Engineering Technician

Veterans Health Administration • Reno, NV

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Engineering Technician plans, designs, analyzes, and lays out new construction and the conversion, remodeling, or modernization of existing VA buildings and facilities. The position is at the Veterans Affairs Sierra Nevada Health Care System in Reno, Nevada, and is not virtual; the employee must live within or be willing to relocate within commuting distance. The role works with Chief Engineers and engineering staff on major construction projects, leading multidisciplinary design teams or contracted design services and preparing complete design packages, plans, specifications, estimates, and project documentation. The technician also supports construction management, facility design and modernization, project approvals, and coordination with contractors and outside agencies. The position serves as a technical expert and advisor to peers and senior managers, including on technical equipment, network systems, and computer software. The work schedule is full time, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Ad hoc telework may be authorized and will be discussed during the interview process.

Requirements

• For the GS-11 level, have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-10 involving engineering or architecture methods and techniques and knowledge of engineering systems, processes, structures, machinery, devices, or materials; qualifying work may include drafting, surveying, construction estimating or management, physical science, mathematics, architecture, engineering disciplines, or relevant construction trades.
• Alternatively, qualify through a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education directly related to the work, such as engineering, construction, or industrial technology.
• Alternatively, qualify through an equivalent combination of related graduate education beyond a master's degree and specialized experience.
• Submit transcripts if qualifying based in whole or in part on education.
• Be a U.S. citizen and complete all required application steps, including the online assessment.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete a background/security investigation and the online onboarding process.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a Department of Veterans Affairs health care personnel requirement.
• Serve a one-year probationary period.
• Live within or be willing to relocate within commuting distance of the duty location.

Responsibilities

• Work with Chief Engineers and engineering staff to efficiently and effectively implement major construction projects.
• Manage projects and lead multidisciplinary design teams or contracted design services in preparing complete design packages.
• Prepare plans, specifications, and estimates for complex projects.
• Keep the Chief Engineer informed about ongoing major projects in coordination with contractors and construction and facility management staff.
• Assist with oversight of facility design, construction, repair, renovation, and modernization.
• Perform construction management tasks during project construction.
• Review and assess design development documents, resolve complex design problems using original approaches, and prepare documents for VA project development approvals.
• Prepare approval documentation for outside agencies, including the State Office of Historic Preservation, local fire departments, the Department of Defense, and environmental agencies.
• Prepare project estimates ranging from minor maintenance to large non-recurring projects for advanced budget planning.
• Prepare scopes of work for engineering service contracts or services provided by other government agencies.
• Recommend strategies for managing workload and setting goals and priorities.
• Serve as a technical advisor to peers and senior managers and as a technical expert on equipment, network systems, and computer software.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to prior approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree