Supervisory Healthcare Engineer (Deputy)

Veterans Health Administration • West Palm Beach, FL

6h • Onsite

About The Position

The Supervisory Healthcare Engineer (Deputy), Assistant Chief Engineer serves as the full alter ego to the Chief Engineer within the Facilities Management Service at the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System. This position is responsible for overseeing professional engineering programs, including Maintenance and Repair, Utility Plant Operations, Energy Management, Safety, Fire Prevention, Industrial Hygiene, Emergency Preparedness, Green Environmental Management, Vehicle Fleet, Grounds, Capital Planning, and Construction Project Management. The role covers both the main medical center and outlying Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Curriculum must be accredited by ABET (Engineering Accreditation Commission) or NCARB.
• Acceptable degrees include: Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineer, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture and Architectural Engineering.
• Alternatively, evidence of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination with a bachelor's degree.
• Alternatively, evidence of current professional registration or licensure as a Professional Engineer or Architect.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-12).
• Knowledge of the management of overall healthcare system resources (finances, space, equipment, supplies, schedules, staffing).
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, structural, civil and other engineering/architectural principles, practices and their applications as related to healthcare facilities.
• Skill in using effective communication in managing interpersonal relationships with internal and external customers, stakeholders, executive leadership, labor representatives and managers.
• Skill in balancing priorities, delegating tasks and meeting multiple competing deadlines.
• Skill in interpreting broad or general national policies and guidelines and adapting/applying them to specific compliant programs at the local healthcare system.
• Skill in recognizing and assessing evolving scenarios, utilizing initiative, self-direction and assigned resources to affect resolutions.
• Ability to analyze complex organizational problems and develop and implement effective solutions that result in efficient operations.
• Ability to anticipate, develop and implement strategies in meeting the healthcare system's short term and long-term strategic goals in a highly fluid environment.
• Ability to ensure compliance with healthcare industry standards and regulatory agency and organization (including but not limited to TJC, OSHA, NFPA, etc.), regulations, requirements, guides, policies, procedures, directives and general medical program requirements as they relate to healthcare engineering.
• Ability to interview candidates for positions, recommend appointments, advancements, or when appropriate, disciplinary actions; evaluate performance and identify continuing education and training needs.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement.
• Must complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect, or passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is also preferred.

Responsibilities

• Acts as the key managerial advisor and full authority in the absence of the Chief Engineer.
• Participates in management planning, policy, and decision-making for the Medical Center.
• Provides technical guidance and direction across multiple engineering disciplines (civil, electrical, mechanical, structural, environmental, fire safety).
• Develops policies, procedures, and resource allocations for assigned programs.
• Oversees personnel management, including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and disciplinary actions.
• Implements succession and workforce plans, ensures compliance with EEO policies, and maintains labor/management relations.
• Supports VISN Capital and Energy Engineers, interfaces with facility, VISN, and VA Central Office.
• Provides technical advice on capital investment planning, asset inventory, deferred maintenance, and project management.
• Implements and monitors comprehensive safety programs, ensuring compliance with VA and Joint Commission standards.
• Identifies and manages risks associated with utility systems, medical equipment, and physical environment.
• Formulates, justifies, and executes budgets for Engineering Service.
• Advises management on financial issues, manages budget for major programs, and participates in defending budgets before senior leadership.
• Provides expert analysis and advice on complex program issues.
• Researches and recommends solutions for compliance with national codes and standards (NFPA, OSHA, EPA, CDC, NIOSH).
• Develops and implements capital improvement programs, coordinates renovations and leases.
• Oversees scheduling, inspection, and surveillance of construction projects, ensures compliance with VA and industry standards.
• Mentors newer engineers, provides technical advice to peers and subordinates.
• Reviews plans, specifications, and analyses, directs necessary changes, and establishes maintenance standards.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, accrediting bodies, and VA requirements.
• Develops policies to minimize adverse impact to patient care while meeting conflicting requirements.
• Plans and manages special projects, conducts analyses, and develops training programs.
• Provides classroom or group-setting instruction as needed.
• Consistently communicates and treats customers with respect, prioritizes patient care, and considers age, development, and cultural needs in project planning.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Federal employee benefits
• Access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career very rewarding
• Annual (Vacation) Leave accrual based on years of Federal service
• Credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience may be requested and approved.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager