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Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and
responsibilities to this job at any time.
DUTIES Serves as Energy Management Engineer in the Engineering and Maintenance
Department (Department) at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Metropolitan
Washington Airports Authority (Airports Authority). Advises Airport management on issues
relating to energy management including, but not limited to, electrical energy, natural gas and
water conservation, mechanical and electrical systems efficiency and reliability, and
energy/utility procurement. Reviews and analyzes past, current and projected DCA energy
consumption in an effort to develop strategies for reducing energy usage and/or cost. Presents
alternative procurement and operational strategies and makes recommendations to senior
management for approval. Monitors effectiveness of strategy implementation, tracks and
analyzes data, and refines processes for further improvement. Leads facility assessments and
mechanical system recommissioning efforts, facilitates transition of utility projects from the
design/construction program into the maintenance program and manages utility infrastructure
analysis programs to determine maintenance and improvement requirements, as well as to
improve energy utilization. Develops the technical aspects of contract specifications for DCA’s
mechanical and electrical service contracts and oversees contractor performance for utilities and
energy related contracts. Performs related functions.
--Provides technical support to the Utilities and Electrical Divisions for the continuing operation,
maintenance and repair of essential utilities (power, lighting, heating, cooling, drinking water
and sanitary sewer) for DCA. Reviews operations over the five-year planning period and
beyond, and provides technical advice and assistance in matters of design and redesign of
mechanical and electrical systems used (or to be used) at the Airport.
--Reviews specifications, drawings and design documents for proposed changes and major
repairs of utility systems and electrical and mechanical systems or subsystems (e.g., renovation
of electrical vaults). Documents recommendations and concerns, and forwards findings to
responsible Project Engineer or Division Manager. May act as project manager; performs
special projects, as assigned.
--Represents the Engineering and Maintenance Department, and occasionally DCA or Airports
Authority management, in technical review and coordination discussions with electrical and
mechanical designers, fabricators and installation contractors for systems or equipment used or
to be used at DCA.
--Serves as Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) for DCA utility contracts
(electricity, natural gas, drinking water and sanitary sewer). Develops Statements of Work
(SOWs) and leads the Evaluation Committee through the Request for Proposal (RFP) solicitation
and award process. Coordinates with the Airports Authority's Procurement and Contracting
Department and Budget Department, as well as the contractor's team, to ensure all contract
deadlines and financial obligations are met in an efficient and timely manner. Monitors
contractor's timeline and deliverables; approves or declines contractor invoices based on
adherence to contract timeline. As needed, assists in re-negotiating the contract based on the
contractor's performance. Proposes procurement strategies to minimize cost and maximize
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reliability of service. Reviews, analyzes and approves utility invoices.
--Documents utility monthly usage and cost. Uses this information to report history, forecast
usage and develop seasonalized annual budgets and usage/cost projections.
--Monitors maintenance activities at a variety of work sites (e.g., electrical vaults, runways,
buildings, boiler/chiller sites, etc.); discusses equipment operations and maintenance matters
with Department employees and, as necessary, provides direction or corrective action for proper
start up, operation and maintenance of equipment and controls.
--Stays abreast of new technologies and strategies regarding energy reduction, resource
conservation, and equipment optimization.
--Communicates and interacts effectively with internal and external business contacts including,
but not limited to, other members of the unit/team, other Airports Authority employees (such as
managers, supervisors, professionals, and support staff); Federal, state, and local regulatory
agency staff, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA), Department of Energy (DOE), and Arlington County
Department of Environmental Services (DES); architect and engineering (A&E) firms (on design
issues); vendors/suppliers/manufacturers/contractors; tenants, and airline representatives.
--Uses a computer and (a) modern office suite software (such as MS Office) to communicate
(email), plan, schedule, word process, manipulate data (databases and spreadsheets to perform
engineering calculations), prepare charts/graphics and presentations, and conduct research
(Internet use); (b) enterprise software for requisitioning, budgeting, time and attendance
reporting, and other functions; and (c) specialty software used in the Department, including
building automation software (BAS) and power monitoring software.
--Operates a vehicle airside and landside, on and off the Airport, to visit work sites and attend
meetings.
--*Performs other duties as assigned.*
Critical features of this job are described under the headings below. They may be subject to
change through reasonable accommodation or otherwise.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQs)
To be rated qualified for this job, an applicant must meet all of the MQs listed below at the time
of vacancy announcement closure.
1. A Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or an equivalent combination
of education, experience and training that totals four years.
2. Six years of progressively responsible experience that includes substantive work in the range
of DUTIES in this job description including, but not limited to, (a) specifying, installing,
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commissioning, and maintaining utility equipment; (b) procuring energy; and (c) conducting
energy audits and making recommendations for efficiency improvements.
A fully equivalent combination of education and training beyond what is needed to satisfy
MQ 1 may be substituted for up to two of these six years of experience. One example is a
Master’s Degree in Engineering may be substituted for two years of experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The qualifications listed below (if any) are preferred and may be considered in the selection
process, but they are not required to be rated qualified for this job.
1. Licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
2. Possession of (a) designation as an Engineer in Training (EIT) in the Commonwealth of
Virginia or (b) official verification of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)
examination of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
from the jurisdiction in which the examination was taken.
3. Possession of a Certified Energy Manager credential from a certification program accredited
by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER FACTORS (KSAOs)
The following KSAOs are required for successful performance of this job and are a basis for
rating and ranking applicants who are found to meet the MQs. Local, Federal, airport industry
or Airports Authority specific bodies of knowledge listed below may be acquired on the job,
typically; ability to rapidly acquire them is required at the time of vacancy announcement
closure.
1. Professional knowledge of the concepts, principles and practices of electrical and mechanical
engineering to identify electrical and mechanical implications of and provide pertinent advice
on a variety of issues, processes, materials and equipment related to the efficiency, operation,
maintenance, repair, design, redesign and renovation of DCA utilities. This includes
electrical power generation, transmission and distribution; mechanics of boiler/chiller
operation and HVAC service issues; water supply, treatment and distribution; waste water
collection and treatment; fire protection engineering; and general knowledge of related
engineering disciplines.
2. Knowledge of and skill in interpreting key regulatory requirements related to energy
management; of Authority contracting procedures; of industry codes in use at the Authority;
and of other airport-related requirements, standards and procedures to advise on a range of
electrical and mechanical issues encountered at DCA, to monitor and assess the work of
contractors, and to serve as a project manager or COTR.
3. Skill in inspecting utility operations, processes and procedures for maintenance and repair
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work and in reviewing engineering needs and proposals as they pertain to utilities at DCA to
effectively analyze current operations, identify improvements and recommend changes.
4. Skill in problem solving to select, organize and logically process relevant information
(verbal, numerical or abstract) to solve a problem. This includes the ability to recognize
subtle aspects of problems, identify relevant information and make balanced
recommendations and decisions. Examples include identifying and eliminating the cause(s)
of high, unanticipated energy usage; technically evaluating equipment and systems to
determine optimal modes of setup, programming and operation; and determining the root
cause(s) of utility equipment failure and recommending effective countermeasures.
5. Knowledge of policies and procedures of the Airports Authority procurement program
sufficient to serve as COTR for electricity, natural gas, drinking water, and sanitary sewer
contracts.
6. Skill in oral communication to understand verbal information (including facts, assertions and
arguments) and to express such information verbally so that others will understand and, at
times, be convinced or persuaded such as the wisdom of tradeoffs between initial
construction costs and costs of operations and maintainability. This skill also includes skill
in encouraging effective oral communication by others (such as resident engineers) and in
making formal presentations.
7. Skill in written communication to understand written information, draw inferences, form
hypotheses and develop logical arguments, and to express such information in writing so that
others will understand and, at times, be convinced or persuaded. Examples include skill in
preparing memoranda, in drafting technical documents and in reviewing the written work of
others (such as consultants) to identify and help resolve discrepancies in drawings and
reports.
8. Skill in using a computer and (a) modern office suite software (such as MS Office) to
communicate (email), plan, schedule, word process, manipulate data (spreadsheets and
databases to perform engineering calculations), and conduct research; (b) enterprise software
for requisitioning, time and attendance reporting, and other functions; and (c) special
systems/software used in the Department, including BAS, power and energy monitoring
software.
9. Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with business contacts in a businesslike, customer
service-oriented manner.
RESPONSIBILITY Is responsible for advising on electrical and mechanical system issues at
DCA pertaining to energy management, energy conservation, system efficiency, system
reliability, and energy/utility services procurement. The work directly impacts cost-savings or
cost-avoidance energy efficient strategies utilized at the Airport.
Reports to the Manager, Resource Support Division (Supervisor).
Incumbent works
independently in performing duties, keeping Supervisor informed of the status of projects and
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significant problems and matters that should be presented to the Airport Manager. Supervisor
provides overall objectives and policy guidance for recurring operations, and brief instructions
and time frames for special projects, leaving the specific approach up to the incumbent.
Regularly makes process improvement or strategy design recommendations to Supervisor that
impact energy conservation, system efficiency and system reliability. Work is reviewed in terms
of the effectiveness of utility management services provided, overall conformance to Airports
Authority policy and adherence to regulatory requirements. Engineering advice rendered to
other professionals is expected to be accurate and authoritative. Completed work is subject to
review in terms of quantity, quality, timeliness, customer service, teamwork, adherence to
requirements, and other factors, including attainment of specified performance management
goals and objectives.
Guidelines include: the DCA Master Plan, Airports Authority electrical and mechanical design
standards, Federal and state regulations affecting airport and energy management operations,
industry standards in use at the Airports Authority (e.g., FAA airfield lighting standards),
generally accepted energy trade practices, Airports Authority contracting procedures, and
specifications of individual contracts managed by incumbent. The incumbent uses seasoned
judgment, leadership, and airport management experience in analyzing the extent of problems
and the potential impact upon service to air carriers, tenants and the traveling public.
EFFORT The work is primarily sedentary and incumbent may sit for extended periods while
performing desk work; however, regularly moves about the Airport to inspect work and in doing
so, occasionally traverses areas that may require access by climbing or crawling, and sometimes
works in cramped or awkward positions. Regularly uses a computer and communicates by
telephone and two-way radio; responds to calls for assistance. Frequently reviews engineering
studies, blueprints and other documents containing small print, symbols and notations; identifies
electrical wiring, schematics and other color-sensitive materials. Opens/closes file drawers,
transports bundles of blueprints, ascends/descends stairs and ladders and performs similar
activities. In driving, operates vehicle using judgment in consideration of weather, traffic, and
other factors.
WORKING CONDITIONS Works primarily in an adequately lighted, ventilated, and
temperature controlled office; occasionally is subject to adverse weather conditions and
dust/grease/dirt while working in the field or at job sites. While in the field, is subject to aircraft
noise, noise from machinery and equipment (e.g., air compressors and emergency generators) as
well as potential dangers from energized electrical equipment, moving parts of machinery,
chemicals, gases and confining spaces. Follows established safety practices, exercises care, and
wears hard hat, safety glasses, and other personal protective equipment, as appropriate.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT JOB ASPECTS None