Healthcare Engineer - Plumbing Engineer
What you'd do
The Healthcare Engineer - Plumbing Engineer at the Northport VAMC position performs 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 at an assigned medical center and associated community-based outpatient clinic.
Major duties
Providing engineering support to the Northport VAMC, this position serves as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and IPT Chairperson, leading multi-disciplinary teams in the execution of complex design and construction projects. You will be responsible for maintaining technical standards and regulatory compliance (OSHA, NFPA, ANSI) while training staff on infrastructure operations. As a recognized project management expert, you will collaborate with senior stakeholders to align engineering initiatives with the healthcare system's strategic goals. Duties include but are not limited to: Making recommendations relating to energy conservation for feasibility and cost effectiveness and supports the facilities energy goals. Implementing 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, plans, designs, and oversees major healthcare system projects. Providing engineering support to the assigned healthcare system and is responsible for maintaining construction specifications and drawings, maintaining technical reference library of codes, standards, and other regulations which are applicable to the engineering construction industries Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and others. 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 is in compliance with 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. 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.) at an assigned medical center and associated Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC)'s. Managing 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. Assisting in the provision of a continuing education program for clinical staff and maintenance personnel addressing the principles and application of building and utility systems in the delivery of health care. This includes a curriculum that addresses the safe and effective use of medical gases, emergency power, ventilation, and other healthcare infrastructure related technology. This requires skill to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of individuals, including technical and professional clinical staff, to communicate technical information. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 25718F - 25715F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
What you need to qualify
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: U.S. citizenship required. Non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited, per VA Policy. Language: Must be proficient in spoken and written English per 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or Architecture, from a curriculum accredited by ABET's Engineering Accreditation Commission (excludes engineering technology) or NCARB. Acceptable degrees include, but are not limited to, Electrical, Mechanical, Biomedical, or Civil Engineering, and Architecture/Architectural Engineering (titles may vary by institution); OR Passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam with a bachelor's degree (evidenced by an EIT certificate from any state, DC, Guam, or Puerto Rico, or NCEES test results); OR Current professional registration/licensure as a Professional Engineer or Architect from any state, DC, Guam, or Puerto Rico. May qualify under the Grandfathering Provision in the VA Qualification Standard (current VHA employees in this occupation who meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-7: None beyond basic requirements. GS-9: One year of experience at the GS-7 level; OR a Master's/M.S. in Engineering or a related field; OR a qualifying Bachelor's degree plus 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a related field, provided the applicant's background demonstrates GS-9 core competencies. AND Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of engineering principles, theories, and practices; ability to interpret codes, regulations, and standards to ensure compliance with healthcare facility programs; understanding of clinical services' engineering needs within a healthcare system; ability to prepare technical material for presentation to staff and mid-level management; and ability to stay current on healthcare-related engineering technology. GS-11: One year of experience at the GS-9 level; OR a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Engineering or a related field; OR a qualifying Master's degree plus 1 additional year of progressively higher-level graduate education; OR a qualifying Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education - provided the applicant's background demonstrates GS-11 KSAs. AND KSAs: Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, or other engineering/architectural principles and their healthcare applications; knowledge of basic project management in healthcare settings; ability to apply relevant codes, standards, and regulations (including state/local); ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with tact and diplomacy; ability to develop technical material for clinical/administrative staff; and ability to advise on emerging engineering technology while staying current in the field. GS-12: One year of experience equivalent to GS-11 in Healthcare Engineering (Electrical Engineer), including but not limited to: extensive experience in electrical design/engineering of low-, medium-, and high-voltage systems in active healthcare or complex commercial medical facilities; ability to prepare, read, and interpret complex architectural/engineering drawings across disciplines (Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection); working knowledge of NFPA, OSHA, and ANSI standards in medical environments; implementing energy conservation/sustainability goals (e.g., VA GEMS program); and providing expert analysis on engineering construction, cost estimation, and infrastructure feasibility in clinical settings. AND KSAs: Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, and other engineering/architectural principles and their healthcare applications; knowledge of healthcare industry standards and regulatory requirements (TJC, OSHA, NFPA, etc.); knowledge of construction standards, methods, and materials for compliance determination; skill in researching and analyzing information to make sound engineering/business recommendations and proactively solve problems; and ability to plan and execute complex, multi-faceted projects/inspections while managing resources, budgets, and multi-disciplinary teams across departments and design/construction firms. Preferred Experience: The ideal candidate will possess substantial, hands-on design experience in Plumbing, Fire Protection, and Medical Gas Systems, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality, code-compliant engineering solutions. This individual should have a deep understanding of system layout, equipment selection, and specification development, as well as experience coordinating with multidisciplinary teams throughout all project phases, from conceptual design and documentation to construction administration and commissioning. Familiarity with relevant industry codes, standards, and best practices, particularly those specific to healthcare and commercial environments is essential. The candidate's expertise will be pivotal in ensuring robust, safe, and efficient infrastructure to meet the unique demands of modern medical facilities. Reference: VA.gov | Veterans Affairs Full performance level: GS-12. Physical Requirements: Work is primarily office-based and sedentary, with normal safety precautions and occasional outdoor duty in all weather, plus rare exposure to moderate hazards in storage or hazardous waste-site areas. Some physical activity may be required, such as walking, standing, climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling, carrying light items (e.g., manuals), or driving.
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