General Engineer

National Cemetery Administration; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 117,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

National Cemetery Administration in Philadelphia, PA is seeking a General Engineer (GS-13) to lead environmental and construction program management across the North Atlantic District. The role involves design, project oversight, and coordination with VA offices, cemeteries, and contractors.

The position requires strong knowledge of environmental compliance, engineering analysis, and effective communication to ensure safety, quality, and regulatory adherence within the NAD.

Qualifications

• There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering analysis, development, design and plan preparation for NAD projects.
• Coordinate staff including non-VA architects, engineers, and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with state/federal codes and environmental requirements.
• Conduct environmental assessments or coordinate contracted assessments as needed.
• Support program officials in NAD construction and environmental management.

Skills

Engineering expertise

Environmental knowledge

Project coordination

Job description

• Hiring Agency: National Cemetery Administration
• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is located at the NCA North Atlantic District Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Key Responsibilities

Position is within the North Atlantic District (NAD) of the National Cemetery Administration located in Philadelphia, PA under the general administrative direction of the NAD Executive Director. The NAD provides support to 54 cemeteries in the North Atlantic Region.

The incumbent is responsible for the districts Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) and Maintenance and Repair (M&R) construction programs; and designated major/minor construction projects; as well as all aspects of the NAD Environmental Management Program. The incumbent works with Project Engineers, Resident Engineers, National Cemetery Administration Central office Project Managers, Medical Center Directors, Cemetery Directors and NAD office staff.

The assigned Engineer will provide needed professional engineering expertise in other areas. This includes, for example, special studies, cost comparisons, landscape plans, and General Operating Expense, NRM/M&R program. In accomplishing the above, the incumbent must be constantly alert to various local, county, state, and Federal, building, safety, fire and environmental codes throughout the NAD.

Beyond the engineer duties associated directly with NAD construction projects, the duties of the incumbent are also to provide guidance and support to appropriate program officials in the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office (VACO) and all of the Districts for national cemetery design and construction.

Serves as a General Project Engineer who is responsible for the engineering analysis, development, design and the preparation of complete plans and specifications for new engineering projects within the NAD. In this capacity he/she is responsible for assisting the Senior Engineering in the oversight of all NAD construction projects. Assignments include all engineering design phases of complex construction, extension, alteration, maintenance, and repair projects.

He/she is independently responsible and held accountable for determining necessary action in the development and completion of design projects, coordination of project staff that may include non-VA architects, engineers, and technicians.

The incumbent must possess extensive knowledge of environmental/general engineering and how to appropriately apply that knowledge to special problems encountered in national cemeteries with specific knowledge of geographic concerns revenant to the NAD.

Reviews discrepancy reports, investigation reports, inspection reports, and letters of inquiry of complaint regarding cemetery environmental issues, determines whether a source is in compliance or noncompliance and whether action taken or contemplated by state regulatory agency is technically adequate. Coordinates correction of discrepancies or insufficiencies with state regulatory agency.

Conducts environmental assessments of cemetery sites, or coordinates assessment by contract, as needed to comply with applicable laws and regulations. Performs public outreach as needed. Work schedule: Required to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. May include occasional weekends. Due to the mission of the National Cemetery, the cemetery cannot be closed for more than 2 consecutive days at any given time.

Additionally, when a Federal holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, staff may be required to work on that holiday or a Saturday. All staff is required to work Memorial Day and Veteran's Day each year. Staff will be required to work overtime, weekends and holidays when necessary to meet the needs of the cemetery. Occasionally staff may be called back to the facility to perform emergency overtime work.

Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Telework: Not Available Remote/Virtual: This is not a virtual or remote position. Position Description Title/PD#:General Engineer / PD1590630 The full performance level of this position is GS- 13.

Relocation Expenses: Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements & Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $117284 – $152471/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-30.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.