Inventory Management Specialist

Summary

This position serves as an Inventory Management Specialist in the Division of the Supply Management Service in the VA Health Care System responsible for the inventory and management of all expendable supplies and durable medical equipment in the assigned area(s).

Duties

Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: Inventory Management and Control: Manages and controls an assigned class of expendable material for a VA HCS and supported catchment area. Recognized as an authority on expendable (EX) commodity management and serves as a subject matter expert to all services and service lines. Inventories managed include a wide variety of expendable items and durable medical equipment (DME) which may or may not be available through the Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor (MSPV) program or other negotiated or Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts. Acts as a central point of contact for the coordination of commodity support and the resolution of logistics problems across organizational lines. Acts as a focal point for new EX supply procedures. Makes decisions and commitments for the medical center on medical/surgical supplies that materially affect the VA HCS' ability to provide medical care to Veterans. Researches opportunities for and conducts analysis of potential cost savings, efficiencies, and process improvements using quantitative analysis and historical usage patterns. Conducts short, mid and long-term advanced planning for expendable items and DME, utilizing enterprise-wide computerized planning tools. Analyzes data to include demand history, program requirements, VA HCS operations, procurement lead-time, current stock levels and other factors which impact procurement decisions. Advanced planning requires significant interaction and coordination with service lines, biomedical engineering, and other stakeholders to balance competing priorities including clinical requirements and budget constraints. Computes requirements for supplies and DME. Returns, Recalls, and Reutilization: Implements federal and agency programs for the return and reutilization of medical supplies. Uses well established and commonly applied supply methods to maintain activity formulary inventory. Coordinates with the property managers for disposal of surplus or excess supplies in accordance with specific agency directives and procedures. Serves as the primary responder to the VA National Center for Patient Safety Recall Office for their area of responsibility. Makes emergent procurement decisions in coordination with stakeholders based on back order issues created by national recalls. Participates in Root Cause Analysis process to assist in determining how the supply chain is impacted upon a near miss or Veteran care mishap. Physical Demands: Work is normally accomplished in an office setting; however, due to the nature of the position and duties, may be called upon to assist in the receipt, storage and distribution of various supplies, primarily consisting of lifting light boxes generally less than 40 pounds, utilizing appropriate material handing devices, and placing items on shelves or carrying them elsewhere on station or within the catchment area. Must maintain applicable training and licensing to operate assigned equipment. Work is primarily performed in normal office surroundings involving everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions. Required to use safe work practices with office equipment, avoid trips or falls and observe fire regulations and traffic signs. Frequent trips outside are required for visits to the other areas of the Medical Center; such as the warehouse and some Veteran care areas, in order to resolve problems, cover for other members in the unit, attend meetings and training. Other Significant Factors: Must possess a valid, state driver's license or commercial driver's license (CDL), as applicable, if required to operate a motor vehicle or commercial vehicle. This position is a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-9. At the GS-7 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-9. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted 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: Monday-Friday: 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: This position is not authorized for telework Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Position Description/PD#: Inventory Management Specialist/99578-S/99823-S

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement,11/10/2026 . 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. For a GS-7 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-5. For a GS-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-07 You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-5) in the Federal Service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of an Inventory Management Specialist, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized Experience: Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Managing a variety of expendable items and durable medical equipment; forecasting short and long range inventory needs; Analyzing inventory management reports and the effectiveness of various options proposed to provide supply support; Utilizing automated inventory management systems to maintain current inventory data; Researching and analyzing information to resolve questions and issues, and implementing programs for the return and reutilization of medical supplies. NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates, AND hours worked per week. ~OR~ Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. ~OR~ Combination: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level. The education portion must include graduate courses that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the Inventory Management Specialist position. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. ~OR~ Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): At the baccalaureate level in the coursework detailed above is fully qualifying. Applicants who wish to apply under this provision must submit proof from their educational institution that they meet one of the criteria listed below. You must submit a copy of your transcript (unofficial or official) with your application. Education