Engineering Technician

Summary The employee will serve as an Engineering Technician located at the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System in Fargo, ND. The employee performs a variety of work requiring application of technical knowledge involving various established engineering methods, procedures, techniques and practices. Learn more about this agency Duties ***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-11. At the GS-9/10 grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and availability of funds. Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: Prepare cost estimates and specifications accurately and independently for all assigned construction projects. Inspect construction progress on a regular basis to ensure compliance with drawings, specifications, schedule and all applicable codes. Develop preliminary layouts and designs into a final form of architectural, plumbing, mechanical, civil and electrical plans and specifications for a diversified number of functions available related to hospital environment. Conduct on-site job inspections of construction projects. Administer architectural/engineering (A/E) design contracts to ensure A/E conformance to project scope and design criteria, while ensuring accuracy, completeness and quality of the design work. Operate and be familiar with the procedures of all drafting equipment/software, reproduction equipment, engineering measuring devices, etc. Analyze analytical and diagnostic techniques; techniques for developing new or modified work methods, approaches or procedures and related emerging practices and methods. Administer construction contracts for compliance with project documents and other applicable standards, evaluates submittals and processes payment applications and invoices within the required time frames. Prepare and oversee the production of plans, specifications, estimates and schedules for complex projects. Develop and draw preliminary sketches, plot utility plans, maps, architectural plans, electrical schematics, electrical circuit plans, plumbing schematics, plumbing plans (piping layout), heating, ventilation and air conditioning system layouts, etc. with an optimal level of drafting techniques and use of the CAD system. Perform other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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 probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To qualify for this position you must the following requirements. GS-9 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Requires one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-8) in the Federal service that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include technical work in: drafting, surveying construction estimating, physical science, mathematics, aerospace, architecture, chemicals, electrical or mechanical systems, mining, petroleum, or nuclear systems. Experience in a trade or craft may be credited as specialized experience when the work provided intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents. Examples are trade positions with substantial developmental, test, or design responsibilities such as: Planner and estimator who analyzed designs for production purposes. Instrument maker or model maker who performed design or development work on devices fabricated. Specialized experience includes assisting with using Computer Aided Design (AutoCAD) or other drafting software systems; inspecting construction progress and work completed by contractors to ensure compliance with drawings, specifications, and applicable codes. GS-9 SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED): Successfully completed 2 full years of directly related graduate education or a master's degree meets the specialized experience. GS-9 COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED): Equivalent combinations of related graduate education combined with specialized experience meets the specialized experience. GS-10 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Requires one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-9) in the Federal service that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include technical work in: drafting, surveying construction estimating, physical science, mathematics, aerospace, architecture, chemicals, electrical or mechanical systems, mining, petroleum, or nuclear systems. Experience in a trade or craft may be credited as specialized experience when the work provided intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents. Examples are trade positions with substantial developmental, test, or design responsibilities such as: Planner and estimator who analyzed designs for production purposes. Instrument maker or model maker who performed design or development work on devices fabricated. Specialized experience includes assisting with using Computer Aided Design (AutoCAD) or other drafting software systems; inspecting construction progress and work completed by contractors to ensure compliance with drawings, specifications, and applicable codes; and serving as a project team leader in planning and coordinating projects with facility staff, consultants, and contractors. GS-10 SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED): Successfully completed 2½ years (45 semester hours) of directly related graduate education meets the specialized experience. GS-10 COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED): Equivalent combinations of related graduate education combined with specialized experience meets the specialized experience. GS-11 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Requires one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-10) in the Federal service that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include technical work in: drafting, surveying construction estimating, physical science, mathematics, aerospace, architecture, chemicals, electrical or mechanical systems, mining, petroleum, or nuclear systems. Experience in a trade or craft may be credited as specialized experience when the work provided intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents. Examples are trade positions with substantial developmental, test, or design responsibilities such as: Planner and estimator who analyzed designs for production purposes. Instrument maker or model maker who performed design or development work on devices fabricated. Specialized experience includes using Computer Aided Design (AutoCAD) or other drafting software systems; inspecting construction progress and work completed by contractors to ensure compliance with drawings, specifications, and applicable codes; and serving as a project team leader in planning and coordinating projects with facility staff, consultants, and contractors. GS-11 SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED): Successfully completed 3 years of directly related graduate education or a PhD meets the specialized experience. GS-11 COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED): Equivalent combinations of related graduate education combined with specialized experience meets the specialized experience. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Attention to DetailComputer SkillsDesignEngineering and Technology IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such 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; religious; 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. Physical Requirements: Most of the work is performed indoors in a well-lit, temperature and sound controlled office setting. However, the employee may be exposed to the hazards of weather, dirt, dust etc. associated with construction settings while making "on-site" inspections of assigned projects. The employee must be physically able to climb, crawl, walk, stoop, sit and stand to perform assigned duties. The employee is also expected to comply with all safety codes and other practices described in the Engineering and Safety Manuals. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. There is no educational substitution at this grade level. 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: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov). Additional information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.