Purchasing Agent Opportunity at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Big Spring, TX

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a knack for procurement and a deep commitment to serving those who have served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically the West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS), is actively seeking a motivated Purchasing Agent to join their Logistics Service in Big Spring, Texas. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the vital mission of providing comprehensive healthcare to America's Veterans. As a Purchasing Agent at the GS-06 level, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the timely and efficient acquisition of necessary supplies, services, and equipment, directly impacting the quality of care our Veterans receive.

About the Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the second-largest federal department, dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and their families. The VA operates a vast network of healthcare facilities, benefits administration offices, and national cemeteries across the United States. The West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS), where this position is located, serves a significant Veteran population in West Texas and parts of New Mexico. WTVAHCS is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality, patient-centered care, employing cutting-edge technology and fostering numerous educational programs. Big Spring, Texas, known as "The Crossroads of West Texas," offers a growing economy and a revitalized downtown area, making it an attractive place to live and work.

Job Responsibilities

As a Purchasing Agent (GS-06), your primary responsibility will be to execute purchasing actions for supplies, services, and construction through various methods, including delivery orders and small purchase procedures. You will leverage your knowledge of commercial supply sources and common business practices to ensure the organization receives the best value. Key duties include:

• Purchasing Support: Conducting purchases within the micro-purchase threshold, reviewing and editing purchase requests, and resolving issues to ensure accurate and timely processing of requests and bills. You will identify needs or problems and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Utilizing federal and agency acquisition regulations to identify potential sources and gather pertinent information for purchases.
• Financial Monitoring: Tracking obligations and commitments, monitoring expenditures to support budget forecasts, and identifying potential fraud, waste, and abuse based on procurement history and purchase trends.
• Procurement Execution: Procuring supplies and services to meet organizational needs, developing specific selection criteria for each purchase, and preparing/issuing contract modifications for changes in delivery schedules.
• Communication: Sending formal correspondence to various customers, including inventory management specialists and contracting officers, for document auditing, processing receiving reports, and payments.
• Market Research: Conducting open market research and sole source small purchases, particularly for highly specialized medical items with critical product requirements.
• Administrative Support: Serving as the initial point of contact for medical staff and customers regarding procured items, developing reports and spreadsheets, and performing receptionist, timekeeping, and record-keeping duties.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria by the closing date of the announcement (November 16, 2026):

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Time-In-Grade: Current federal employees must have held a GS grade for at least 52 weeks within the past year to qualify for this GS-06 position. This requires 52 weeks at the GS-05 level.
• Specialized Experience: A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the federal service. This experience should demonstrate proficiency in:
  • Performing clerical or assistant duties in support of purchasing and procurement.
  • Procuring supplies and services for an organization.
  • Interacting with staff to ascertain procurement needs and priorities.
  • Resolving discrepancies related to shipments, payments, or procurement operations.
  • Utilizing a purchase card for acquiring equipment, supplies, and services.
  • Assembling and summarizing information for reports using automated supply/inventory management systems and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary. Occasional movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas is required. Some walking/standing may be necessary for meetings, and incumbents may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.

Note: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.

Salary Overview

The Purchasing Agent position is classified at the GS-06 grade level. The annual salary range for this position is $45,409 - $59,031 per year. Salary is determined by locality pay and any applicable within-grade increases.

Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a comprehensive benefits package for its federal employees, which typically includes:

• Health Insurance: Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program provides a variety of plan choices.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Paid Time Off: Earned annual (vacation) leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
• Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) with matching contributions to a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and career advancement.
• Other Benefits: May include flexible spending accounts, long-term care insurance, and more.

Note: VA may offer newly-appointed federal employees credit for job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed service towards their annual leave accrual rate. This must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date. More details can be found at VA Careers Benefits.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of success in this application process:

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume precisely matches the requirements and desired qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Use keywords from the announcement and clearly articulate your responsibilities and achievements in previous roles.
• Be Specific and Clear: Provide detailed descriptions of your experience, including job titles, duties performed, start and end dates (month/year), and weekly hours worked. For part-time experience, clearly state the nature of duties and hours spent.
• Document Time-In-Grade: If you are a current federal employee, meticulously include the necessary SF-50 forms to prove your Time-In-Grade eligibility. Ensure they clearly demonstrate you meet the 52-week requirement.
• Follow Instructions: Carefully read and follow all instructions provided in the announcement and on USAJOBS.gov. Missing information or errors can lead to disqualification.
• Complete Assessments Promptly: If you are asked to complete online assessments, do so within the specified deadline. These assessments are a critical part of the evaluation process.
• Utilize Resources: Take advantage of the USAJOBS resume builder and the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and guidance.
• Two-Page Resume Limit: Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length starting September 27, 2025. Prioritize your most relevant and recent experience.

This Purchasing Agent position with the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a stable career path within a mission-driven organization dedicated to serving our nation's heroes. If you possess the required skills and experience and are eager to contribute to the well-being of Veterans, we encourage you to apply. This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed for our country. Take the next step in your federal career journey and apply today!