Engineering Technician Careers with the Department of Veterans Affairs
Are you looking to take your engineering career to the next level while making a tangible impact on the lives of those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a skilled Engineering Technician to join the Facilities Management Service in Reno, Nevada. This is an open continuous announcement, offering a stable pathway into federal service for qualified professionals.
Job Responsibilities
As an Engineering Technician, you will be at the forefront of facility development. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Planning and designing layouts for new construction and facility modernizations.
- Serving as a project manager for complex multidisciplinary design teams.
- Developing technical specifications, plans, and cost estimates.
- Ensuring compliance with Joint Commission, NFPA, and OSHA standards.
- Overseeing construction phases to ensure quality and safety standards are met.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-11 position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Specialized Experience: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level.
- Background Check: Ability to pass a federal security and background investigation.
- Compliance: Willingness to participate in the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Salary Overview
This position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale at the GS-11 level. The current annual salary range for this role is $74,972 to $97,469 per year, commensurate with your qualifications and experience.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a robust compensation package designed to support your long-term success, including:
| Benefit Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Multiple comprehensive plan options |
| Retirement | Pension plan + TSP with government match |
| Paid Time Off | Generous leave for vacation and sick days |
| Stability | Long-term career growth in federal service |
Application Tips
To stand out in the competitive federal hiring process, follow these guidelines:
- Respect the Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages long.
- Tailor Your Resume: Align your experience keywords directly with the major duties listed in the announcement.
- Use the Builder: Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder to avoid common formatting pitfalls.
If you have a background in construction management, design, or engineering and a desire to serve the Veteran community, we encourage you to apply. Reno offers an incredible lifestyle, and the VA offers a career path that truly matters. Start your application today to join a team that values your technical expertise.
Why This Engineering Technician Job Matters
Shape the future of veteran care: Use your technical expertise to manage complex engineering projects in the stunning backdrop of Reno, Nevada.
Engineering Technician Job Overview
The Veterans Affairs Sierra Nevada Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Engineering Technician to join our Facilities Management team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the modernization, conversion, and construction of vital VA medical facilities. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical acumen to projects that directly support the health and well-being of our nation's heroes while enjoying a high quality of life in Reno.
Requirements for Engineering Technician
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be registered for Selective Service (if born after 12/31/1959).
- Must pass a background and security investigation.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period.
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level.
- Must provide specific documentation for veteran preference or CTAP/ICTAP eligibility if applicable.
Preferred Qualifications for Engineering Technician
- Certification by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).
- Strong project management experience with complex construction or repair projects.
- Proficiency in BIM, AutoCAD, MS Project, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret Joint Commission standards, NFPA requirements, and OSHA regulations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βComprehensive federal health insurance options
- βGenerous paid vacation and sick leave accrual
- βFederal retirement pension plan
- βThrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with government matching
- βWork-life balance initiatives
- βProfessional development and training opportunities
π‘ How to Apply Engineering Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Engineering Technician Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review your resume to ensure it is no longer than two pages.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents (transcripts, SF-50s, etc.).
- Submit your application package before the announcement closes on August 26, 2026.
π‘ General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to remain eligible.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you include all required formatting.
- Clearly highlight your project management and construction design experience.
- Upload documents as PDFs to preserve your formatting.
- Verify your eligibility for special hiring paths (e.g., Veterans or Schedule A) before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of this Engineering Technician?
You will serve as a technical resource and project manager for facility construction, renovation, and modernization projects at the Sierra Nevada Health Care System.
Is telework allowed for this position?
Yes, ad-hoc telework is permitted as determined by agency policy, though this is primarily an on-site, in-person position.
Are there educational requirements?
While there is no specific educational substitution for this grade level, candidates must meet the specialized experience requirements defined by OPM standards for the 0802 series.
Is this a virtual position?
No, this is an on-site position located in Reno, Nevada.
Can I use education to qualify?
There is no educational substitution for this grade level; you must demonstrate specialized experience.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Affairs Sierra Nevada Health Care System (VASNHCS) is dedicated to providing compassionate, whole-health care to our nation's Veterans. Located at the base of the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains, our team values innovation, work-life balance, and professional excellence. Joining the VA means becoming part of a mission-driven organization committed to maintaining high-quality medical environments for those who have sacrificed for our freedom.
