Summary The position serves as the Green Environment Management Systems (GEMS) Coordinator/Project Engineer at the Western North Carolina VA Healthcare System. Engineer will familiarize self with how their activities impact VA's goal to implement sound stewardship practices that are protective of the air, water, land, and other natural and cultural resources. A Relocation Incentive may be authorized for highly qualified applicants within VISN 6 only if relocating more than 50 miles. Responsibilities The Healthcare Engineer (GEMS Coordinator) will familiarize self with how their activities impact VA's goal to implement sound stewardship practices that are protective of the air, water, land, and other natural and cultural resources. In accordance with the goals of the VA GEMS program, seeks to cost-effectively meet or exceed compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local environmental; public health; and resource protection laws, regulations, and VA requirements. The primary duties and responsibilities includes but is not limited to the following: Engineer seeks to incorporate practices necessary to implement the requirements of Executive Order 13423, "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy and Transportation Management." Engineer is responsible for coordinating the efforts of healthcare system staff involved with the GEMS to ensure that the GEMS is developed and implemented in accordance with VHA and WNCHCS policy and guidance. Engineer is further responsible for ensuring that the GEMS results in findings and conclusions that lead to continual improvement of environmental programs at the healthcare system. Engineer is responsible for applying environmental science and technology to demonstrate relationships between the operation of the healthcare system with human health, ecosystems, environmental media, and natural resources. Engineer provides leadership and direction to management, professional and technical personnel regarding the development and implementation of the facility GEMS. The incumbent plans, organizes, implements, oversees, and provides technical assistance for projects to resolve environmental problems. Assignments include, but are not limited to, domestic and industrial wastewater treatment and disposal; safe drinking water; treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste; release 'of hazardous material/spill response; air pollution control; environmental media permitting; toxic substances; and regulatory oversight. The engineer provides technical expertise for the design, modification, operation and maintenance of VA Medical Center facilities and infrastructure to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The engineer is also responsible for managing healthcare system environmental program(s) and coordinating the efforts of healthcare systems organizations that relate to environmental matters. When necessary, the engineer may perform the role of Project Engineer that includes, but not limited to project planning, produces designs, manages designs, manages construction, and provides construction administration for Minor Construction Projects, Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) Projects, Station Level Projects, and Leases, including all areas and aspects (architectural, electrical, life safety, mechanical, civil, structural, etc.). In this role, the engineer may serve as resident and program engineer consisting of the planning, design, and overseeing of major healthcare system projects; oversees Professional Architecture/Engineering (A/E) and Construction contracts to ensure the contractor follows all contractual requirements, healthcare regulations and codes, specifications and schedules are met in accordance with the government's requirements for VA owned and leased facilities. The engineer serves on the Integrated Project Team (IPT), comprised of diverse and multi- discipline professional team members, consisting of internal and external stakeholders, and is a recognized expert in project management. The position maintains COR certification to oversee the administration of Facility Management Service Contracts. Conducts capital asset and infrastructure planning and design for the medical facility spanning initial strategic planning, concept development, design, construction, and effective implementation of complex buildings, utilities, and medical support systems. Manages healthcare engineering project design and administers construction in accordance with VA policies and procedures, VA Design Guides, VA Design Manuals, VA Master Specifications and related industry codes and standards. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 0730 -1600 Telework: This position is only approved for AD-HOC Telework and is NOT a 100% Telework Position. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:000000 Relocation Incentives: A Relocation Incentive may be authorized for highly qualified applicants within VISN 6 only if relocating more than 50 miles. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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:- Citizenship - Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). English Language Proficiency - Healthcare Engineer candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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. OR 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 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. OR 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 above. Grade Determinations: Healthcare Engineer, GS-07 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. Healthcare Engineer, GS-09 Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the following: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-07. OR Master of Engineering degree or Master of Architecture degree or Master of Science degree in Engineering or a related field of study. OR Bachelor's degree as outlined above plus two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a related field of study, provided the applicant's total background demonstrates the core competencies for GS-09 level assignment. AND-Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts and practices of the engineering profession. Ability to interpret relevant codes, regulations, guidelines and standards to make recommendations to assure compliance with healthcare facility programs. Ability to understand the operational professional engineering needs of clinical services in the healthcare system. Ability to prepare material on current technical topics and trends for presentation to other technical staff and mid-level hospital management and to keep abreast of changes in engineering technology related to a healthcare facility. Healthcare Engineer, GS-11 Experience or Education: Candidates at this level must meet one of the following: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Engineering or a related field of engineering. OR Master of Engineering degree, Master of Architecture degree, Master of Science degree in Engineering or a related field of study plus 1 full year of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study. OR Bachelor's degree as outlined above plus 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a related field of study. AND Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA )In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of either mechanical, electrical, structural, civil or other engineering/architectural principles, practices and their applications in the healthcare environment. Knowledge of basic project management principles as applied to the healthcare setting. Ability to apply healthcare engineering related standards, codes, policies and regulations, inclusive of, state and local codes. Ability to communicate effective orally and in writing with internal and external customers with tact and diplomacy. Ability to develop material for clinical or administrative staff that addresses the principles and application of engineering technology and/or theory used in healthcare. Ability to advise staff on emerging engineering technology related to a healthcare facility, while keeping abreast of changes in such technology and utilizing the information to solve healthcare facility engineering challenges. Healthcare Engineer, GS-12 Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11. AND Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) In addition to meeting the experience requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, structural, civil and other engineering/architectural principles, practices and their applications in the healthcare environment. Knowledge of healthcare industry standards and related regulatory agency and organization (including, but not limited to The Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), etc.) regulations, requirements, guides, policies, procedures, directives, standards and general medical program requirements as they relate to healthcare engineering. Knowledge of construction standards, methods, practices and techniques, materials and equipment to determine compliance with engineering regulations and standards. Skill in 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. Ability to plan and execute complex, multi-faceted projects and inspections while prioritizing resources against approved scopes of work, contract documents and budgets. Ability to organize and lead multi-disciplinary task forces with members from different departments and divisions, as well as design and construction firms. References: VA Handbook 5005/150, Part II, Appendix G72 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-12. 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. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. 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. 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. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.