Inventory Management Specialist: A Vital Role in Veteran Care
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a cornerstone of American public service, providing essential care and support to those who have served our country. At the Durham VA Medical Center, the Supply Chain Management Service is currently seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Inventory Management Specialist (Expendable Supplies). This role is essential for maintaining the operational readiness of medical facilities by ensuring that expendable and durable medical equipment are managed with precision.
Job Responsibilities
As an Inventory Management Specialist, your primary objective is to control and manage expendable medical supplies. Key responsibilities include:
- Inventory Oversight: Managing a wide variety of medical items, including Durable Medical Equipment (DME).
- Strategic Procurement: Developing acquisition strategies to purchase equipment while adhering to federal contracting laws.
- Supply System Management: Using automated systems like GIP to monitor usage, stock levels, and reorder points.
- Problem Resolution: Coordinating with stakeholders, vendors, and fiscal offices to resolve supply shortages and logistical challenges.
- Recall Management: Serving as the primary point of contact for patient safety recalls related to medical supplies.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must demonstrate a strong professional background in logistics and supply chain management. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Licensure: Must possess or be able to obtain a valid state driver's license.
- Time-in-Grade: Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements (typically 52 weeks at the next lower grade level).
- Vaccination: Adherence to all VHA vaccination requirements for Health Care Personnel.
GS-7 vs. GS-9 Comparison
| Feature | GS-7 Level | GS-9 Level |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Requirement | 1 year at GS-5 level | 1 year at GS-7 level |
| Primary Focus | General supply management | Strategic acquisition & performance evaluation |
| Education Equivalent | 1 year graduate level | Master's or 2 years grad level |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $52,693 to $83,794 per year. Salary placement depends on your qualifications and professional experience.
Benefits
Federal employment comes with a suite of comprehensive benefits designed to support your work-life balance and long-term financial security, including:
- Health insurance plans
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Life insurance
- Paid leave and federal holidays
Application Tips
- Focus on Results: Use numbers and outcomes in your resume to demonstrate your impact.
- Check the Format: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer to avoid automatic rejection.
- Detail Your Experience: Be explicit about your hours worked and the duration of your past roles.
If you have a background in inventory management and a desire to serve Veterans, this position at the Durham VA offers a meaningful career path. Apply by November 16, 2026, to take the next step in your federal career.
Why This Inventory Management Specialist (Expendable Supplies) Job Matters
Join the mission to serve those who served. Play a critical role in the supply chain at the Durham VA Medical Center and ensure our Veterans receive the care they deserve.
Inventory Management Specialist (Expendable Supplies) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Inventory Management Specialist to join the Supply Chain Management Service in Durham, NC. In this pivotal role, you will manage a complex inventory of expendable supplies and durable medical equipment, directly impacting the quality of care provided to our nation's Veterans. This position serves as a subject matter expert, balancing supply needs with fiscal responsibility and ensuring that medical facilities have the vital resources required for daily operations.
Requirements for Inventory Management Specialist (Expendable Supplies)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Must maintain a valid state driver's license or commercial driver's license (CDL)
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation
- Participation in seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programs
- One-year probationary or two-year trial period
Preferred Qualifications for Inventory Management Specialist (Expendable Supplies)
- Experience managing expendable and durable medical equipment (DME)
- Proficiency in automated inventory management systems (e.g., GIP)
- Familiarity with federal acquisition strategies and contracting regulations
- Ability to analyze supply chain performance and implement process improvements
- Strong interpersonal skills for coordinating with vendors and clinical staff
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Paid federal holidays
- ✓Life insurance and flexible spending accounts
- ✓Potential for service credit toward annual leave accrual for prior federal or military service
💡 How to Apply Inventory Management Specialist (Expendable Supplies) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Inventory Management Specialist (Expendable Supplies) Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
- Carefully review the entire job announcement.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
- Attach all required documents including transcripts and SF-50s.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Submit your application by 11:59 PM ET on 11/16/2026.
- Check your email for notifications regarding USA Hire assessments.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise and strictly adhere to the two-page limit.
- Clearly document your experience in mm/yyyy to mm/yyyy format with hours per week specified.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting meets agency standards.
- If you are a veteran, include your DD214 to claim preference.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting during upload.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this is an on-site, in-person position at the Durham VA Medical Center.
What is the promotion potential for this role?
The position is a career ladder from GS-7 to GS-9, meaning you may be promoted to the full performance level (GS-9) without further competition once requirements are met.
What documentation is needed to verify time-in-grade?
You must submit an SF-50 that shows your grade and tenure. If your most recent SF-50 is less than a year old, you may need to provide an additional SF-50 to prove a full year at the required grade level.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to millions of Veterans, the VHA relies on a robust supply chain to ensure doctors, nurses, and clinicians have the supplies they need exactly when they need them. Joining this team means contributing to a mission-driven organization committed to the promise made by President Lincoln to "care for him who shall have borne the battle."