Duties

Summary

Position is located in Facilities Management Service, VA Medical Center. Incumbent serves as a General Engineer with a construction background and responsible for managing the construction project program.

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Responsibilities

Incumbent is responsible for all construction, alteration and improvements by contract in-house. This includes analysis of structural alterations to ensure stability and safety; design analysis of framing, walls, concrete; mechanical and electrical design analysis for conformance to VA Construction Standards, National Fire Protection Association Codes, OSHA, JCAHO and other applicable codes. Responsibilities also include coordination of engineering construction activities with appropriate segments of medical center personnel.

The incumbent is responsible for technical engineering f=design and management of non-reoccurring construction projects. Incumbent serves as a professional engineer in the planning, design and management of new construction, as well as, alterations and additions to existing buildings, grounds, utility plants and systems. Incumbent's activities require regular application of technical knowledge to several related professional areas such as mechanical, electrical and civil engineering. Conducts engineering surveys, determines construction requirement, prepares plans and specifications, analyzes equipment requirements, and/or materials costs, review project submittals and shop drawings, prepares project status reports, and supervises construction progress.

Assists project supervisor and other Facilities Management staff in development of long-range construction and maintenance programs, utilizing technical knowledge and a general understanding of the Medical Center's physical condition. Coordinates and works with other engineering employees by assisting in the development of construction project plans and specifications and other incidental, related activities. Coordinated major construction projects for the Medical Center interacting with all involved Services to produce plans, specifications, activation and impact requests, construction change requests, activation of completed construction, and completion item requests.

Serves as Facility Development Plan Coordinator for the Medical Center. Duties include interaction with Medical Center staff to produce data required by consultants.

Provides construction project management duties which include researching manufacturer literature, VA and other handbooks manuals and regulations. Such searches will be used, along with inquiries made to other technical resources, to evaluate structural requirements, pipe and wiring sizes, electrical loads, HVAC loads, and various control selections.

This includes initial submittals of VAF-1193 and 1193A, submittals of monthly progress, reports, maintaining correspondence files on each project, approving contractor submittals, shop drawings and material samples, processing change orders as necessary, maintaining current daily logs, contractor payrolls and work progress sheets.

Responsible for the management of the CADD operation of the Project Section. Maintains the system at the most current software revision level and assures that users are properly trained. Oversees all construction drawings and specifications and ensures that they are accurately maintained in files. Responsible for maintaining a CADD filing system that is accurate and up-to-date.

Serves as safety inspector on all contracted jobs in the area of construction safety management. Determines contractor compliance with safety codes as specified in the contract and in applicable codes. Such inspections will be coordinated with the Facility Safety Specialist for insurance that all requirements are met. In the process of planning and developing drawings and specifications for in-house projects, the incumbent is responsible for having the Section prepare drawings showing general layouts of architectural features, electrical distribution lines, signal distribution lines, plumbing, HVAC and other applicable items. Detailed drafting provided by the Architect/Engineer, contractor or other sources will be reviewed for conformance or design requirements and referred to appropriate technical sources as required.

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: General Engineer/PD046510 and PD046500
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
13

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• 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

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/09/2020.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: For a GS-12 position, you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11. For a GS-13 position, you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-12. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

A. Degree: professional engineering (successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in professional engineering). To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application package for verification purposes. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

OR

B. Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:

Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your registration or licensure with your application package for verification purposes. (DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED)

Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your registration or licensure with your application package for verification purposes. (DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED)

Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) with your application package for verification purposes. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.) NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) with your application package for verification purposes. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

GS-12 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-11 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: providing consultation and expertise to peers, subordinates or non-professional administrators or managers. Reviewing plans, specifications, and analyses of design as submitted by subordinate engineers. Providing professional advice to improve such plans, specifications and analyses. Directing necessary changes. Preparing detailed cost estimates for use in obtaining project funding and bid evaluation. Preparing correspondence, technical reports, estimates fact sheets status reports and schedules as required to complete project assignments.

GS-13 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Professional knowledge of the theories, principles, practices and techniques of various engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical and civil in order to plan, design and manage new and renovation construction projects. Must be familiar with the particular types of problems which are encountered in medical facilities. Must have a working knowledge and understanding of financial management, human resources management, labor relations, Federal and/or VA procurement, contracting and contract management. Should be able to apply various quality management principles and techniques. Utilizes OSHA, Joint Commission, NFPA, ANSI, VA, local and state standards, guidelines and regulations along with numerous engineering, construction, cost-estimating guides and equipment manuals.

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:

• Building and Construction
• Civil Engineering
• Contract Administration
• Problem Solving
• Project Management

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.

Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary, although some physical effort may be required, e.g., walking, standing, carrying light items such as manuals or briefcases, or driving or traveling by motor vehicle.

Education

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .

Additional information

VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified : applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ .

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.

Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.

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/ .

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview.Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

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.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.

• Cover Letter
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):

• Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
• An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
• Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
  • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
  • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
  • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx .

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.