The Chief Engineer is responsible for planning, staffing, budgeting, developing, and effectively managing the entire Engineering Program encompassing programs such as Maintenance and Repair, Utility Plant Operations, Energy Management and Conservation, Fleet, Grounds, Capital Planning, and Construction Project Management sections at a multi-faceted and affiliated VA Medical Center, including outlying Community Based Outpatient Clinics.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. 1. United States Citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).. 2. Education. (a) Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or Architecture. To be acceptable, the curriculum must be from a school with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Engineering Accreditation Commission (excludes engineering technology) or National Council of Architectural Registration Boards curriculum. Examples of acceptable engineering and architectural degrees include, but are not limited to: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture and Architectural Engineering. Titles may vary from educational institutions and change over time; OR (b) Evidence of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination with a bachelor's degree. Evidence can be in the form of an Engineering in Training certificate issued from any State, the District of Columbia, Guam or Puerto Rico, or test results from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) identifying a passing score; OR (c) Evidence of current professional registration or licensure as a Professional Engineer or Architect. Evidence of current professional registration or licensure can be from any State, the District of Columbia, Guam or Puerto Rico. Foreign Education. To be creditable, engineering, architecture or related education completed outside the U.S. must be submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to a Bachelor's degree as outlined in the Education requirements stated above. 3. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). GRADE DETERMINATION GS-14 (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-13 equivalent). (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, structural, civil and other engineering/architectural principles, practices and their applications as related to healthcare facilities. Knowledge related to the management of overall healthcare system resources, (i.e., finances, space, equipment, supplies, schedules and staffing). Skill in using effective communication in managing interpersonal relationships with internal and external customers, stakeholders, executive leadership, labor representatives and managers. Skill in balancing multiple responsibilities, setting priorities, delegating tasks and projects, meeting multiple deadlines, analyzing complex organizational problems and developing and implementing effective solutions that result in efficient operations. Skill in applying considerable independent judgment to interpret broad or general national policies and guidelines and adapt/apply them to specific compliant programs at the local healthcare system. Skill in recognizing and assessing evolving scenarios, utilizing initiative, and self-directing and assigning resources to affect resolutions. Skill in complying with national internal and outside regulatory agency and organization (including, but not limited to TJC, OSHA, NFPA, etc.) regulations, requirements, guides, policies, procedures, directives, standards and general medical program requirements as they relate to healthcare engineering. Ability to anticipate, develop and implement strategies in meeting the healthcare system's short-term and long-term strategic goals in a highly fluid environment. Ability to interview candidates for positions, recommend appointments, advancements, or when appropriate, disciplinary actions; evaluate performance and identify continuing education and training needs. Reference: VA Handbook 5005/150, Part II Appendix G72, Healthcare Engineer, Qualification Standard dated March 18, 2022. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-14. Physical Requirements: The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, training rooms, and libraries. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. The Chief Engineer must also work outdoors in all types of weather. There may be occasional exposure to moderate risks or discomforts in storage areas or hazardous waste sites. The work is primarily sedentary, although some physical effort may be required, e.g., walking, standing, climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling, and carrying light items such as manuals or briefcases, or driving or traveling by motor vehicle.
Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Healthcare Engineer: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-General-Engineer-Career-Flyer.pdf The duties of the Supervisory Healthcare Engineer (Chief Engineer) includes but is not limited to: Plans, organizes, directs, evaluates, and manages processes for Service Line programs, which include setting qualitative and quantitative standards. Develops and provides the Executive Leadership Team and the clinical staff information on the methods, techniques, and procedures necessary to integrate the Engineering, Maintenance, Capital Management, and other Engineering programs into the mission of the Medical Center. Oversees the Joint Commission (JC) Environment of Care Programs for Utility Systems Management, Safety, Life Safety, and Medical Equipment Management for both this Medical Center and all Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). Responsible for planning, staffing, budgeting, developing, and effectively managing the total Engineering Program. Engineering Program Management and Administration Responsible for strengthening and enhancing healthcare facility engineering and operations. Involved with long and short-range planning, establishing policy, and budgeting for the Medical Center, as well as for all Engineering Service programs. Makes final decision-making authority, responsibility, and accountability on issues affecting all of Engineering Service. Provides professional and technical guidance and direction and review of assigned programs, including professional engineering work in several disciplines such as; civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, structural engineer, environmental engineering, and fire safety and safety engineering. Develops Medical Center policies, procedures and resource allocations for assigned programs. Leads the Strategic Capital Investment Planning (SCIP) process. Budgeting/Financial Management Work Provides for the budgeting and financial management for Engineering Service including budget formulation, justification, and execution; financial management; and financial reporting. Professional Engineering/Architectural Analysis and Advice Serves as the Chief Engineer within a medical center/VISN/VACO hierarchy. Meets regularly with other Engineers from across the country and VA Leadership from the Office of Capital Asset Management and Engineering Support (OCAMES). Assists the VISN offices and other chief engineers by providing technical advice and input on a wide range of engineering issues, including the Strategic Capital Investment Plan, Capital Asset Inventory, Capital Asset Resource Survey, Deferred Maintenance, management of an engineering department, and a myriad of engineering related topics. Performs Construction Administration Work Responsible for development and implementation of the Medical Center's capital improvement program. Works with medical activities to identify additional space needs and needed renovations. Coordinates and oversees scheduling and layout of operations, inspection and surveillance of materials, methods, and equipment used in construction and renovation managed by subordinate engineers and engineering technicians. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday. 7:00am - 3:30pm Recruitment / Relocation Incentive: May be paid to a Highly Qualified candidate who possess unique skills and competencies needed to perform critical mission-essential functions. Per OPM.gov, to be Highly Qualified, the candidates are considered by the Human Resources Office and the subject matter expert (selecting official) as being highly proficient in all the requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position almost immediately or with a minimum amount of training and/or orientation. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Available on an ad-hoc basis. Arrangement may be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:91317-S