Pipefitter

Summary

The WG-10 Maintenance Mechanic - Pipefitter position is assigned to one of three Maintenance Units within the Engineering Service of the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. The incumbent performs a variety of tasks involved in the upkeep and repair of buildings, grounds, and related structures, fixtures, and utilities.

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Duties

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Duties include but not limited too:

This position requires performance of journeyman level pipefitter work and helping various other journeymen within the Engineering Service when available or as needed. Typical work assignments include the performance of visual examinations and work layout to determine the need for, and the performance of, repair work, as well as planning and execution of new fabrication, installation, and construction.

The incumbent shall maintain, repair and/or install all forms of piping and related systems and equipment such as, but not limited to the following: Supply of hot and cold water; steam heating and generation equipment; condensate and condensate return lines flash and expansion tanks, condensate, vacuum, and circulating pumps, radiator systems, high, medium, and low pressure steam piping, hot water generators, steam sanitizes, water lines, internal, and external soil, and waste pipe, external water mains, and all related devices and equipment such as drains, drain traps, faucets, lavatories, water closets, showers, tubs, grease traps, urinals, drinking fountains, surgical scrub sinks, and other associated valves, pump systems, etc.

The incumbent may be required to troubleshoot and volve problems with specialty supply lines, such as medical oxygen, medical air, vacuum lines, and nitrogen lines. The incumbent's work shall also include installation, maintenance, repair, or replacement on piping that serves HVAC systems, up to the point where the piping enters the HVAC equipment.

The incumbent monitors and maintains facility service utility systems such as water conditioning units, medical oxygen/vacuum units, and dental, medical, and utility air compressors. The incumbent monitors and maintains utility systems and associated equipment by analyzing data from the utility systems, and programming computer to make necessary adjustments, to utility systems to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operation.

Incumbent must weld joints and fittings using gas or electric welding units as well as brazing at appropriate times and will do so according to accepted trade codes.

The incumbent shall be responsible for performing, and documenting inspections, repairs,or replacements on eye, wash stations, fire system pumps, grease traps, main drains, medical air supply systems, post indicator valve (PIV) devices, and filters, traps, or filtration systems associated with water flowing devices (i.e. dental and kitchen equipment).

The incumbent must have a comprehensive knowledge in the testing and repairing of backflow assemblies, including but not limited to: Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers (AVB), Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVA), Reduced Pressure Valve Assemblies (RPZ) and Spill Proof Vacuum Breakers (SPB). The incumbent must obtain an American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) Backflow Certification card and maintain certification.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:45am to 3:30pm

Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD073050

Physical Requirements : Incumbent must exert moderate to arduous physical effort involving walking, standing, bending, stooping, lifting, working overhead, and crawling. Incumbent must be able to climb ladders and scaffolding and operate bucket truck. Incumbent must be able to lift loads of up to fifty (50) lbs. Frequently, work will be performed in cramped and awkward positions, including crawlspaces. Also, work is performed on interior and exterior of buildings. Work performed is of a precise nature requiring prolonged concentration. Incumbent works at times under conditions of extreme stress and must be able to interact effectively with medical staff and perform work in a calm, analytical manner. lncumbent works around and with hazardous mechanical and electrical equipment with the potential for serious injury and/or death. Physical agility and dexterity are required while working around equipment. Incumbent works in close quarters and cramped positions, in service rooms, sub-basement areas and other areas with marginal ventilation. Work is performed in engineering and shop areas, laboratories, and many types of patient areas. Incumbent will sometimes be required to work in environments where the hazards of asbestos, burns, exposure to chemicals, radiation, and contagious diseases exist and will. be exposed to various elements of weather when working outside. Incumbent must know and follow procedures for working in areas of infection, radiation, and use all appropriate safety tools, clothing, and other personal protective equipment to protect himself/herself, other staff, patients and visitors at all times.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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:

• Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
• Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading)
• Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.
• Measurement and Layout
• Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)
• Troubleshooting

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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at

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.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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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.

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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.