Purchasing Agent
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Summary
The Purchasing Agent is a member of Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) within the Prosthetic Service Line. Performs direct medical supply Purchasing and Inventory Management support to the administrative and clinical services of the VA to initiate the obligation for all related requirements necessary to provide prosthetic and sensory aids services – to include durable medical equipment and supplies directly to Veterans.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position – applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement – 04/29/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Advancement to positions up to GS‑05 – candidates may be advanced without time restriction to positions up to GS‑05 if the position to be filled is no more than two grades above the lowest grade the employee held within the preceding 52 weeks under his or her latest non‑temporary competitive appointment. The grade may have been in any occupation – but must have been held in the Federal service. For a GS‑06 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS‑05. The grade may have been in any occupation – but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF‑50 that shows your time‑in‑grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF‑50 has an effective date within the past year – it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one‑year time‑in‑grade – as required by the announcement. In this instance – you must provide an additional SF‑50 that clearly demonstrates one‑year time‑in‑grade. Note: Time‑In‑Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. You may qualify for the GS‑05 based on your experience and/or education as described below:
Specialized Experience:
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS‑04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include – but are not limited to: performing administrative duties in a healthcare setting; reviewing and working with patients’ medical records; completing training or assisting in routine and complex specialized purchases for clinics including medical equipment – prosthetic and orthotic appliances; utilizing computer software programs; and communicating with internal and external customers via various methods.
OR – Education:
Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed four (4) years above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite. (This education must have been obtained in an accredited business – secretarial or technical school – junior college – college – or university).
OR – Combination:
Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond two (2) years and specialized experience as described above that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.
For more information on these qualification standards – please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Duties
Pulls stock inventory and material for delivery
Replenishes stock inventory
Interacts with clinical and administrative customers and maintains records on stock levels
Communicates to the Lead or Supervisor any concerns related to supplies – equipment and procedures
Provides information to customers regarding medical supplies
Monitors expiration dates – rotates stock to limit out‑dates and removes items from use as required by out‑dates
Monitors and controls critical supplies
Performs daily inventory using bar coding equipment on a predetermined schedule that will allow for timely replenishment
Resolves differences between records and physical count of stock
Distributes items according to established or ad hoc requirements in computerized inventory management systems
Delivers supplies in a timely manner and ensures supplies and material delivered are in sterile and operational condition
Completes specialty cart preparation
Cleans assigned secondary areas in accordance with aseptic principles
Receives supplies and material into the medical center’s catchment area
Performs other duties as assigned
Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi‑grade career ladder
The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS‑06
At the GS‑05 grade level – you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence
You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS‑06
Promotion to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory – qualification – and performance requirements are met
Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level
Work Schedule: Full‑time – Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm Telework: Ad hoc telework – as determined by the agency policy and to be discussed during interview process
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Position Description/PD#: Purchasing Agent/PD23554A and PD23555A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Physical Demands: Work is primarily sedentary when conducting purchasing functions for PSAS
However – while conducting inventory management functions – the incumbent may work comfortably in a warehouse environment – sitting – standing – walking – bending – lifting – carrying – retrieving and managing inventory
Prolonged periods of working at a computer terminal is required
Ability to retrieve equipment from a storage room is required
Climbing associated with stocking of equipment and other items in storage areas is necessary
Incumbent may carry/lift items weighing up to twenty‑five (25) pounds
Normal safety precautions are adequate
The work involves moderate discomfort when visiting sites away from the office
At times – the employee may be required to wear protective clothing when visiting the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Fabrication Laboratory
There may be frequent walks between the main medical center and other parts of Prosthetics to conduct professional duties
Work Environment: The incumbent works in a health care office with the possibility of contact with ill and diseased patients
Normal duties are performed in an office setting – which has adequate heat – light – and ventilation
However – the incumbent must retrieve prosthetic items from various storage areas daily
The incumbent may on occasion – accompany the Site Manager and/or Prosthetic Representative on visits to the patients’ homes or to a vendor for shop inspections
Incumbent has direct daily contact with patients and may handle equipment returned from Veterans with contagious diseases
Hence – the incumbent is required to practice universal precautions in observance of normal safety practices with office equipment – prosthetics equipment & supplies
Avoidance of trips and falls – and observance of fire regulations is required
The area is adequately lighted – heated – and ventilated
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well‑being and live their lives to the fullest
As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care – you will operate in a model with three core elements – seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran’s community
This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well‑being.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Purchasing Agent is a member of Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) within the Prosthetic Service Line. Performs direct medical supply Purchasing and Inventory Management support to the administrative and clinical services of the VA to initiate the obligation for all related requirements necessary to provide prosthetic and sensory aids services – to include durable medical equipment and supplies directly to Veterans.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position – applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement – 04/29/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Advancement to positions up to GS‑05 – candidates may be advanced without time restriction to positions up to GS‑05 if the position to be filled is no more than two grades above the lowest grade the employee held within the preceding 52 weeks under his or her latest non‑temporary competitive appointment. The grade may have been in any occupation – but must have been held in the Federal service. For a GS‑06 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS‑05. The grade may have been in any occupation – but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF‑50 that shows your time‑in‑grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF‑50 has an effective date within the past year – it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one‑year time‑in‑grade – as required by the announcement. In this instance – you must provide an additional SF‑50 that clearly demonstrates one‑year time‑in‑grade. Note: Time‑In‑Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. You may qualify for the GS‑05 based on your experience and/or education as described below:
Specialized Experience:
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS‑04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include – but are not limited to: performing administrative duties in a healthcare setting; reviewing and working with patients’ medical records; completing training or assisting in routine and complex specialized purchases for clinics including medical equipment – prosthetic and orthotic appliances; utilizing computer software programs; and communicating with internal and external customers via various methods.
OR – Education:
Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed four (4) years above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite. (This education must have been obtained in an accredited business – secretarial or technical school – junior college – college – or university).
OR – Combination:
Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond two (2) years and specialized experience as described above that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position.
For more information on these qualification standards – please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Duties
Pulls stock inventory and material for delivery
Replenishes stock inventory
Interacts with clinical and administrative customers and maintains records on stock levels
Communicates to the Lead or Supervisor any concerns related to supplies – equipment and procedures
Provides information to customers regarding medical supplies
Monitors expiration dates – rotates stock to limit out‑dates and removes items from use as required by out‑dates
Monitors and controls critical supplies
Performs daily inventory using bar coding equipment on a predetermined schedule that will allow for timely replenishment
Resolves differences between records and physical count of stock
Distributes items according to established or ad hoc requirements in computerized inventory management systems
Delivers supplies in a timely manner and ensures supplies and material delivered are in sterile and operational condition
Completes specialty cart preparation
Cleans assigned secondary areas in accordance with aseptic principles
Receives supplies and material into the medical center’s catchment area
Performs other duties as assigned
Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi‑grade career ladder
The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS‑06
At the GS‑05 grade level – you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence
You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS‑06
Promotion to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory – qualification – and performance requirements are met
Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level
Work Schedule: Full‑time – Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm Telework: Ad hoc telework – as determined by the agency policy and to be discussed during interview process
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Position Description/PD#: Purchasing Agent/PD23554A and PD23555A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Physical Demands: Work is primarily sedentary when conducting purchasing functions for PSAS
However – while conducting inventory management functions – the incumbent may work comfortably in a warehouse environment – sitting – standing – walking – bending – lifting – carrying – retrieving and managing inventory
Prolonged periods of working at a computer terminal is required
Ability to retrieve equipment from a storage room is required
Climbing associated with stocking of equipment and other items in storage areas is necessary
Incumbent may carry/lift items weighing up to twenty‑five (25) pounds
Normal safety precautions are adequate
The work involves moderate discomfort when visiting sites away from the office
At times – the employee may be required to wear protective clothing when visiting the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Fabrication Laboratory
There may be frequent walks between the main medical center and other parts of Prosthetics to conduct professional duties
Work Environment: The incumbent works in a health care office with the possibility of contact with ill and diseased patients
Normal duties are performed in an office setting – which has adequate heat – light – and ventilation
However – the incumbent must retrieve prosthetic items from various storage areas daily
The incumbent may on occasion – accompany the Site Manager and/or Prosthetic Representative on visits to the patients’ homes or to a vendor for shop inspections
Incumbent has direct daily contact with patients and may handle equipment returned from Veterans with contagious diseases
Hence – the incumbent is required to practice universal precautions in observance of normal safety practices with office equipment – prosthetics equipment & supplies
Avoidance of trips and falls – and observance of fire regulations is required
The area is adequately lighted – heated – and ventilated
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well‑being and live their lives to the fullest
As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care – you will operate in a model with three core elements – seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran’s community
This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well‑being.
#J-18808-Ljbffr