The incumbent is a Supervisory Biomedical Engineer with overall responsibility for all matters relating to medical equipment and patient safety. The incumbent provides biomedical engineering support to the Central Iowa VA Health Care System. Incumbent is a key member of the Engineering staff and operates under very general guidelines, with authority to act as necessary to carry out program elements.
Summary
The incumbent is a Supervisory Biomedical Engineer with overall responsibility for all matters relating to medical equipment and patient safety. The incumbent provides biomedical engineering support to the Central Iowa VA Health Care System. Incumbent is a key member of the Engineering staff and operates under very general guidelines, with authority to act as necessary to carry out program elements.
Eligible applications will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.
A. The incumbent is completely responsible for such equipment-related professional services as:
Analysis, experimental electronics research, design, development, modification, standards and specifications, computer applications, equipment selection, and equipment testing and evaluation.
Approval of equipment purchase requests.
Investigates situations or phenomena which may affect or compromise efficacy of medical devices.
B. Relationship to BMET Shop:
The incumbent has overall responsibility for the BMET program at this medical center.
Assesses and evaluates the needs of the BMET program, such as technical training, test equipment, staffing and personnel matters, and makes recommendations to management for support.
Acts as medical center/manufacturer liaison concerning design, application, operation, maintenance, maintenance training, reliability, and field performance of clinical and research instrumentation.
Is responsible for specification and standard interpretation.
Directs incoming inspection (acceptance testing), preventive maintenance, and maintenance and repair programs of clinical and research equipment.
Develops test protocols and test equipment for BMET use in incoming inspections and equipment evaluations.
Assists in troubleshooting of unusually difficult maintenance problems.
Provides engineering support for special projects, including design and development of special circuits and devices.
C. Relationship to Medical Services
Is responsible for need analysis, and assists in equipment selection and application.
Develops device and system specifications, which may lead to modification of major facilities and large expenditures of funds.
Designs, develops, or modifies equipment to meet staff requirements.
Has overall responsibility for education concerning theory of operation, operation, correct application of medical equipment, and electrical safety.
D. Relationship to Administrative Services
Coordinates with Human Resources Management Service, Fiscal Service, and Learning Service in all matters relating to BME/BMET training, Biomedical Engineer Trainees, Biomedical Engineering Stipend Students, and BMET Interns.
Coordinates with Acquisition and Materiel Management Service in all matters relating to equipment selection, approval, testing and evaluation, warranty, standards, specifications, and maintenance.
Has overall responsibility for education with respect to electrical safety. This includes working with the medical center and district Safety Engineers.
E. Administrative Duties:
Directs, manages, and has overall program responsibility for the BMET Shop and the BME Section of Engineering Service.
Is responsible for developing project proposals to carry out program objectives.
Identifies, develops, and organizes training for BMET/BME personnel.
Develops, organizes, and supervises training of Biomedical Engineer trainees for the VA System.
Serves on medical center councils and committees. These include the Safety Committee, Equipment Committee, and Environment of Care Council. The incumbent is expected to be available as a resource to other medical center committees as required.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30AM to 4:30PM Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
You may be required to serve a probationary period
Subject to a background/security investigation
Must be proficient in written and spoken English
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Qualifications
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 VA Handbook 5005/104, Part II, chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a.
Education and/or Experience. The individual must meet wither item (1) or (2) below:
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 such as 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,
Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree in an area not listed in item (1). Certification means having successfully passed a CCE written and oral examination administered by the American College of Clinical Engineering. If appointed with a CCE requirement, the employee must maintain certification throughout employment. The American College of Clinical Engineering determines acceptable educational preparation and degree requirements for CCE eligibility.
Creditable Professional Engineering Experience: To be creditable, experience must have been accomplished after receipt of the bachelor's degree, and/or CCE certification, and requires the possession and use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated within the scope of the biomedical engineering profession. Additionally, the experience must have been attained in a healthcare setting for Biomedical Engineer (Clinical) positions, and be directly applicable to the assignment being announced.
Grade Determinations: To qualify for the GS-13 level, Supervisory Biomedical Engineer, the candidate must demonstrate completion of one year of experience equivalent to a Biomedical Engineer at the next lower level, GS-12. The GS-12 level Biomedical Engineer works under general supervision, with wide latitude to exercise independent judgment. He or she demonstrates extended professional and technical experience that provides an intimate understanding of complex clinical and biomedical subject matter. In order to receive credit for GS-12 level experience, the candidate must demonstrate that he or she fully meets the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) at the GS-12 level as described in the VA qualification standard:
Ability to conduct a medical equipment management program that is compliant with applicable healthcare standards and regulatory agencies;
Ability to develop a curriculum for continuing education program, that address the safe and effective use of medical technology 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 concept 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.
In addition to the experience stated above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs that demonstrate the ability to perform the work of a Supervisory Biomedical Engineer at the GS-13 level:
Knowledge of the management of overall department resources, i.e., finances, space, equipment, supplies, and staffing at the local level;
Ability to draft and/or recommend local policies and/or directives related to healthcare technology management;
Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions;
Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient operations, and use data effectively to manage workload, quality, performance, ad productivity within the area of responsibility;
Skill in interpersonal relationships in leading and dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers, both within and outside the biomedical engineering program, to include conflict management, dispute resolutions, mediation, or reasonable accommodations.
References: VA Handbook 5005/104, Part II, Appendix G38, Biomedical Engineer Qualification Standard, dated March 25, 2019.
Physical Requirements: Light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; and hearing (aid permitted).
Education
IMPORTANT: This position has a positive education requirement; therefore, a transcript must be submitted with your application.
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.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for 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; religions; 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.
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.
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.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (VA)
VA Form 10-2850c: Application for Associated Health Occupations
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):
Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/31/2021 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11183235.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
VA Central Iowa Health Care System
3600 30th St
Des Moines, IA 50310
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (VA)
VA Form 10-2850c: Application for Associated Health Occupations
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):
Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/31/2021 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11183235.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
VA Central Iowa Health Care System
3600 30th St
Des Moines, IA 50310
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
