Healthcare Engineer (Environmental Engineer)

The position serves as a Environmental Engineer at an assigned Department of Veterans Affairs and as a technical authority for the medical center's Legionella Water Safety Program, Deionized (DI) and critical water systems, and broader environmental and energy engineering programs. This position ensures that facility water systems (such as potable water, cooling towers, sterile processing and dialysis systems) are safe, free from pathogens and compliant with VA and federal standards.

General Engineering Oversight Serves as a technical authority for the medical center's Legionella Water Safety Program, Deionized (DI) and critical water systems, and broader environmental and energy engineering programs. The role ensures compliance with VHA directives, supports patient safety, and maintains the integrity of critical facility utilities. Support Sterile Processing, Dental, Lab, Facilities Management, GEMS, and Contracting activities related to domestic, critical water, and utility water systems. A. Water Quality Monitoring Collecting and analyzing water samples from water distribution systems. Collecting and analyzing water samples from water distribution systems. Using data to detect pollutants such as bacteria, heavy metals, chemicals, and other hazardous substances. Interprets trends and anomalies in laboratory and operational data to inform risk assessments, guide corrective actions, and support evidence-based decision-making for maintaining water quality, ensuring system reliability, and protecting patient safety. Conducts field assessments, analyzes operational data, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to address issues related to water distribution, treatment processes, infrastructure integrity, and environmental impact. B. Manages Healthcare and Associated Building Infrastructure Systems Design and Construction Administration Investigates a variety of problems experienced in water management and facility energy performance, developing practical, sustainable solutions that protect water quality, improve system efficiency, and support regulatory compliance. Conducts field assessments and operational analyses to diagnose issues in distribution, treatment, HVAC, and utility systems, while identifying cost-effective energy conservation measures. Collaborates with engineering, maintenance, and project teams to optimize building systems, reduce resource consumption, integrate energy-efficient technologies, and ensure environmental stewardship across facility operations. Participates in the negotiation and pre-selection and actively manages design Architect/Engineers (A/E's) contracts. C. Performs Healthcare Construction Management and Post Project Activities Develops specifications and plans for alterations to existing buildings, grounds, utility plants and systems, as well as for preparing the site for the installation inclusive of building infrastructure systems ; mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Performs scheduling and layout of construction operations, and inspection and surveillance of materials, methods, and equipment used in construction. Conducts investigations to obtain factual information pertaining to a variety of issues. Responsible for inspecting and coordinating the work of contractors and vendors. Responsible for the project oversight of multi-million-dollar, complex healthcare projects, the position reviews work performed by inspectors, internal and contracted, to ensure project requirements are being met. Consults with contractor personnel to resolve difficult and complex unforeseen problems and latent conditions that develop during construction. Constantly shifting priorities and tight deadlines require rapid evaluation of emerging issues and immediate action to maintain safe, continuous operations. Triage multiple concurrent demands, adjust plans in response to urgent utility or equipment failures, and coordinate resources efficiently to ensure mission-critical systems remain reliable. This includes implementing swift corrective measures to mitigate risks and minimize impacts to patient care. Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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.

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). 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 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.