Become a Purchasing Agent with the Veterans Health Administration

Are you looking for a career that combines technical procurement skills with a meaningful mission? The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania, is currently looking for a motivated Purchasing Agent to join our Prosthetic Service. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are detail-oriented, skilled in vendor relations, and dedicated to supporting the healthcare needs of our nation's Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Purchasing Agent, you will serve as a subject matter expert for the Prosthetic Service. Your daily duties will include:

Analyzing consults and prescriptions for medical equipment and services.
Procuring specialized medical equipment through government purchase cards.
Negotiating with vendors to ensure cost-effective solutions.
Managing complex purchase orders and resolving billing discrepancies.
Advising clinical staff on procurement policies and requirements.

Comparison: Procurement Roles

Feature	Purchasing Agent (GS-6)	Administrative Assistant
Core Focus	Supply Procurement	Clerical Support
Negotiation	High	Low
Financial Data	High (Accounts/Funding)	Low
Clinical Focus	High (Medical Equipment)	Low

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

U.S. Citizenship.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level.
Completion of an online competency-based assessment.
Ability to pass background and security investigations.
Compliance with seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.

Salary Overview

This position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) pay system. The salary range for this role is $45,409 to $59,031 per year. Compensation is determined by federal standards and is commensurate with the grade level and location.

Benefits

Employees of the Veterans Health Administration enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous leave accrual policies.
Mission-driven work culture.

Application Tips

Resume Length: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. This is a strict federal requirement.
Clarity: Clearly state your duties and the number of hours worked per week for every position listed.
Formatting: Use a standard, readable font and save your document as a PDF to ensure it remains legible.
Read Thoroughly: Review the entire USAJOBS announcement to ensure you have attached all required supporting documents, such as your SF-50 or military discharge papers (DD-214).

This role offers a unique opportunity to directly influence the procurement of essential medical supplies that improve the lives of Veterans in the Altoona area. If you possess strong organizational skills and a commitment to public service, we encourage you to apply before the closing date.

Why This Purchasing Agent Job Matters

Join the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center and play a vital role in procuring essential care and resources for our nation's Veterans.

Purchasing Agent Job Overview

The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Purchasing Agent to join our Prosthetic Service. In this role, you will act as a subject matter expert, managing the procurement of specialized medical equipment and services that directly impact the quality of life for our Veterans. You will handle complex purchase orders, negotiate with vendors, and ensure that our clinical teams have the necessary supplies to provide world-class healthcare. This position offers a stable, mission-driven work environment in Altoona, Pennsylvania, with a standard Monday-through-Friday schedule.

Requirements for Purchasing Agent

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Must complete a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment.
Must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level.
Current federal employees must meet 52-week Time-in-Grade requirements.
Must complete an online assessment measuring critical job competencies.

Preferred Qualifications for Purchasing Agent

Experience procuring specialized medical equipment and supplies.
Proficiency in managing government purchase card micro-purchases.
Skill in resolving discrepancies and modifying complex purchase orders.
Knowledge of purchasing strategies, including soliciting and vendor negotiations.
Ability to analyze clinical health records to determine patient eligibility for entitlements.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive Federal health insurance options
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
✓Paid federal holidays and accrued annual and sick leave
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Supportive work-life balance with standard daytime office hours

💡 How to Apply Purchasing Agent Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Purchasing Agent Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement and gather required documents (SF-50, transcripts, etc.).
Prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages.
Complete the online application and questionnaire by 11/05/2026.
Follow email instructions to complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments.
Track your application status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is concise, results-focused, and strictly adheres to the two-page limit.
Clearly document your experience with start/end dates and average hours worked per week.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Check your email frequently for notifications regarding assessment links.
Verify your eligibility for Veteran's Preference and submit the required documentation (DD-214, SF-15) if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

No, this is not a virtual position and telework is only available on an ad-hoc basis.

What documentation do I need to prove my Time-in-Grade?

You must submit an SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one year of service at the required grade level. Recent SF-50s may not show the full year, so you may need to provide older documentation as well.

How long do I have to complete the USA Hire assessments?

You should set aside at least three hours to complete the assessments once you receive your unique access link. Ensure you follow all instructions provided in the email notification.

What is the closing date for this position?

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on November 5, 2026.

Is there an educational substitution for this grade?

No, there is no educational substitution for this specific grade level.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to honoring America's Veterans by providing compassionate, whole-health care. By joining our team at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, you become a part of a national organization dedicated to the service of those who have sacrificed for our country. We value our employees and provide a professional environment where growth and contribution are highly encouraged.