Job Summary

This position serves as the Chief, Facilities Management Service with responsibility for the professional Engineering programs such as Maintenance and Repair, Utility Plant Operations, Energy Management and Conservation Program, Healthcare Vehicle Fleet, Emergency Management, Capital Planning, Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) program and Construction Project Management section at a multi-faceted and affiliated VA Medical Centers.

Job Description

Basic Requirements: To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). 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. c. Grandfathering Provision. All individuals employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all the qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education that is part of the basic requirements of the occupation. 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). English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 u.s.c. § 7403 (f). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met for the Supervisory Healthcare Engineer, GS-14. (1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. The experience must have been accomplished after satisfying the basic education requirement and required the use of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) directly applicable to the assignment and be associated within the scope of the healthcare engineering profession. (2) 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 mechanical, electrical, structural, civil and other engineering/architectural principles, practices and their applications as related to healthcare facilities. (b) Knowledge related to the management of overall healthcare system resources, (i.e., finances, space, equipment, supplies, schedules and staffing). (c) Skill in using effective communication in managing interpersonal relationships with internal and external customers, stakeholders, executive leadership, labor representatives and managers. Skill in balancing multiple responsibilities, setting priorities, delegating tasks and projects, meeting multiple deadlines, analyzing complex organizational problems and developing and implementing effective solutions that result in efficient operations. (e) Skill in applying considerable independent judgment to interpret broad or general national policies and guidelines and adapt/apply them to specific compliant programs at the local healthcare system. (f) Skill in recognizing and assessing evolving scenarios, utilizing initiative, and self-directing and assigning resources to affect resolutions. (g) Skill in complying with national internal and outside regulatory agency and organization (including, but not limited to TJC, OSHA, NFPA, etc.) regulations, requirements, guides, policies, procedures, directives, standards and general medical program requirements as they relate to healthcare engineering. (h) Ability to anticipate, develop and implement strategies in meeting the healthcare system's short-term and long-term strategic goals in a highly fluid environment. (i) Ability to interview candidates for positions, recommend appointments, advancements, or when appropriate, disciplinary actions; evaluate performance and identify continuing education and training needs. (3). Assignment. Supervisory Healthcare Engineers exercise the full range of supervisory responsibility to include development of performance standards and performance evaluations; recommendations for appointment, awards, advancements, and when appropriate, disciplinary actions; and identification of continuing training needs. Preferred Experience: Demonstrated experience directing a comprehensive facilities management program within a large, complex healthcare environment, preferably federal, VA, or hospital, based, including engineering operations, maintenance, safety, and space management. Expert knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life, safety, utilities, and medical gas systems) and ability to oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs that ensure uninterrupted patient care operations. Experience managing major capital improvement projects, renovations, and construction activities, including coordinating with architects, engineers, contractors, and regulatory officials. Proficiency in applying federal and healthcare regulatory requirements, such as Joint Commission, NFPA, OSHA, CMS, and VA Technical Information Library (TIL) guidelines. Experience developing, monitoring, and executing facilities, related budgets, service contracts, and procurement actions in accordance with federal acquisition standards. Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams, setting performance expectations, developing work plans, and coordinating facility operations across clinical and administrative services. Skill in emergency preparedness and continuity planning, including risk assessments, incident command activities, and infrastructure resilience strategies. Ability to prepare high-quality briefings, reports, and recommendations for senior leadership, effectively translating complex technical issues into clear, actionable information. Proficiency using facility management systems, such as work order platforms, building automation systems, space utilization tools, and project management applications. Relevant professional credential(s) such as Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM), Certified Facility Manager (CFM), or Project Management Professional (PMP), highly desirable. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 14 . 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 lit, heated, and ventilated. The Chief FMS 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.