Pipefitter

Summary

The Pipefitter performs duties at the journeyman Maintenance Mechanic Pipefitter level in the maintenance section. This entails knowledge of plumbing, steam fitting and mechanical skills. The incumbent works on a variety of systems such as steam distribution, water supply, fire sprinklers, drainage and sewage, consumer gas, medical oxygen, air vacuum and nitrous oxide distribution and storage as well as on mechanical equipment and appliances.

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 US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• The Pipefitter receives work assignments from the supervisor through work orders, oral instructions, building plans, blueprints and sketches. The pipefitter works on steam piping, valves, steam straps, steam powered equipment, pressure regulators and many other items connected with steam. The incumbent works on disposal and utility systems, such as waste, placement, slant, slope and fall of systems. The pipefitter installs and performs maintenance on all plumbing fixtures and equipment and works with all types of piping and valves (copper, galvanized, black, cast iron, Poly Vinyl Chloride, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, glass and fuse seal). The incumbent does rough-in, set and finish, and soft and silver solders and many other items connected with plumbing.
• Incumbent also does mechanical work such as assembling and repairing wheel chairs, beds, stands, lockers, dietetic, lab, surgical and housekeeping equipment. The incumbent does welding repair by use of electric arc, oxyacetylene, and time in grade and many other items connected with mechanics.
• Duties of this position require a good knowledge of the proper use and care of power operated equipment such as pipe threading machines, drill presses, core drills, roto hammers, power saws, grinders, welders and hand tools. Strong credit card skills required for processing invoices.
• Assignments include periodic National Fire Protection Association and Joint Commission Accreditation Healthcare Organization mandated preventive maintenance inspection of all systems and their components affiliated with the pipefitting trade on a basis set up by the supervisor or management.
• On installation of new work, or correction of a deficiency in the pipefitting utility system, the incumbent may be assigned to plan and lay out the proposed work which will include estimating materials required such as types and amounts; labor required and provides the supervisor with an estimated shut-down time.
• May perform minor Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning work which includes repairing, adjusting room thermostats, replacing air filters, replacing V belts and cleaning refrigeration condensers.
• May perform minor electrical work which consists of replacing defective fluorescent ballasts, fixtures, lights, switches and outlets.
• Uses PC to enter work orders, enter preventative maintenance work orders, and to order parts.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD4057A

Physical Requirements: Duties require the incumbent to climb ladders and to crawl around in cramped ceilings and subbasements, requiring a high degree of agility as well as long periods of work in standing, kneeling and other awkward positions. Climbing, crawling, stooping and other forms of physical exertion are commonplace when working in pipe spaces. The incumbent must be able to work in extreme temperatures and moisture conditions for prolonged periods (up to four hours at a time).

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• 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.

EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:

• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Measurement and Layout
• Technical Practices
• Troubleshooting
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Without more than normal supervision

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, including volunteer experience.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Additional information

A 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 will be discussed during the interview process.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

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

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 REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

• Required Documents
  
  Documents Accepted:
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • PCS Orders
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript
  
  Documents Required:
  • Resume
  
  Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
  
  Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
  
  Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
  
  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.