Job Summary

The primary purpose of the position is to plan, design, analyze, and layout of new construction as well as the conversion, remodeling, or modernization of existing VA buildings and facilities. The Engineering technician is responsible to act as a technical resource for the staff and a project engineer for complex projects at the Veterans Affairs Sierra Nevada Health Care System (VASNHCS) in Reno, NV.

Job Description

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/26/2026. Individual Occupational Requirements: The 0802 series requires specific education or experience to be met in order to be appointed into a position of this series. You must meet one of the pre-determined Education or Experience Individual Occupational Requirements listed below as set by Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Specialized Experience: Qualifying specialized experience include technical work in; drafting, surveying construction estimating, physical science, mathematics, aerospace, architecture, chemicals, electrical or mechanical systems, mining, petroleum, or nuclear systems. Experience in a trade or craft may be credited as specialized experience when the work provided intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents. Examples are trade positions with substantial developmental, test, or design responsibilities such as: Planner and estimator who analyzed designs for production purposes. Instrument maker or model maker who performed design or development work on devices fabricated. OR; Certification: Engineering technicians may be certified by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, an organization sponsored by the National Society of Professional Engineers. Certification by the Institute will be helpful as a measure of the technician's quality of experience. *In addition to meeting the IOR listed above, an applicant must also meet the minimum qualifications listed below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Advanced knowledge of engineering concepts, principles, and practices applicable to a range of construction and extensive in-depth knowledge of a variety of construction techniques to direct the construction inspection and material testing work. Comprehensive practical knowledge of project management concepts, principles, practices, and theories sufficient to permit the incumbent to serve as a project manager for multiple complex construction projects of new construction and repair and alteration projects; Ability to comprehend technical aspects of the project and advise the Contractor and fellow engineers when question arise or clarification is needed on the best path forward; Comprehensive practical knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, and techniques of the Joint Commission Environment of Care standards, NFPA requirements, OSHA, and other technical standards is required.; Knowledge of a wide range of design and construction concepts, principles, and methods applicable to a variety of complex problems, construction projects, or feasibility studies that may include diverse general engineering or other conditions. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Building and Construction Design Oral Communication Project Management Technical Competence 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The work requires frequent walking, bending, lifting, and carrying light equipment. Occasional climbing and crawling are required. Work Environment: A major portion of the work is performed in an office setting; however, work will also be performed at construction sites. Some of the work may be performed on scaffolds, rooftops, platforms, and other exterior spaces. Frequent visits around medical areas are necessary where there is possible exposure to contagious diseases, staph infections, and radiation hazards. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.