Healthcare Engineer

Summary New hire must be willing to relocate within 50 miles of any VISN 22 facility. This position serves as the Healthcare Engineer – Green Environment Management Systems (GEMS) program manager for VISN 22. VISN 22 is comprised of eight VA Health Care Systems: Albuquerque, Greater Los Angeles, Loma Linda, Long Beach, Phoenix, Prescott, San Diego, Tucson. The position is managed in Long Beach, CA and reports directly to the VISN 22 Capital Asset Manager. Qualifications & Basic Requirements United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may be appointed only 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).3. Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or Architecture. The curriculum must be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET – Engineering Accreditation Commission) or the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Examples of acceptable degrees include Electrical, Mechanical, Biomedical, Civil, Architecture, and Architectural Engineering. Or evidence of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination with a bachelor’s degree via an Engineering‑in‑Training certificate from any State, District of Columbia, Guam or Puerto Rico, or a passing score from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Or evidence of current professional registration or licensure as a Professional Engineer or Architect from any State, D.C., Guam or Puerto Rico. Grandfathering provision: May qualify based on the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (applies only to current VHA employees who meet the criteria). Grade: GS‑13. Experience required: one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of current and evolving concepts and principles of general engineering to resolve novel or obscure problems; extend and modify techniques; develop new approaches that guide other engineers who solve a variety of technical problems; apply new, innovative or experimental advanced engineering theories, developments, or practices; skill in construction, capital planning and portfolio management including budget development and tracking; skill to collaborate with persons having different viewpoints, goals or objectives; ability to interpret broad guidelines and exercise judgment; ability to coordinate and interact with regional facilities, national and corresponding staff for implementation and coordination of policies and program plans; ability to adjust to trends in healthcare delivery systems; ability to consult and collaborate with all organizational levels; ability to implement and sustain capital asset and construction programs that meet healthcare facility standards, codes, policies, regulations inclusive of state and local codes. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit Physical Requirements: The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts typical of offices, training rooms, libraries. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Outdoor work may be required in all weather. Occasional exposure to moderate risks in storage areas or hazardous waste sites. The work is primarily sedentary; some physical effort may be required (walking, standing, climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling, carrying light items, driving or traveling by motor vehicle). Responsibilities The Network Healthcare Environmental Engineer serves as the program specialist in providing engineering expertise in relation to Health Care System building systems compliance. Energy and water management; conducting and/or providing professional advisory services for building system equipment; boiler and boiler plant operations; electrical power distribution including generator; safety and sterile processing service facility requirements; legionella prevention and remediation; Green House Gas (GHG) reduction programs; USP Pharmacy regulatory facility requirements; oxygen distribution systems; textile management including laundry plant; environment of care deficiencies; critical utilities; preventative maintenance for equipment; HVAC systems; and fleet management. Development, planning, implementation, coordination, maintenance, and reporting of all elements of these programs. Lead Environmental Engineer for the VISN and principal liaison for the GEMS program between the VA Central Office, VISN Management, GEMS Managers/Engineers within the VISN, the VISN Capital Asset Manager, and other VISN GEMS managers. Lead or facilitate GEMS audit teams throughout VISN 22 with a focus on VISN initiatives. Prepare reports and surveys for the VA Office of Capital Asset Management and Engineering Support (OCAMES) based on or to prepare for audits. Maintain records of such audits for Health Care Systems within the VISN. Report results and recommend solutions to correct potential environmental conservation‑related problems on a recurring basis. Interpret and resolve conflicts between legislation, executive orders, VA Directives, specifications, industrial codes, and standards relating to the GEMS programs within VISN 22. Establish VISN objectives, educate, and negotiate with leadership, supervisors, maintenance and repair staff, general staff, and facility managers regarding engineering compliance requirements and GHG reduction programs. Work collaboratively with GEMS and Energy Engineers and Energy Managers to formulate and establish policies and VISN‑wide energy conservation initiatives relating to utility system energy operation/performance and operational and maintenance procedures to meet VA and VISN energy and GEMS Program conservation goals. Provide expert advice and direction for Network enforcement/compliance programs by identifying and implementing state‑of‑the‑art methods. Train medical center staff in environmental compliance, maintain official records, and make legal compliance documents available to the public through websites, Freedom of Information Act responses, and personal contacts. Serve as network expert and coordinator in providing intellectual leadership and focus to initiate dialogue. Generate policy recommendations, interventions, and agency mechanisms and initiate research activities that will be economically feasible to support sustainable development within the environmental protection area. Act as the VISN GEMS Program Manager for all VISN activities related to GEMS program requirements. Support emergency relief operations throughout the VISN in case of floods, tornadoes, storms, public health disasters, and catastrophes in the area. Research new technologies, applications, procedures, and policies related to the program elements to maximize system efficiencies and optimize performance while mitigating maintenance requirements and costs. Benefits and Compensation Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Authorized for highly qualified candidates. Pay: Competitive salary and regular increases. Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual paid time off 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 for birth, adoption, or foster care placement. 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 eligible costs per child, up to a monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5‑year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5 % contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement). Telework: May be available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr