Pipefitter

Summary

The Pipefitter plans and lays out the work to be performed on a task such as the ordering of material to install or replace piping to compressor systems for medical air and vacuum systems. The tasks assigned are more complex in nature and require a broad knowledge of equipment and systems; a broad practical knowledge of the pipefitting and plumbing trades; and an extensive knowledge of steam fitting.

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Duties

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Duties of the Pipefitter include but are not limited to:

• Repair piping or associated equipment to complex systems (i.e. domestic water systems, hydronic systems, medical/surgical gas and vacuum systems, control air systems, dental evacuation system, centrifugal chillers, and reciprocating chillers).
• Disassemble complex devices to determine proper operation and make internal repairs to diaphragms, seats, spring actuators, and flow control devices (i.e. back flow preventors, solenoids, and fire suppression devices).
• Program computer operated systems such as the lawn sprinkler system, fuel oil systems, etc.
• Interpret drawings, specifications, schematics, operator and parts manuals, etc. of varying degrees of complexity for complete systems.
• Prepare requests for parts, materials, tools and services as needed to carry out work assignments.
• Size, layout and integrate systems associated with the operation of the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system.
• Use shop mathematics to determine the sizing of pipes and connections required.
• Perform pipe welding to systems that operate at high pressure and high temperatures.
• Perform preventative maintenance, repairs, and installations on contaminated drain systems associated with highly infectious and radioactive wastes.
• Troubleshoot the entire steam distribution system, chilled water, heating water, dual temp, domestic water, secondary water, medical gas (Nitrogen, Nitrous Oxide, Oxygen, Medical Air), medical vacuum, natural gas, to determine why partial flow or no pressure to various points is present.
• Operate equipment such as threading machines, welding machines, cutting torches, auger machines, sewer cleaning machines, pipe cutting machines, ultrasonic testers, etc.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD70138A

Physical Requirements : The duties of this position require physical exertion involving lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying object of varying weight, sizes and shapes. Physical effort is exerted in walking, running, climbing, crawling, and bending. Strain related to lack of movement such as standing in place, crouching, or stooping for extended periods of time.

Working Conditions: Incumbent is exposed to heat, restricted ventilation and poor illumination in areas such as equipment rooms. Exposed to all weather conditions when working outside. Incumbent is exposed to varying climatic conditions from and office. to environmentally controlled space, to excessive heat in the boiler plant. Exposed to various hazardous materials in the course of performing work assignments. They are provided protective clothing, equipment and safety devices for their personal protection.

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
• 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:

• Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
• Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Measurement and Layout
• Technical Practices
• Troubleshooting
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment

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.