Occupation Summary
Engineers at VA are knowledgeable in the areas of professional engineering practices, including principles of engineering and standard trade practices involving energy applications and the planning, development, design, and construction of major and minor projects, and their cost factors. Responsibilities require the mastery of a wide range of management and engineering skills needed in planning, designing, and carrying out projects, programs, and studies associated with health care delivery in the assigned areas within the medical centers. The assigned areas of the medical centers are diverse and include construction, utilities, building maintenance, medical equipment maintenance, building service equipment maintenance and personal property maintenance, fire and safety systems, space utilization, and program management.
Program Summary
The VA Technical Career Field (TCF) Program hires graduate engineers for two-year paid internships. The program provides the training that is necessary for the transition from school to the VA workplace, with many of the same benefits as other Federal employees.
These graduate engineers receive one-on-one training and mentoring for the first year by preceptors who are seasoned engineers at many of the VA's 150+ medical facilities throughout the country. For the second year, interns may stay at that facility if a permanent position is available or may relocate to another VA medical facility across the country, with relocation expenses paid by the program.
During the two-year training period, engineering interns have the opportunity to attend national conferences and core training events, as well as network with other interns in the program as part of a wide variety of training experiences and continuing education activities that will enhance the prospect of upward mobility in VA.
At the completion of training, interns are converted to permanent positions in VA medical facilities. The professional experience provided in the training program, along with the vast numbers of VA 'Boomers' approaching retirement, increases the potential for rapid promotion in this career field into leadership positions within VA.
Funding
The TCF Program for Engineers provides funding for tuition and travel expenses for approved events, such as national career-related conferences and continuing education courses in the job-related field. Funding occurs on a fiscal year basis and may change from one year to the next. The amount of funding available is determined each fiscal year and is contingent upon budget approval.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Graduate engineers are eligible to apply for participation in the TCF Engineering Program if they meet the following minimum qualifications:
- At least a B.S. degree in Professional Engineering from an ABET accredited program/university
- A talent for communication and demonstrated potential for leadership
- U.S. citizenship
- A willingness to relocate to another VA site after the first year of training (if a permanent position in his/her field is not available at the training site). If relocation is necessary for permanent placement, VA pays for moving expenses.
- A willingness to work for VA after completing the two-year training.
Selection Process
Qualified applicants who are selected for the TCF Program are hired at the GS-5, GS-7, or GS-9 level, based on degree, GPA, and applicable related experience according to guidelines established by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
