the reviewer understands your specific tasks.
- Documents: Upload all required SF-50 forms and veteran documentation (if applicable) as PDFs.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the healthcare infrastructure serving our Veterans. If you are detail-oriented, have a background in logistics or procurement, and value public service, we encourage you to apply before November 6, 2026.
Why This Purchasing Agent Job Matters
Join the VA team in Huntington and make a direct impact on the lives of those who served by ensuring they have the vital supplies and resources they need.
Purchasing Agent Job Overview
The Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Purchasing Agent to join our Logistics Service team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing the procurement of supplies, equipment, and services that keep our medical centers functioning efficiently. You will utilize your knowledge of federal procurement regulations and commercial business practices to support medical staff, manage government purchase cards, and maintain accurate inventory records. This is a vital position that requires a high level of detail, strong administrative skills, and a commitment to our mission of providing compassionate care to Veterans.
Requirements for Purchasing Agent
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period.
- Must pass a background and security investigation.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent.
- Must be able to provide all required documentation, including SF-50s for current or former federal employees.
Preferred Qualifications for Purchasing Agent
- Experience with federal procurement regulations, such as the FAR and VAAR.
- Proficiency in utilizing automated supply and inventory management systems.
- Strong skills in administrative coordination and office management.
- Proven ability to resolve discrepancies in shipment and payment documentation.
- Experience working with medical staff to identify and prioritize procurement needs.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and training.
- ✓Flexible work-life balance options including ad-hoc telework.
💡 How to Apply Purchasing Agent Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Purchasing Agent Job
- Create or log in to your account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare your resume, ensuring it is two pages or less.
- Attach all required documents, including proof of eligibility if applicable.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Submit your application before the closing date of November 6, 2026.
- Check your email for notifications regarding mandatory online assessments.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is formatted clearly and does not exceed the two-page limit.
- Clearly document your work hours; one year of experience is defined as 35-40 hours per week.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all necessary details are included.
- Be specific when describing your duties; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Save your resume and supporting documents as PDF files to maintain formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Purchasing Agent at the VA?
You will be responsible for procuring medical and administrative supplies, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring all purchases comply with federal regulations like the FAR and VAAR.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position is eligible for ad-hoc telework according to the agency's policy, but it is not a virtual position.
What if I am a former federal employee?
You must provide an SF-50 that demonstrates your time-in-grade eligibility to qualify for the position.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling the promise made to those who served in our military. The Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center provides comprehensive health services across southwestern West Virginia, southeastern Ohio, and eastern Kentucky, maintaining a network of facilities that rely on efficient procurement to operate smoothly.