Healthcare Engineer - Energy Manager

About the role

The position serves as Energy Manager and the resident expert for the assigned Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare Systems (HCSs) in support of VISN, VA Central Office (VACO) and Executive Office of the President execution of law, executive order or VA policy in which energy management is the primary concern.

What you will do

• The incumbent functions as Energy Manager for at least one VAHCS comprised of one or more VA owned VA Medical Centers (VAMCs), Healthcare Centers (HCCs), Outpatient Clinics (OPCs) and smaller miscellaneous facilities as well as leased spaces including VA Clinics (formerly Community Based Outpatient Clinics warehouses and administrative offices operated by the VAHCS.
• The Energy Manager will work in a collaborative effort with other Energy Managers within their VISN toward accomplishing VISN-wide and VHA energy goals.
• The incumbent works closely with the VISN Energy Manager and VISN Capital Assets Manager/Deputy Capital Assets Manager providing technical support.
• The incumbent provides technical and program support for the energy conservation programs at local National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Veteran Benefit Administration (VBA), Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling), and Joint Department of Defense (DOD)NA sites.
• Will have the ability to serve on VISN, National Committees or Task Forces.
• The incumbent will conduct condition assessments for HVAC, lighting, electrical distribution, building envelope, steam and chilled water generation systems, domestic hot water, and other energy and water utilities within the VISN.
• He/she must be proficient in the use of energy survey equipment.
• Should be familiar with computer-based building automation and energy management systems.
• Provides associated audit reports directly to VAHCS Leadership, VISN Energy Manager, VISN CAM or VHA Energy Program Director and/or other Senior-Level VACO staff.
• Work is to be performed at least 25% of the time for the VISN.
• Must have experience in Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) or have attended ESPC training conducted by the Department of Energy or the Association of Energy Engineers in support of the implementation of programs mandated by Federal law and executive order.
• Responsible for creating pilot programs (new technology and procedures); developing local standards to minimize energy and water waste, managing VAHCS commodity acquisition (electricity, natural gas, etc.) and evaluating/managing VAHCS Utility Energy Saving Contracts (UESCs).
• Manages and supports the VISNs' ESPCs and UESCs in collaboration with the National Energy Business Center (NEBC).
• Position oversees, provides guidance, and assists VISN activities of designated projects with energy savings companies to ensure goals or objectives of the project are accomplished within prescribed time frames and funding parameters.
• Sets goals of cost reduction, energy reduction and productivity improvement to align with Federal and VA-wide initiatives and goals.
• Also responsible to ensure energy aspects of sustainability in facility construction projects, its operation and maintenance.
• The incumbent leads the development, manages and supports the Medical Center's and VISN's Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC) or Utility Energy Services Contracts (UESC).
• These projects have construction costs between $100,000 to $50 million in aggregate.
• They plan, direct, and coordinate activities of designated projects.
• The incumbent serves as the delegated Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for ESPC/UESC projects.
• The primary COR, leads other VAHCS project engineers in their delegated supporting roles as technical monitors for ESPC/UESC contracts.
• In regionalized support, as a subject matter expert, they may be required to develop, manage, and/or support other VAHCS within the VISN on their ESPC or UESC efforts, or manage a multi-site ESPC or UESC.
• Implements energy conservation initiatives and prepares project submission documents for cost effective energy conservation retrofit projects.
• Prepare and monitor utility budgets, advising management of potential budget shortfalls and other factors that may influence the energy budget.
• Complete FS available upon request.
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30a.m.-4:00p.m. 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) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
• 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) Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: 91327-S

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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: ***

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: *** 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 in paragraph 3.b. of this appendix.

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

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

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.

Documents you must provide

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) SF50 for current permanent employees Other (3) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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.