Energy Healthcare Engineer - Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration : Job Details

Summary The incumbent functions as Energy Manager for one or more Medical Centers, inclusive of Medical Center (VA) owned and leased space including Outpatient Clinics, CBOCs/ administrative space operated by the Medical Center. The Energy Manager will work in a collaborative effort with other Energy Managers within their VISN toward accomplishing VISN wide and VHA energy goals. The incumbent works closely with the VISN Capital Asset Manager providing technical support for initiatives or programs. Responsibilities Energy, 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: Option to work 10 hours/ 4 days Pay: 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. 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). Financial Disclosure Report: Not required 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 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. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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. - 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. 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) 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). 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G72 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. 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. 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.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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information. Additional Information 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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information. VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at Receiving Service Credit for 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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. 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.