Healthcare Engineer-Energy Engineer

Healthcare Engineer-Energy Engineer

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Fort Meade, South Dakota, Hot Springs, South Dakota

Salary Range: $98418 - $127949 Per Year

Job Summary: The position serves as the resident expert within the Black Hills VA Medical Center in support of VISN, VACO and Executive Office of the President execution of Law, Executive Order or VA Policy in which Energy Management is the primary concern. Functions as Energy Manager inclusive of Black Hills VA Medical Center owned and leased space including Outpatient Clinics, CBOCs or administrative space operated by the Medical Center. This position can be based out of either listed locations.

Major Duties:

• Major duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Conduct HVAC, lighting, building, steam generation system, domestic hot water, and other energy audits within the VISN using industry standard energy analysis tools to minimize energy consumption; He/she must be proficient in the use of energy survey equipment (light meters, power factor meters, wattmeter, and anemometer) and computerized energy survey software (FEDS, ASEAM, or equal computer applications). Plans, initiates and executes commissioning, recommissioning and retro-commissioning projects. Provides associated audit reports directly to Medical Center Leadership, VISN Energy Office, VISN CAM or Energy Program Director and/or other Senior-Level VACO staff where directed to do so by the VISN. Develop and plan Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) or Utility Energy Savings Contracts (UESC) in support of the implementation of programs mandated by Federal Law and Executive Order. Responsible to ensure energy aspects of sustainability in facility construction projects, its operation and maintenance. Manages and supports the Medical Center's Energy Savings Performance Contracts. Plans, directs, and coordinates activities of designated projects with energy savings companies to ensure that goals or objectives of the project are accomplished within prescribed time frames and funding parameters. Implements energy conservation initiatives and prepares project submission documents for cost effective energy conservation retrofit projects. Prepares and monitors utility budgets, advising management of potential budget shortfalls and other factors that may influence the energy budget. Energy manager works with A/E firms in the development of energy conservation projects, reviews designs prepared by A/E firms for renovation and construction projects to ensure compliance with applicable local, National and VA regulations as they relate to energy performance. Works with the operations and maintenance sections to analyze and improve utility system energy performance, initiate, and provide support for the development of operational procedures and controls, including but not limited to the following: Monitor utility systems components looking for significant changes in consumption rates or quantities. Evaluate data compiled from the computerized energy management system, looking for trends, such as under and over utilized equipment. Monitor control and alarm set points within the computerized energy management systems. Work with energy plant personnel to monitor/improve efficiency of boiler and chiller operations. Monitor natural gas prices to determine when utilizing alternate fuel such as fuel oil in facility boilers is of economic benefit to the facility. Determine local set back parameters for unoccupied spaces after hours. Evaluate existing energy savings systems, such as glycol loops, heat wheels and solar panels and recommending appropriate operational changes. Review and monitor contracts and contractor performance for water treatment such as softeners for boilers, chillers and food preparation or cleaning equipment for appropriateness and billing accuracy. Manage the building/energy management system(s) and utility metering initiatives (electrical, water, etc.) ensuring proper use, expansion, and administration. Occasional travel is required. Travel will be for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to: national and regional conferences, site visits to other facilities in the VISN (or the VISN offices), face-to-face meetings regarding national and regional projects/assignments, specialized training for certain medical equipment and/or systems, other training opportunities that may improve the incumbents ability to better serve the needs of the VA. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pn Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications: 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: Healthcare Engineer candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C.§ 7403(f). 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. Titles may vary from educational institutions and change over time. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Healthcare Engineer, GS-12 Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS11. Examples of specialized experience is the following: 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. 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 in the healthcare environment. (b) 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. (c) Knowledge of construction standards, methods, practices and techniques, materials and equipment to determine compliance with engineering regulations and standards. (d) 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. (e) Ability to plan and execute complex, multi-faceted projects and inspections while prioritizing resources against approved scopes of work, contract documents and budgets. (f) Ability to organize and lead multi-disciplinary task forces with members from different departments and divisions, as well as design and construction firms. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS12. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/23/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12864825. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-23