US Veterans Benefits Administration Hiring For Construction Analyst at Honolulu, HI, United States , United States Full Time

Job Description

Duties

• Review plans, specification, and cost estimates associated with construction projects. Control and manage project milestones of construction project completion.
• Responsible for the oversight and resolution of appeals, reconsideration requests, construction complaints and Veteran complaints submitted to the Regional Loan Center.
• Counsel program participants and Veterans of construction projects.
• Develop and administer training on program requirements for VA staff and external stakeholders.
• Produce well written correspondence which may include technical material that is appropriate to the intended audience.
• Review plans, specifications and project sites to determine compliance with industry standards and VA requirements.
• Interpret and apply regulations, laws and procedures specific to issues related to the VA guaranty home loan program, Veteran Readiness and Employment, and the Native American Direct loan program.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Veterans, contractors, local agencies, Congressional interests and agency leadership related to various construction projects and program requirements.
• Maintain effective working relationships with both internal and external customers.
• Explain and defend a decision to individuals who may be upset or unreceptive.
• Conduct on-site inspection of the properties to determine the severity and resolution of the issue or to verify compliance of VA requirements.
• If selected at less than the full performance level, duties will be developmental in nature.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job.
• Selectees are subject to a background/suitability investigation.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• A probationary period may be required for employees and supervisors.
• May be required to travel overnight and to off-site locations.
• A valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement: 08/26/2022

The Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM’s) Individual Occupational requirements and/or group qualification standards covering white collar occupations in the Federal competitive service can be found: Here

To qualify at the grade level GS-11: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks, full time) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-09) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is work experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA’s) to perform successfully the duties of the position, within the organization.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as: (1) experience in residential, commercial, or industrial construction assisting with the development of plans, specifications, or assisting with estimates of materials and cost for the construction; (2) experience assisting with coordinating and monitoring construction projects; (3) experience working with diverse construction materials (brick, lumber, reinforced concrete, and steel); and (4) conducting such construction work on the following types of structures: housing, single-family dwellings and multi-family apartment units, and industrial and commercial structures.

AND


Your specialized experience must also meet the requirements of the Individual Occupational Requirement for this job series, which is defined as: Experience in the preparation or review of plans, specifications, or estimates of materials and costs for the construction, extension, alteration, or repair of buildings. Applicants should have knowledge of the residential construction field, and experience in the development of plans and specifications, and in negotiation work. This experience may have been obtained working as a contractor or as a draftsperson in an architectural engineering firm. However, any drafting experience must have provided an opportunity to acquire technical knowledge. Appropriate experience includes working with diverse construction materials (brick, lumber, reinforced concrete, steel) and types of structures (housing, single-family dwellings and multi-family apartment units, and industrial and commercial structures). Applicants should be familiar with matters such as planning a subdivision, laying out traffic flow in a multi-family apartment structure, or working out specification problems in plans.

OR


Substitution of education for experience: Applicants may substitute education in place of the experience required to qualify at the Grade 11 Level: With3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or with the completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. This graduate education (or completed degree) must be in architecture, engineering, building construction, or other fields related to the position.

OR


Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-11:Only graduate level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned. Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-11. For example, an applicant with 6 months of appropriate experience equivalent to GS-9 (50 percent of the experience requirement for GS-11) and 45 semester hours of appropriate graduate education (50 percent of the education requirement for GS-11, in excess of that required for GS-9) would be qualified for a GS-11 position (assuming that there is no evidence that the attended college or university requires more than 18 semester hours as an equivalent to a year of graduate study). This graduate education must be in architecture, engineering, building construction, or other fields related to the position.

OR

To qualify at the grade level GS-12: Applicants must have at least one year (52 weeks, full time) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-11) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is work experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA’s) to perform successfully the duties of the position, within the organization.

GS-12 Specialized experience is defined as: (1) experience in the residential construction field in the development of plans, specifications, or estimates of materials and cost for the construction; (2) experience coordinating and monitoring construction projects; (3) experience working with diverse construction materials (brick, lumber, reinforced concrete, and steel); and (4) conducting such construction work on the following types of structures: housing, single-family dwellings and multi-family apartment units, and industrial and commercial structures.

AND

Your specialized experience must also meet the requirements of the Individual Occupational Requirement for this job series, which is defined as: Experience in the preparation or review of plans, specifications, or estimates of materials and costs for the construction, extension, alteration, or repair of buildings. Applicants should have knowledge of the residential construction field, and experience in the development of plans and specifications, and in negotiation work. This experience may have been obtained working as a contractor or as a draftsperson in an architectural engineering firm. However, any drafting experience must have provided an opportunity to acquire technical knowledge. Appropriate experience includes working with diverse construction materials (brick, lumber, reinforced concrete, steel) and types of structures (housing, single-family dwellings and multi-family apartment units, and industrial and commercial structures). Applicants should be familiar with matters such as planning a subdivision, laying out traffic flow in a multi-family apartment structure, or working out specification problems in plans.

There is no option to substitute education for specialized experience at the GS-12 level.

Note: 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 you document, to include volunteer experience.

Education

For GS-11: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

There is no option to substitute education for specialized experience at the GS-12 level.

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.

Applications submitted without the required supporting documents will not be accepted. An unofficial transcript; statement from the institution’s registrar, dean, or other appropriate official; or equivalent documentation is acceptable at the time of application. Education submitted must be appropriately accredited by an accredited body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of Education web site at http://www.ed.gov/.

Additional information

Pandemic Telework Program:
Due to COVID-19, VA is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement within 30 days. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework depending upon the terms of your organization’s telework policy and the duties of the position.

Work Schedule: Regular office hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Alternate work Schedules may be available.

Physical Requirements: There will be travel by automobile, air, or other public transportation. The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing, walking over rough, uneven, surfaces; recurrent bending, crouching, stooping, or similar activities; recurrent lifting of light to moderately heavy items weighing less than 50 pounds, such as testing or measuring equipment; and/or regular visits to construction or property sites.

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. The full performance level of this position is grade GS-12.

VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility may be discussed during the interview process. Telework is subject to approval by individual supervisors and managers, is considered a privilege not a right, is subject to approval based on performance and other varying factors, and is not guaranteed.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed federal employee’s credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional positions.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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 will not make assumptions about your experience. Applicants who do not fully address in their resumes the specialized experience needed for the position (as described in the job announcement) will not be referred for further consideration.

If you are referred for consideration you will be rated on the following competencies based (knowledge, skills and abilities) on your application for this position:

• Building and Construction
• Contract Administration
• Interpersonal Skills
• Financial Management
• Technical credibility
• Influencing/ Negotiating
• Project Management
• Use prints and drawings
• Communicate
• Real Estate

If you are referred for consideration you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities that are directly related to the position; and/or completion of a work sample; and/or an interview. Your resume and supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or your further consideration for employment.

After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. During our review, if your resume and application package does not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly.

Your application will be evaluated using category rating based on your responses to the assessment questions and the documents you submit. If you meet the basic requirements for the position, your application will be evaluated and placed into one of three categories:

• Best Qualified Category – Candidates who meet the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrate a high level of the knowledge, skill and ability necessary to perform the duties of the position.

• Well Qualified Category – Candidates who meet the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrate a satisfactory level of the knowledge, skill and ability necessary to perform the duties of the position.

• Qualified Category – Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications requirements.

Note: Candidates eligible for veterans’ preference will be placed ahead of other candidates in the appropriate category for which they have been rated. Additionally, preference eligibles who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent and who meet the minimum qualification requirements will automatically be placed in the best qualified category.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  Review our benefits
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.
  Required Documents:
  • Resume

  Resume

  • Your resume may be submitted in any format, however, we strongly recommend using USA Jobs resume builder as it contains all of the information required on Federal resumes.
  • For qualifications determinations your resume must reflect hours worked per week, the inclusive dates of employment, and the level of your experience. If your resume does not reflect this information you will not receive credit for the experience.
  • If you submit more than one copy of your resume, the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is “most recent.” It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application. We would recommend that you not submit more than one version of your resume.
  • If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, we will not use it to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered further for the vacancy.

  Accepted Documents:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • CTAP/ICTAP
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Proof of Marriage Status
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

  
  Applicants claiming veterans’ preference must also submit:

  • A legible copy of your DD Form 214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty,” showing all dates of service, as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) is required. The member copy 2 or 4 of your DD Form 214. Copies of DD-214’s can be requested Here.
  • Current active duty members must submit a signed statement of service from their commander dated within the last 120 days that reflects their expected discharge date, their release from active duty under honorable conditions, any medals awarded, and the timeframe of their service so that eligibility can be determined.
  • Veterans and others, (Spouses, Parent, Widow/Widowers), claiming 10 point preference must also submit an SF-15 and all documents indicated on the form as proof of type of preference. This includes a VA letter supporting your disability claim with the overall percentage listed.
  • If you are unsure as to whether you qualify for veterans’ preference, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Preference Advisor Here

  Transcripts

  • If you are basing all or some of your qualifications on education or if a degree is required for the position, a transcript must be included as part of your application package.
  • An unofficial transcript may be submitted. However, it must reflect the course names, levels, credits earned, grades received, and degree conferred if applicable.
  • Your transcript (official of unofficial) must reflect the degree conferred date if you are substituting a degree for experience.
  • A photocopy of your degree is not acceptable in lieu of a transcript.
  • An official transcript will be required at a later date if you are selected for the position.
  • Whenever possible it is preferable that you submit copies of official transcripts. Unofficial transcripts may lack essential information necessary for a full evaluation of your qualifications.

  Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must also submit:

  • Certification of expected separation, reduction-in-force separation notice, or notice of proposed removal; and your most recent performance evaluation; and an SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from; or
  • Worker’s compensation separation (agency certification of inability to place employee and notification of separation or a separation SF-50; or
  • Disability annuity termination (notification from OPM of disability annuity termination and separation SF-50 of the last position held); or
  • Military reserve or National Guard technician special disability retirement annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456 (certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard bureau and separation SF-50 of the last position held).

  Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure that all required documents have been submitted by the closing date of the announcement. You will not be contacted for additional information.
  

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply
  
  To apply for this position, you must complete the https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11578202 and submit the documentation specified in the required documents section below.

  The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/26/2022 to receive consideration.
  1. To begin, click apply online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS résumé and/or other supporting documents and to complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click submit my answers to submit your application package.

  Note: It is your responsibility to ensure that your response and any appropriate documentation is submitted by the closing date of the announcement. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the application status link, and then select the more information link for this position. The details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to your application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS accountand click update application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. A well-qualified candidate is defined as meeting all of the minimum qualification standards and eligibility requirements as well as possessing skills that clearly exceed the minimum qualifications requirements for this position. Specifically, a well-qualified candidate will score 90 or above within the assessment portion of this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility can also be found: Here

  Alternate Application Information: If you are unable to apply online you may review additional options: Here
  

  Agency contact information

  HRC-Detroit DEU
  

  Phone

  313-596-7213

  Email

  [email protected]
  

  Address

  Phoenix Regional Benefit Office
  3333 North Central Ave
  Phoenix, AZ 85012
  US
  

  Next steps

  After the review is complete, a referral certificate will be issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided). Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account: Here

  For a more detailed update of your status, click on “more information.” Information regarding applicant process can be found: Here

• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Required Documents:

• Resume

Resume

• Your resume may be submitted in any format, however, we strongly recommend using USA Jobs resume builder as it contains all of the information required on Federal resumes.
• For qualifications determinations your resume must reflect hours worked per week, the inclusive dates of employment, and the level of your experience. If your resume does not reflect this information you will not receive credit for the experience.
• If you submit more than one copy of your resume, the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is “most recent.” It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application. We would recommend that you not submit more than one version of your resume.
• If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, we will not use it to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered further for the vacancy.

Accepted Documents:

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• CTAP/ICTAP
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Proof of Marriage Status
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Applicants claiming veterans’ preference must also submit:

• A legible copy of your DD Form 214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty,” showing all dates of service, as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) is required. The member copy 2 or 4 of your DD Form 214. Copies of DD-214’s can be requested Here.
• Current active duty members must submit a signed statement of service from their commander dated within the last 120 days that reflects their expected discharge date, their release from active duty under honorable conditions, any medals awarded, and the timeframe of their service so that eligibility can be determined.
• Veterans and others, (Spouses, Parent, Widow/Widowers), claiming 10 point preference must also submit an SF-15 and all documents indicated on the form as proof of type of preference. This includes a VA letter supporting your disability claim with the overall percentage listed.
• If you are unsure as to whether you qualify for veterans’ preference, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Preference Advisor Here

Transcripts

• If you are basing all or some of your qualifications on education or if a degree is required for the position, a transcript must be included as part of your application package.
• An unofficial transcript may be submitted. However, it must reflect the course names, levels, credits earned, grades received, and degree conferred if applicable.
• Your transcript (official of unofficial) must reflect the degree conferred date if you are substituting a degree for experience.
• A photocopy of your degree is not acceptable in lieu of a transcript.
• An official transcript will be required at a later date if you are selected for the position.
• Whenever possible it is preferable that you submit copies of official transcripts. Unofficial transcripts may lack essential information necessary for a full evaluation of your qualifications.

Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must also submit:

• Certification of expected separation, reduction-in-force separation notice, or notice of proposed removal; and your most recent performance evaluation; and an SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from; or
• Worker’s compensation separation (agency certification of inability to place employee and notification of separation or a separation SF-50; or
• Disability annuity termination (notification from OPM of disability annuity termination and separation SF-50 of the last position held); or
• Military reserve or National Guard technician special disability retirement annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456 (certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard bureau and separation SF-50 of the last position held).

Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure that all required documents have been submitted by the closing date of the announcement. You will not be contacted for additional information.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens