Facilities Engineer 1

The Iowa Department for the Blind is recruiting applicants for the following noncontract merit full-time position:

Facilities Engineer 1

Management of building systems for the headquarters of the Iowa Department for the Blind located in downtown Des Moines.  Responsible for operation of 100,000-square-foot building infrastructure, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, intercom, telephone, network cabling and switches, swimming pool, fire alarm, sprinkler, and all other mechanical systems. 

Management of vendors, supplies, and schedules for repairs, physical improvements, equipment replacement, and day-to-day maintenance.  Responsible for all aspects of maintaining building and warehouse space.

Management of custodial supplies, schedules, processes and results.  Responsible for overall cleanliness of building, including all office, classroom, and dormitory areas.

Management of building security.  Maintain security systems, including proximity, magnetic, and physical keys to all areas of the building and warehouse.  Maintain physical security of staff, Orientation students, and visitors in the building and around its perimeter.

Coordinate all activities of maintenance, custodial, and security personnel to achieve a clean, highly functional, and attractive building.

Competencies Required:

• Knowledge of the general principles and practices of architecture and engineering as they relate to building construction or modification, building systems and components, and current construction methods pertaining to recreational facilities, earth structures and related mechanical and electrical systems. 
• Knowledge of the practices and techniques used in the planning and inspection of capital improvement programs.
• Knowledge of specific construction codes and standards and their appendices, including the Uniform Building Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, National Electrical Code, Model Energy Code, ASHRAE 90.1, CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code.  Familiar with various National Fire Protection Association standards related to healthcare facilities, including the Life Safety Code.
• Knowledge of Iowa Administrative Code 661, Chapter 5, Fire Safety Rules of the State Fire Marshal, as it applies to various building uses and occupancies.
• Knowledge of Iowa Administrative Code 661, Chapter 16, the Iowa State Building Code, as it applies to building uses and occupancies.
• Knowledge of mathematical principles as they relate to disbursement of project funds and assembled billings from contractors.
• Knowledge of modern building construction methods and materials and their proper usage, including general construction, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fire detection, notification, and suppression systems.
• Knowledge of building maintenance, including infrastructure, maintenance, and custodial systems and processes.
• Knowledge of the rehabilitation process/delivery system.
• Knowledge of and belief in positive and realistic attitudes toward blindness.
• Knowledge of public vocational rehabilitation, including its philosophy and history.
• Knowledge of the Department's organizational structure, functions, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Essential functions that must be performed by the incumbent (with or without reasonable accommodations for disabilities):

• Ability to analyze and solve complex and technical problems and to evaluate alternative approaches in their resolution.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications.
• Ability to communicate technical engineering or architectural information to other engineers, agency employees, contractors, and the general public, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to draft plans and specifications for buildings, recreational facilities, and earth structures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with engineers, architects, technicians, contractors, construction personnel, the public, and other agency personnel.
• Ability to analyze situations and make recommendations in such areas as facility design, facility construction, materials to be used, technical drafting, and on-site construction problems.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records such as blueprint files, construction material costs, facility locations, and proposed construction sites.
• Ability to assist in planning, organizing, and overseeing the work of lower level staff.
• Ability to establish program objectives or performance goals and to assess progress toward their achievement.
• Ability to adjust to change, work pressures or difficult situations without undue stress.
• Ability to remain objective in evaluating facts, situations, and circumstances.
• Display high standards of ethical conduct.  Exhibit honesty and integrity. Refrain from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.
• Work and communicate with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner.
• Commitment to quality service.
• Display of a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. 
• Work with minimal supervision. 
• Demonstrate responsible behavior and attention to detail.
• Respond appropriately to supervision.  Make an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.
• Align behavior with the needs, priorities, and goals of the organization.
• Encourage and facilitate cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity.  Foster commitment and team spirit.

Education, Experience, and Special Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, or Civil, Mechanical, Architectural,  Construction, Fire  Protection or a related engineering field and four years of full-time professional experience in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures; and/or work with building codes, fire codes and handicapped accessibility regulations, direct involvement in the preparation of architectural or building engineering construction documents or in the review of such documents for conformance with applicable portions of these codes and regulations;

Or

an equivalent combination of experience and education substituting one year of the required full-time professional experience for each year (30 semester hours) of the required education to a maximum of four years;

Or

possession of a valid Professional Engineer license recognized by the Iowa Board of Engineering Examiners and two years of the above described professional experience;

Or

possession of a certificate of registration as a Professional Architect recognized by the Iowa Board of Architectural Examiners and two years of the above described professional experience.

Licensed electrician preferred.  Familiarity with Johnson Controls systems preferred.  Within four months of employment date, must obtain a First-Class Engineer's License from the city of Des Moines.  Within six months of employment date, must obtain Fire Sprinkler Installer and Maintenance License in accordance with Chapter 100D, Iowa Code.  Within one year of employment date, must obtain certification in swimming pool operation.  

Position Number:

0001-131-RE11-04256-001

Salary range:

$48,006.40 - $74,339.20.  Pay grade 31; pay plan 000

Location:

Iowa Department for the Blind, 524 Fourth Street, Des Moines, Iowa  50309-2364

Hours worked: 

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday; stand by 24/7

To Apply:

Persons who wish to be considered must:

• Apply online (DAS-HRE) website (Brass Ring) at http://das.hre.iowa.gov/state_jobs.html 

And

• Submit a cover letter and resume to Karen A. Keninger, Director, 524 Fourth Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-2364 or karen.keninger@blind.state.ia.us  by 5:00 p.m., Monday, August 9, 2010.

For further information, contact Sandy Tigges, Program Administrator, at 515-281-1313. 

EEO/AA