Healthcare Engineer

About the role

The Network Healthcare Environmental Engineer serves as the program specialist in providing engineering expertise in relation to Health Care System building systems compliance; energy and water management; conducting and/or providing professional advisory services for building system equipment; boiler and boiler plant operations; electrical power distribution including generator; safety and sterile processing service facility requirements; legionella prevention and remediation; Green House Gas (GHG) reduction programs; USP Pharmacy regulatory facility requirements; oxygen distribution systems; textile management including laundry plant; environment of care deficiencies; critical utilities; preventative maintenance for equipment; HVAC systems; and fleet management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Lead Environmental Engineer for the VISN and acts as the principal liaison for the GEMS program between the VA Central Office, VISN Management, GEMS Managers/Engineers within the VISN, VISN Capital Asset Manager, and other VISN GEMS managers.
• Leads or facilitates GEMS audit teams throughout VISN 22 with a focus on VISN initiatives. Prepares reports and surveys for the VA Office of Capital Asset Management and Engineering Support (OCAMES) based on or to prepare for these audits.
• Maintains records of such audits for Health Care Systems within the VISN. The position is required to report results and recommend solutions to correct potential environmental conservation-related problems on a recurring basis.
• Interprets and resolves conflicts between, the various legislation, executive orders, VA Directives, specifications, industrial codes, and standards that relate to the GEMS programs within VISN 22.
• Establishes VISN objectives, educating, and negotiating with leadership, supervisors, maintenance and repair staff, general staff, and facility managers regarding engineering compliance requirements and GHG reduction programs.
• Works collaboratively with GEMS and Energy Engineers and Energy Managers to formulate and establish policies and VISN-wide energy conservation initiatives relating to utility system energy operation/performance, and operational and maintenance procedures with the objective of meeting VA and VISN energy and GEMS Program conservation goals.
• Provides expert advice and direction for Network enforcement/compliance programs by identifying and implementing state-of-the-art methods.
• Trains medical center staff in environmental compliance, maintains official records and makes legal compliance documents available to the public through websites, Freedom of Information Act responses, and personal contacts.
• Serves as network expert and coordinator in providing intellectual leadership and focus to initiate dialogue; generate policy recommendations, interventions, and agency mechanisms; and initiate research activities that will be economically feasible to support sustainable development within the environmental protection area.
• Acts as the VISN GEMS Program Manager for all VISN activities related to GEMS program requirements.
• Supports emergency relief operations throughout the VISN in case of floods, tornadoes, storms, public health disasters, and catastrophes in the area.
• Researches new technologies, applications, procedures, and policies, related to the program elements, to maximize system efficiencies and optimize performance while mitigating maintenance requirements and costs.