Pipefitter

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Installs and maintains complete plumbing systems including storm and sanitary sewers septic systems and various water oxygen air gas medical gas nitrous oxide fire lines vacuum and vent systems.
• Performs maintenance major and minor of limited electrical systems and all pumps.
• Performs mechanical repairs (e.g. valves gears etc.) to various types of equipment that is assigned to the Plumbing and Mechanical Shop.
• Repairs and maintains pressurized domestic water pump station system.
• Installs and serves all types of flush valves mixing valves water meters and demineralized water systems.
• Maintains adequate supply of tools parts and materials for routine maintenance construction and repair.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm subject to change based on the needs of the facility.
Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD84227A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Physical Requirements: Work requires a considerable amount of standing stooping bending kneeling climbing and working in tiring and/or uncomfortable conditions. The incumbent may work from ladders and scaffolding. When operating equipment the worker may be under a great deal of strain from constant reaching bending turning and moving of hands arms feet legs and by the vibration and jerking of the equipment. The incumbent carries lifts and handles parts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and may occasionally exceed 50 pounds.

Working Conditions: Work is performed inside and outside of buildings usually under well-lighted and safe occasional adequate ventilated conditions. Exposure to high and low ambient temperatures all weather types drafts equipment noise dust dirt chemicals and noxious fumes is common. Wearing of uncomfortable protective equipment and clothing is occasionally necessary. The work is performed inside and outside with exposure to all kinds of weather. The work area may be dirty wet dusty and greasy with inadequate lighting heat or ventilation. The pipefitter is subject to cuts abrasions burns broken bones electrical shock infections bites exposure to inhalation or harmful chemical fumes irritation of eyes skin and respiratory tract and the hazards of operating power tools and equipment. Discomfort is encountered when wearing protective clothing gloves and eye goggles.

• 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 drivers 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 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.

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:

• Building and Construction
• Interpret Instructions Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Plumbing and Pipefitting
• 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.