Engineering the Future of Veteran Care: Join the Northern Arizona VA as a Healthcare Engineer
Are you an engineer or architect looking to apply your technical expertise to a mission that matters? The Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System is hiring a Healthcare Engineer (Water Safety) to join its Facilities Management team in the beautiful mountain town of Prescott, Arizona. This role is a unique opportunity to blend professional engineering rigor with a profound commitment to the health and safety of our nation’s veterans.
About the Agency: The Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System
The Bob Stump VA Healthcare System (NAVAHCS) serves as a cornerstone of medical care for over 29,000 Veterans. Accredited by The Joint Commission, the facility provides a comprehensive continuum of primary and secondary medical care. From acute inpatient medicine to long-term rehabilitation, the VA is dedicated to delivering "whole health" care. As a Healthcare Engineer here, you aren't just managing pipes and blueprints; you are ensuring that the physical environment supports life-saving medical work.
Job Responsibilities: Protecting the Infrastructure
The Healthcare Engineer (Water Safety) is responsible for a variety of critical functions, including:
- Water Safety Management: Designing and managing programs to prevent waterborne pathogens through rigorous monitoring and treatment of domestic systems, cooling towers, and boilers.
- Project Oversight: Managing minor construction and non-recurring maintenance projects, including design reviews and construction administration.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all hospital facility systems meet the standards set by OSHA, The Joint Commission, and the NFPA.
- Collaboration: Working cross-functionally with Infection Prevention, Industrial Hygiene, and Safety teams to mitigate environmental risks.
Requirements and Qualifications
To be considered for this high-impact position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Academic Foundation: A bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering or Architecture from an accredited institution.
- Licensure: Current status as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Architect, or successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering examination.
- Experience: Candidates must demonstrate at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11), showing proficiency in healthcare facility standards.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written English skills.
Candidate Comparison
| Feature | Required Standard |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be U.S. Citizen |
| Education | ABET-accredited Engineering/Architecture Degree |
| Professional Certification | PE or Architect License/EIT Certification |
| Clearance | Non-sensitive / Low Risk |
Salary and Benefits
This position is categorized at the GS-12 level, offering a salary range of $104,754 to $136,183. Beyond the salary, the federal benefits package is extensive, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance options.
- A robust retirement plan (FERS pension + TSP 401k match).
- Generous paid time off, including 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 sick days.
- 11 paid federal holidays per year.
- Access to childcare subsidies for qualified families.
Application Tips for Success
- Use the Required Template: The VA requires a specific clinical resume document. Failure to use this format may result in your application not being considered.
- Be Quantifiable: When detailing your experience, explain the size, scope, and budget of the projects you have managed.
- Detail Your Compliance Experience: Since this role centers on water safety, explicitly highlight any history you have with water treatment protocols and regulatory reporting.
This position is more than a standard engineering job; it is a vital role in maintaining the safety and health of the facilities that serve our Veterans. If you are a proactive problem solver with a background in water safety and facilities management, we invite you to apply and contribute your skills to the Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System.
Why This Healthcare Engineer (Water Safety) Job Matters
Join the Northern Arizona VA team as a Healthcare Engineer and lead critical water safety initiatives that directly protect our nation’s veterans.
Healthcare Engineer (Water Safety) Job Overview
The Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Healthcare Engineer (Water Safety) to join the Facilities Management team in Prescott, Arizona. This pivotal role involves overseeing water safety programs, managing critical construction projects, and ensuring all healthcare facility infrastructure meets stringent safety and regulatory standards. You will play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of building water systems to provide a safe, high-quality environment for our Veterans.
Requirements for Healthcare Engineer (Water Safety)
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering or Architecture from an accredited program.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Registration as a Professional Engineer or Architect (or passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam with a bachelor's degree).
- Must undergo a background/security investigation.
- Must comply with mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination programs.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Healthcare Engineer (Water Safety)
- Direct experience in managing healthcare facility utility and water distribution systems.
- Proven track record in developing and maintaining Water Safety Programs to control waterborne pathogens.
- Experience managing large-scale engineering projects involving plumbing, infrastructure upgrades, and water treatment.
- Strong proficiency in collaborating with Infection Prevention, Safety, and Industrial Hygiene teams.
- Expertise in regulatory compliance, including TJC, OSHA, and NFPA standards.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary with step increases
- âś“Extensive paid time off (up to 26 days annual leave, 13 sick days, and 11 paid holidays)
- âś“Federal pension plan and 401k-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency match
- âś“Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance
- âś“Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
- âś“Childcare subsidies for eligible employees
đź’ˇ How to Apply Healthcare Engineer (Water Safety) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Healthcare Engineer (Water Safety) Job
- Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
- Complete the required occupational questionnaire.
- Download and use the standard clinical resume template provided by the VA.
- Upload your resume, transcripts, and relevant professional certifications.
- Ensure all documentation is submitted before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on July 24, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific and thorough when describing your work history; avoid making assumptions about the reviewer's knowledge.
- Use the mandatory VA-provided resume template to ensure your application passes initial screening.
- Clearly highlight your experience with water safety programs and facility management.
- Double-check that all required documents (SF-50s, transcripts, licenses) are uploaded correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this engineering role?
This position focuses on the management and oversight of healthcare facility utility systems, with a specific emphasis on water safety, infection control, and infrastructure compliance.
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation assistance (Permanent Change of Station) is not authorized for this vacancy.
What is the trial period requirement?
New hires are required to complete a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance, conduct, and fitness for the role.
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite position located in Prescott, Arizona, and requires physical presence to oversee facility infrastructure.
Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?
Yes, this position is open to the public.
How long is the trial period?
You will be subject to a 1 or 2-year trial period to assess your suitability for federal service.