Lead Pharmacy Excellence: Associate Chief of Pharmacy at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System
Are you an experienced pharmacy leader looking to make a meaningful impact? The VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System (VASNHCS) is currently seeking a highly skilled professional for the role of Associate Chief of Inpatient Pharmacy. This position offers a unique blend of clinical leadership, operational management, and the opportunity to serve those who have served our country. Situated in the heart of Reno, Nevada, this role provides the chance to work in a high-caliber healthcare facility while enjoying the world-class outdoor lifestyle offered by the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Job Responsibilities
The Associate Chief of Inpatient Pharmacy oversees all facets of inpatient medication management. Key responsibilities include:
- Operations Management: Directing 24/7 inpatient pharmacy services, including sterile compounding, unit-dose distribution, and automated dispensing.
- Leadership & Supervision: Managing a diverse team of supervisors, clinical pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians. This includes performance management, mentoring, and professional development.
- Quality & Compliance: Ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, medication safety protocols, and VA policies. You will develop systems for internal review and quality assurance.
- Collaboration: Partnering with physicians, nursing staff, and medical center committees to optimize patient outcomes and resolve complex clinical medication concerns.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-14 position, candidates must meet the following baseline criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education | Graduate of an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy (BS Pharmacy or Pharm.D.) |
| Licensure | Full, current, and unrestricted pharmacist license |
| Experience | Equivalent to at least one year at the GS-13 grade level |
| Professionalism | Proficiency in written and spoken English |
Salary Overview
The compensation for this position is commensurate with the GS-14 pay scale, ranging from $161,706 to $210,224 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits
Working for the VA provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being, including:
- Federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Accrued annual and sick leave.
- Opportunities for professional development and residency program support.
- A balanced lifestyle in beautiful Reno, NV, near Lake Tahoe.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly detail your leadership and management experience in your resume. Do not leave the hiring panel guessing about your qualifications.
- Documentation Matters: Ensure you have your transcripts and license verification ready. If you are a veteran, include your DD214 and any necessary preference documents.
- Follow Procedures: The online questionnaire is mandatory. Ensure you complete it in its entirety before the November 18, 2026, deadline.
If you are a clinical pharmacy leader with a passion for excellence, the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System is the place for you. Apply today to help us uphold our promise to our nation's Veterans.
Why This Associate Chief Pharmacy Service Job Matters
Step into a pivotal leadership role as the Associate Chief of Pharmacy at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System and directly impact the lives of our nation's heroes in beautiful Reno, Nevada.
Associate Chief Pharmacy Service Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a highly skilled and motivated pharmacist to serve as the Associate Chief of Inpatient Pharmacy. In this senior leadership capacity, you will oversee pharmacy operations at a 120-bed tertiary care facility. This role involves managing complex inpatient services, including acute, surgical, and psychiatric care, while ensuring the highest standards of medication safety, resource management, and patient-centered clinical excellence.
Requirements for Associate Chief Pharmacy Service
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be appointed only if no qualified citizens are available)
- Graduate of an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy with a BS Pharmacy or Pharm.D. degree
- Full, current, and unrestricted pharmacist license in a U.S. State, Territory, or District of Columbia
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening
- Must undergo a background and security investigation
- Participation in annual seasonal influenza vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination programs
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Associate Chief Pharmacy Service
- Prior supervisory or pharmacy leadership experience
- Board Certification (e.g., BCPS, BCCCP)
- Experience with VA pharmacy systems and automation (Pyxis, BCMA)
- Knowledge of age-specific care for adult and geriatric patient populations
- Proficiency in sterile compounding oversight and quality assurance programs
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual
- ✓Potential for service credit toward annual leave accrual
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Work-life balance in a scenic location near Lake Tahoe
💡 How to Apply Associate Chief Pharmacy Service Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Associate Chief Pharmacy Service Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your long-form resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, professional licenses, and veterans' preference documentation (if applicable).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit your full application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of 11/18/2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific and thorough when describing your professional experience; the hiring panel cannot make assumptions about your skills.
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights supervisory and leadership accomplishments relevant to inpatient pharmacy settings.
- Submit all required documents, including transcripts and license verification, early to avoid technical issues.
- Monitor your email frequently for notifications regarding your status after the vacancy closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this position?
The Associate Chief of Inpatient Pharmacy manages inpatient pharmacy operations, ensuring clinical, operational, and administrative excellence for a 120-bed tertiary care facility.
Are there specific vaccination requirements?
Yes, all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel are required to participate in seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programs, subject to valid medical or religious exemptions.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite position based at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System in Reno, Nevada.
What is the work schedule?
The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, with rotating on-call requirements.
Can foreign graduates apply?
Graduates of foreign pharmacy programs must provide proof of Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Commission (FPGEC) certification.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to America's Veterans. Through the Veterans Health Administration, the VA operates the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is centered on the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Joining the VA means becoming part of a community dedicated to innovation, compassion, and the highest standards of medical practice.