This position serves as the Deputy (Assistant Chief), Engineering Service as the full alter ego of the Chief with responsibility for the professional Engineering programs. The Assistant Chief must be competent in many aspects of managing VHA Healthcare Facility Engineering Programs. This position is responsible for the planning, organizing, directing, evaluating, and the management process for Service Line programs, which includes setting qualitative and quantitative standards.
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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: You must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d) Education (must meet one of the following): a. 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 b. 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 c. 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. Additional Requirements In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-13 you must possess at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of the management of overall healthcare system resources, (i.e., finances, space, equipment, supplies, schedules, and staffing). Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, and other engineering/architectural principles, practices and their applications as related to healthcare facilities. Skill in using effective communication in managing interpersonal relationships with internal and external customers, stakeholders, executive leadership, labor representatives and managers. Skill in balancing priorities, delegating tasks, and meeting multiple competing deadlines. Skill in interpreting broad or general national policies and guidelines and adapting/applying them to specific compliant programs at the local healthcare system. Skill in recognizing and assessing evolving scenarios, utilizing initiative, self-direction and assigned resources to affect resolutions. Ability to analyze complex organizational problems and develop and implement effective solutions that result in efficient operations. 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. Ability to ensure compliance with healthcare industry standards and regulatory agency, (i.e., TJC, OSHA, NFPA, etc.), regulations, requirements, guides, policies, procedures, directives, and general medical program requirements as they relate to healthcare 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). 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.
Major duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to: Engineering Program Management and Administration provides management support and technical expert consultation to the Chief Engineer for all issues relative to the areas listed above. makes decisions regarding the responsibility, and accountability on issues affecting all of Engineering Service. collaborates with operations and program managers to ensure integrated goals and priorities for Engineering Service are met. works closely with peers in other service lines to meet their needs as internal and external customers. Budgeting/Financial Management Work provides budgeting and financial management for Engineering Service. identifies functional requirements for current and future programs inclusive of life-cycle costs. provides advice to management and program personnel on budgetary and finance issues. provides budget management for major, unstable programs. Research and Analysis Work researches and/or analyzes problems, issues, or program requirements related to all areas of the facility and all facets of Engineering Service. provides expert analysis and advice on complex program issues. collects relevant information from many varied sources, some of which are difficult to access. devises new analytical techniques to evaluate findings. for the service, including matters involving recruitment, promotions, awards, position Professional Engineering/Architectural Analysis and Advice meets regularly with other Engineers from across the country and VA Leadership from the Office of Capital Asset Management and Engineering Support (OCAMES). interfaces between VACO and the other Engineers in VISN, and the VISN Capital Asset Manager. assists the VISN offices and other engineers by providing technical advice and input on a wide range of engineering issues mentor newer engineers and help them learn the things they need to know to manage an engineering department. Construction Administration Work responsible for development and implementation of the Medical Center's capital improvement program. works with medical activities to identify additional space needs and needed renovations. establishes leases as needed. identifies needs are individually transformed to engineering requirements, estimated, accomplished locally, or included as part of a comprehensive plan for agency funding. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 05067F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized