Launch Your Career as a Purchasing Agent with the VA

Are you looking for a career that combines technical procurement skill with a mission-driven environment? The Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring a Purchasing Agent for the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System in Nashville, TN. This role is essential to our mission of providing world-class care to our nation's heroes.

Job Responsibilities

As a Purchasing Agent, you will play a critical role in the Supply Chain Management team. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Procurement Support: Conducting small purchases, managing delivery orders, and resolving shipment or payment discrepancies.
Vendor Coordination: Researching open market sources and maintaining relationships with various vendors.
Administrative Oversight: Maintaining accurate records, developing reports using MS Office, and assisting medical staff with procurement priorities.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following:

U.S. Citizenship status.
A valid state driver's license.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level.
Successful completion of an online assessment.
Adherence to the federal seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Comparison: General vs. Specialized Experience

Criteria	General Experience	Specialized Experience
Focus	Clerical office support	Procurement/Purchasing focus
Scope	Administrative tasks	Federal acquisition regulations
Requirement	Not sufficient for this grade	Mandatory for eligibility

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $45,409 to $59,031 annually. Employees benefit from federal retirement packages, comprehensive health insurance, and robust leave policies.

How to Apply

Review the full announcement on USAJOBS.
Ensure your resume is exactly 2 pages or less.
Upload all required supporting documentation (SF-50, etc.).
Submit your application by the closing date of November 5, 2026.

Serving those who served is a rewarding career path. If you possess the organizational skills and procurement knowledge required, we encourage you to apply and become part of the TVHS team.

Why This Purchasing Agent Job Matters

Launch a meaningful career in federal supply chain management while directly supporting those who served our nation in the Nashville area.

Purchasing Agent Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Purchasing Agent to join the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. This role is pivotal in maintaining the efficient flow of critical medical supplies, equipment, and services that empower our healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care to Veterans. Working within the Supply Chain Management department, you will utilize your procurement expertise to navigate complex purchasing requirements, manage vendor relations, and ensure the operational readiness of one of the nation's largest VA networks.

Requirements for Purchasing Agent

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must possess a current, valid state driver's license.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Submission of a professional resume (maximum 2 pages).
Must complete an online assessment.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level.

Preferred Qualifications for Purchasing Agent

Experience in logistics, purchasing, or procurement within complex organizations.
Prior experience working in military or healthcare settings.
Proficiency with Government Purchase Cards.
Demonstrated ability to handle automated inventory systems and Microsoft Office software.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Paid annual and sick leave
✓Federal holidays
✓Life insurance programs
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to Veteran care

💡 How to Apply Purchasing Agent Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Purchasing Agent Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is 2 pages or less.
Submit your application and required documents (SF-50, DD-214 if applicable) before the closing date.
Complete the required online assessment when prompted.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to 2 pages; longer resumes will be disqualified.
Be specific about your hours worked per week and dates of employment.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder for formatting accuracy.
Tailor your resume language to mirror the job requirements.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute education for experience?

No, there is no educational substitution allowed for this specific GS-6 grade level.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this role offers ad-hoc telework, but it is not a fully virtual position.

Are there specific font requirements for my resume?

We recommend using sans-serif fonts like Lato, Arial, or Calibri at a 10-point size for text.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) operates hospitals and clinics across Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky, serving over 146,000 Veterans. We are committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and professional workplace.