The position serves as a Special Projects Engineer Southeast LA Veterans Health Care System with a special emphasis on medical equipment and networks and non-medical networks equipment. This position performs project planning, produces designs, manages designs, manages and provides construction administration for Minor Construction Non-Recurring Maintenance and Station Level Projects and Leases with a focus on biomedical equipment.

Duties

Duties of the Biomedical Engineer are to include, but not limited to: The position assists in the determination of requirements for healthcare projects in relation to the needs of the Healthcare System, inclusive of the parent site, as well as off-site locations under the auspice of the Healthcare System, whether VA owned or leased. The position provides a general review primarily of Biomedical, Electrical, Biomechanical disciplines of Engineering when applied to a healthcare environment to support construction document reviews and preparation. A basic knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC) requirements, NFPA 101 the Life Safety Code and NFPA 99 Healthcare Facilities Code, in addition to VA design requirements is necessary to provide direction to Architectural/Engineering firms on complex healthcare designs to ensure compliance and regulatory requirements are met for the medical facility. The position assists in evaluations of medical care programs and services to ensure assigned projects are aligned and support the healthcare organization's needs and requirements for expansion of service and/or efficient flow of operation. The position assists in the development and review of concept documents. Tracks and manages the status, changes and updates to projects over their life cycle in various VA database systems, such as the Veterans Support Service Center (VSSC) and Capital Assets Inventory. The position is a member as assigned to certain key committees and evaluation boards including A/E Selection Committee, Construction Technical Evaluation Committee, and various Design Teams including construction projects where the incumbent assists more senior Engineers in the organization and execution of said committee. The position develops skillsets encompassing a wide range of engineering fields including, but not limited to identifying and defining assigned problems dealing with structures, mechanical, HVAC, sprinkler, fire and life safety, architectural, and electrical systems. Assists in an array of pre-planning activities that include coordinating cross-departmental planning meetings, developing Scopes of Work, conceptual project designs, and government cost estimates, and ensures project documents are produced in accordance with VA Contracting and Information Security requirements. Assists in the development of specifications and plans for alterations, additions to existing buildings, grounds, utility plants and systems, as well as for preparing the site for the installation of highly complex medical equipment ranging from smaller Ultrasound type equipment to larger Magnetic Resonance Imaging type equipment. The position assists with reviewing contractor submittals, contractor change order requests, assuring project compliance with drawings and specifications, administering A/E and VA Headquarters review processes and assuring safety practices. The position provides a broad review primarily of Biomedical, Electrical, Biomechanical disciplines of Engineering when applied to a healthcare environment to support construction document reviews and preparation. The position assists with the preparation of detailed cost estimates for use in obtaining maintenance funding and bid evaluation. The position consults with contractor personnel to help resolve difficult and complex unforeseen problems and latent conditions developing during maintenance. The position is the secondary COR on most construction projects at the facility and leads inspectors in the oversight of the construction activities along with coordination with the contracted architect and engineering firm of record for the project. The position coordinates scheduling and layout of construction operations, and inspection and surveillance of materials, methods, and equipment used in construction. The position serves as the Integrated Project Team (IPT) chairperson, comprised of diverse and multi-discipline professional team members, consisting of internal and external stakeholders. The position oversees the administration of architect-engineer and construction contracts in their role as the COR. The position is responsible, as assigned, for conducting engineering surveys and evaluations. NOTE- Candidates selected at developmental levels will perform duties under supervision. Work Schedule: 7:00am-3:30pm; 7:30am-4:00pm; 8:00am-4:30pm Monday- Friday Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: Ad Hoc 1-2 day per Pay period Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:00594-F,00595-F,00596-F,00597-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS):Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. Biomedical Engineers must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Education and/or Experience. [The individual must meet either item (1) or (2) below to meet this requirement: (1) Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Engineering. To be creditable, the curriculum must be from a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), as a professional engineering curriculum. Examples of acceptable engineering degrees include: Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Biochemical Engineering. Titles may vary from educational institutions and change over time. OR, (2) Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree not listed above 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 for employment [listed in paragraph 3 above], the following education and experience criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-7 (Entry Level): Education. Bachelor's degree as outlined in paragraph above, or CCE certification with at least a bachelor's degree not listed above GS-9 (Developmental Level 1): Candidates qualifying at the GS-9 level must meet one of these requirements and be able to demonstrate the corresponding knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): Experience. At least one year of specialization experience equivalent to the next lower level, OR, Education- Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of study, OR Bachelor's degree, plus two full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, provided the applicant's total background demonstrates the KSAs for the GS-9 level assignment. KSAs: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of the Biomedical Engineering profession. Ability to interpret relevant codes, regulations, guidelines, and standards, and make recommendations to ensure compliance with medical center programs. Ability to understand the operational needs of clinical services in the health care system. Ability to prepare material on current technical topics and trends, for presentation to other technical staff and mid-level hospital management, and the ability to keep abreast of changes in technology. GS-11 (Developmental Level 2): Candidates qualifying at the GS-11 level must meet one of these requirements and be able to demonstrate the corresponding knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): Experience. At least one year of specialization experience equivalent to the next lower level, OR, Education- Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of engineering, as outlined in previously. OR Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study. KSAs: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to implement and/or sustain an equipment management or biomedical research program that meets The Joint Commission (TJC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or other applicable regulatory requirements. Ability to develop material for a continuing education program for clinical or research staff, that address the principles and application of medical technology, and/or biomedical theory used in healthcare. Ability to advise staff on emerging medical technology, or research procedures, while keeping abreast of changes in such technology, and utilizing the information to solve biomedical engineering problems. Knowledge of basic project management principles, as applied to the healthcare setting and medical equipment, and information system implementation. GS-12 Full Performance Level: Candidates qualifying at the GS-11 level must meet one of these requirements and be able to demonstrate the corresponding knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): Experience: Completion of at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level; or completion of a post-doctoral research fellowship in the field of biomedical engineering, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. KSAs: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to conduct a medical equipment management [or biomedical research program that is compliant with applicable healthcare standards and regulatory agencies. Ability to develop a curriculum for a continuing education program, that address the safe and effective use of medical technology, and/or research devices. Ability to manage a recall and safety alert program for medical devices, including medical device hazard investigations, to assure compliance with patient safety goals, SMDA, and [TJC] requirements. Ability to conduct capital asset and infrastructure planning for medical equipment spanning initial concept, installation, and effective implementation of complex medical equipment. Ability to function as the subject matter expert in the field of biomedical engineering, directly supporting specialized clinical technology, including service, system administration, training, quality assurance, and life-cycle management. Ability to effectively advise clinical and administrative staff on medical technology, including existing and emerging technology, which addresses viability, long-term suitability, compatibility, and/or safety. Knowledge of concepts related to computer based medical systems, networking protocols, and information security as it applies to medical technology within VHA. Skill in communicating and working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including technical and professional staff at various levels of the organization. Ability to apply project management principles to deployment of medical equipment and health information technologies References: VA Handbook 5005/104 Part II Appendix G38 March 25, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-12. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting 15-44 pounds, Moderate carrying 15-44 pounds, Straight pulling 1 hour, Pushing 1 hour, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking/Standing (4 hours) Kneeling (1 hour); Repeated bending/climbing (2 Hours); Both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13"-16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Ability distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Valid driver's license. Employee must be mentally and physically able to operate a GSA Government Vehicle to carrying out his/her rudimentary duties at all Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System Community Based Outpatient Clinics (SLVHCS CBOCs). Environmental Factors: Outside/Inside; Dust; Radiant energy; Slippery or uneven walking surfaces; Working around machinery with moving parts; Working around moving objects or vehicles; Working alone; Working closely with others

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address New Orleans VA Medical Center 2400 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70119 US
• Name: Ambera Oyoo
• Phone: 317-435-2270
• Email: [email protected]