Job Summary

Supervisory Project Engineers serve as experts in the design of the medical care environment, including all hospital building features, automated building management and environmental control systems, and critical utility systems, as well as the oversight of related construction including construction in and adjacent to operational healthcare environments.

Job Description

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. Education (1) 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 (2) 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 (3) 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 paragraph 3.b. of this appendix. Grade Determinations Supervisory Healthcare Engineer, GS-13 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 of data analysis techniques related to managing workload, quality, performance and productivity within the area of responsibility. (b) Knowledge related to the management of overall department resources, (i.e., finances space, equipment, supplies, schedules and staffing) at the local level. (c) Knowledge of the full range of supervisory duties, which include responsibility for assignment of work, performance evaluations, selection of staff, training and development, recommendation of awards, advancements and disciplinary actions. (d) Skill in using effective communication in managing interpersonal relationships, leading and dealing with employees, team leaders, labor representatives and managers. (e) Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems and develop and implement effective solutions that result in efficient operations. (f) Ability to draft and/or recommend local policies and/or directives related to healthcare engineering management. (g) Ability to recognize and assess evolving scenarios, utilizing initiative, self-direction and assigned resources to affect resolutions. Preferred Experience: 2 years as Project Manager and leader with experience in all phases (planning, design, construction, and activation). Experience conducting project review and analysis with success in meeting established milestones. 1 year experience with complex VA healthcare facility designs encompassing a majority of subjects in architectural, civil, structural, medical gas, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, communications, fire safety, security, and specialized systems (elevators, patient safety lifts, pneumatic tube, etc.). Show responsibility for designing in conformance with applicable codes and standards, as well as federal and state agency regulations, standards, specifications, and other VA criteria. 2 years of experience overseeing the administration of architect-engineer and construction contracts in the role of Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Show responsibility in a majority of subjects in conducting engineering surveys and evaluations, determining engineering and construction requirements and ensuring contract compliance; developing preliminary plans, cost estimates, project proposals, and justifications for contract changes or modifications; review of and assistance in the design and preparation of architectural and engineering plans, and specifications; and supervision, inspection, and acceptance of construction. Show coordination with outside agencies such as OSHA, EPA, City and County Health Departments, local utility companies, as well as internal VA user groups such as Surgery, Dental, Primary Care, outpatient, and inpatient clinics, Radiology, and Telehealth, HAS, HR, AFGE, etc. Have 1 year of experience successfully leading teams and managing workloads associated with a Class I VA hospital. Have 1 year of experience successfully coordinating with VISN leadership, the Engineering Chief, and hospital managers. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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.