Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Recruitment/relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified individual.

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Duties include but are not limited to:

The HLA organizes, supports, and coordinates landscape architecture work with primary responsibility for planning, coordinating, preparing, and reviewing landscape architecture and site layout designs, drawings, and technical specifications in support of VALB projects include but are not limited to the following: Natural and Site Resource Management, Historic/Cultural Properties Management, Land Use Planning and Management, Master Planning, Landscape and Reclamation, and the management of programs and contracts that support such efforts. Performs senior level design and document reviews. Reviews, checks, and provides initial approval for contract drawings, quantity estimates, and technical provisions of the specifications for conformance with good engineering practice, design requirements, CAD and drawing standards, and general guidance and instructions. Reviews and checks submittals of Architect/Engineer (A/E) firms to include reports, contract drawings, specifications, and other documents to insure conformance with A/E contract. Confers with A/E representatives as necessary to ensure the final project work meets the requirements of the VALB. Performs Independent Technical Reviews of work performed by others. Checks and reviews work of peer and lower graded engineers, technicians, and other employees engaged in the design and development of the projects so that steady progress is made toward completion. Conducts studies and prepares detailed landscaping plans, specifications, and preliminary cost estimates for specific public use area designs. Coordinates with other Federal, state, and local, interested stakeholders, and contractors as needed during various stages of the work. Works with the project delivery team to establish project budgets and schedules. Monitors execution of established program metrics for assigned projects. Serves as the senior specialist and VALB authority for landscape administration, planning, and management. Reviews, studies and reports on concept, preliminary and final designs prepared by contracted architect-engineers in support of Veterans Administration to ensure quality of landscape design, costs, conformance to criteria, and agreement between landscape architectural and engineering aspects. Prepares written comments to provide the contracted architect-engineer with guidance to achieve the best planning solution possible for design problems. Serves in a consulting capacity to other segments of the Engineering Service, representatives of the using agencies, and contractor/manufacturers' representatives providing advice and assistance regarding: (1) the interpretation and dissemination of information; (2) solving problems encountered due to local conditions and/or requirements; and (3) the coordination of construction and installation of landscape architect features and other related construction phases of work assigned. Analyzes technical literature, manufacturers recommendations, and publications to keep abreast of current trends and changes in the field of landscape architecture. Prepares changes to design, guidance, specifications and criteria pertaining to landscape architecture for VALB approval and distribution throughout the Engineering Service.

Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 07:30am to 4:00pm
Telework: Not Available
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• 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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial 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 trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.
• Education and/or Experience: 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: Energy Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Structural Engineering. Titles may vary from educational institutions and change over time.
• English Language Proficiency. Heathcare Engineers must be proficient in spoken and written English.

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).

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of the Engineering profession.
2. Ability to interpret relevant codes, regulations, guidelines, and standards, and make recommendations to ensure compliance with medical center programs.
3. Ability to understand the operational needs of clinical services in the health care system.
4. 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.

OR, OR,
Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a related field of study, as outlined in the basic requirements.

Demonstrate Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

1. 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 architect/Engineer and Construction Contracts.
2. 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 construction projects.
3. Knowledge of basic project management principles, as applied to the healthcare setting and effective implementation of complex buildings, utilities and medical support systems. medical equipment, and information system implementation.
4. Ability to implement and/or sustain and manage healthcare engineering project design and administers construction in accordance with VA policies and procedures.

GS-12: 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 engineering and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. Assignment. At the full performance level, employees work under general supervision, with wide latitude to exercise independent judgment. Drawing upon extended professional and technical experience, employees demonstrate an intimate understanding of complex clinical and construction subject matter.

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-11 to GS-12.

Physical Requirements: The work may require regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of items weighing up to 40 pounds, and bending/stooping.

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, resume, 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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.