Energy Healthcare Engineer

DutiesEnergy, Sustainability, and Climate Change Adaptation Program Management
Energy/Sustainability/Climate Change Adaptation program. The Energy Manager familiarizes self with how their activities impact VA's goal to provide energy efficient operations including utility systems optimization; water reductions; and resiliency addressing Climate Change. In accordance with the goals of the VA programs, seeks to cost-effectively meet or exceed compliance with applicable Federal law/regulations; Executive Orders, other manifold legislation; VA Directives; and VA construction/design specifications/guidance.
The Energy Manager is the health care system(s) resident expert on VAs Energy Programs and is responsible for the energy management program at the Medical Center in support of VISN, VACO and/or Executive Office of the President goals and objectives. The incumbent evaluates energy conservation measures as they apply to the health care system's existing energy systems and makes recommendations for implementation. He/She adheres to and uploads data to national VA program office databases Goals and Targets include: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Baseline; GHG Emission Reductions; GHG Emission Reporting; Building Energy; Renewable Energy Consumption Fleet Petroleum Use; Renewable Energy Generation; Supply Chain GHG Emissions; Scope 3 Emissions; Potable Water Consumption; Industrial, Landscaping, and Agricultural Water Consumption; Water Reuse; Stormwater Management; Pollution Prevention; Solid Waste Diversion; Paper; Toxic Materials and Chemicals; Compostable and Organic Material; Landscaping Management; Chemical Use; Sustainable Communities; Energy Efficiency in New Construction and Major Renovations; High Performance Sustainable Buildings; Advanced Metering and Measurement; Green Roofs; Building Portfolio Management; Historic Buildings; Sustainable Acquisition; Electronics Stewardship; and Environmental Management Systems.Performs Healthcare Planning/Design Management
Makes recommendations relating to energy conservation for feasibility and cost effectiveness and supports the facilities energy goals. Some of these methods may be new to the site or the geographic area of consideration and may require substantial research and analysis.
The position coordinates construction activities for a wide range and variety of interrelated systems and services. Coordinates and monitors planning and answers design problems for the multi-disciplinary projects including all components of the project life cycle from initial planning and concept to design to construction, project completion and warranty periods.Manages Healthcare Design and Construction Administration
Provides guidance and insight to other engineering staff in revising as-built drawings or project plans after contraction completion of their project and will research information on existing building and utility systems as needed. The position maintains a library file of current documents, codes and publications used in the development of bid documents and reports.
Additional duties as assigned.Work Schedule: 8:00am to 4:30pm; Monday-Friday / Option to work 10 hours/ 4 DaysCompressed/Flexible:AvailablePay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).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)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.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 VAInsurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)Telework: AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 09921F
Requirements Conditions of EmploymentYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.Must be proficient in written and spoken English.You may be required to serve a probationary period.Subject to background/security investigation.Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.Must pass pre-employment physical examination.Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications
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:
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. Healthcare Engineer candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f). Education.
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 Evidence of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam 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 Evidence of current professional registration or licensure as a Professional Engineer or Architect from any State, the District of Columbia, Guam or Puerto Rico.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).NOTE: Direct health care experience is not required to qualify for a GS-801 Healthcare Engineer. Candidates with Engineering experience in a hospital or healthcare system should be able to address the knowledge skills and abilities as it applies to the position. Engineers that may not have worked in a hospital or healthcare system should ensure it is clear in their application how their non-healthcare related knowledge, skill or ability can be applied to the assignment and to the healthcare engineering occupation.( Only above GS-7 entry level)GS-13 Requirements
Experience
One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) - In addition to meeting the experience requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs:
a. Knowledge in various energy systems, including building envelopes, HVAC. controls, steam distribution and lighting and their retrofit potential for energy conservation and/or energy recovery in a Medical Center environment.
b. Knowledgeable in the evaluation of alternative fuels and fuel consumption for vehicles
c. Knowledge and authority in the design, construction, maintenance, and inspection of the installation of all utility systems. Utility systems include electrical power distribution, electronic, plumbing, water distribution, steam generation and distribution, vacuum, medical gas, fire alarm, fire sprinklers, pneumatic and other electrical and mechanical systems.
d. Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, and other engineering/architectural principles, practices, and their applications in the healthcare environment.
e. Knowledge of construction standards, methods, practices and techniques, materials, and equipment to determine compliance with regulations and standards.
f. Knowledgeable in the evaluation of utility rate structures, computation of energy consumption and energy savings associated with multiple utility systems, construction cost estimating and Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) for construction/service contracts.
g. Skill to researching and analyzing information, conditions, human factors, and projections to make sound engineering and business recommendations and decisions to proactively identify problems and develop innovative solutions within the context of applicable rules, regulations, and procedures.
h. Ability to use energy and project management software, such as construction estimating, scheduling, life cycle cost analysis and work processing.
i. .Ability to plan and execute complex, multi-faceted projects and inspections while prioritizing resources against approved scopes of work, contract documents and budgets.
j. Ability to organize and lead multi-disciplinary task forces with members from different departments and divisions, as well as design and construction firms.Preferred Experience: Healthcare setting experience.Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G72
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13Physical 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 incumbent 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.
EducationIMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: .
Additional informationReceiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou 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 MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
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.
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.
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.