Clarification from the agency

VEOA eligibles may apply for consideration who are (a) preference eligibles, or (b) Veterans whose most recent military separation was under honorable conditions after substantially completing at least 3 years of continuous active military service may compete under merit promotion procedures. Current permanent Veterans Canteen Service employees may apply and will be considered in the same manner as a current VA employee.

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The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location. *Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements.

This is a developmental position leading to a GS-09, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. 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.

Major Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Managing and maintaining inventory control records for expendable supplies and nonexpendable equipment using automated inventory management systems;
• Reviewing inventory data, stock levels, usage history, and supply records to support inventory planning and replenishment activities;
• Conducting analysis associated with inventory management, acquisition planning, and supply operations for expendable supplies, materials, and durable medical equipment (DME);
• Utilizing inventory management principles, methodologies, and computerized systems to support procurement, storage, utilization, and disposal activities;
• Coordinating with staff, vendors, and stakeholders to resolve routine inventory, supply, and logistics issues;
• Supporting return, recall, and reutilization activities for medical supplies and equipment in accordance with agency procedures and guidelines;
• Assisting with acquisition and procurement activities, including supporting requirements development and reviewing supply and inventory information;
• Preparing supply entries, inventory reports, and related documentation to support inventory management operations; and
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level of GS-9 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, 7:00am-3:30pm
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available
Telework: This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
Position Description Title/PD#: Inventory Management Specialist Intern - Technical Career Field Trainee/PD99353TS and PD99354TS
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized


VA Whole Health Statement: 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.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Current Driver's License Required
• Training-Service Agreement and Mobility Agreement required
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/29/2026.

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. For a GS-07 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. 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.


To meet the minimum qualifications for this position at the GS-05 grade level, you must meet one of the following:

• General Experience: You must have three (3) full years of progressively responsible experience, one (1) year of which was equivalent to at least the next lower grade of (GS-04) that demonstrates the ability to: analyzes problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; plans and organizes work; communicates effectively orally and in writing. Such experience may have been gained in administrative, professional, technical, investigative, or other responsible work. General experience includes maintaining inventory control records for expendable supplies and nonexpendable equipment; using automated inventory systems to search and analyze records; preparing supply entries and reports; and communicating with staff to resolve routine inventory issues. OR,
• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed four (4) years of education above the high school level in Business and Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with application. OR,
• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an equivalent combination of successfully completed post-high school education (beyond the second year) and specialized experience as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position at the GS-07 grade level, you must meet one of the following:

• Specialized Experience: You must have one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service that equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes maintaining inventory control records for expendable supplies and nonexpendable equipment; using automated inventory systems to search and analyze records; preparing supply entries and reports; communicating with staff to resolve routine inventory issues; supporting acquisition planning for durable medical equipment (DME); coordinating return and reutilization activities; and resolving inventory and logistics issues with stakeholders. OR,
• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed 1 full year of graduate level education related to Business and Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Acquisition Management, or related field; 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: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education (in excess of the first year or 18 semester hours) and specialized experience to meet total experience requirements. NOTE: If using education combined with specialized experience to qualify, a copy of your transcript is required.

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:

• Communication
• Contracting/Procurement
• Planning and Evaluating
• Problem Solving
• Technical Competence
• Technology Application

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

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/.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

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 Environment: 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.

Driver's License: Must possess a valid, state driver's license, as applicable, if required to operate a motor vehicle or commercial vehicle.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.