Pipefitter

Major duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Installs modifies and repairs new and existing pressure piping systems for steam heating steam generators heat exchangers circulating pumps water pumps condensate and vacuum pumps radiators hydraulic systems natural gas lines flash and expansion tanks compressed air systems and sprinkler systems.
• Reads and follows blueprints sketches and building plans when planning and laying out piping systems.
• Sizes and determines proper pitch elevation and placement of piping to ensure correct pressure reduction expansion and safe operation of piping systems and related equipment.
• Routes piping installations and ensures installations are mechanically correct by selecting proper pipe strips hangers and performing routine cutting tasks.
• Joins seals and tests all piping joints to ensure leak-free performance and proper system operation.
• Uses hand and power tools of the pipefitter trade including pipe threaders sewer augers acetylene torches drills pipe cutters wrenches and other common tools to complete installation and repair work safely and efficiently.
• Ensures all work complies with VA standards safety requirements and established trade practices.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am-3:30pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD01857A
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Pre-employment physical required
• 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 identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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 or trial 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 10/05/2026.

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:

• Inspect
• Interpret Instructions Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Measurement and Layout
• 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.

Physical Requirements: Incumbent works on ladders scaffolds platforms and hard to reach places. Works in locations and positions which are uncomfortable. Stands stoops kneels climbs and often must lift objects weighing 50 lbs. or more is exposed to scalding bruises abrasions and lacerations which could cause infection rashes and diseases. Is exposed to noxious and caustic odors and fumes.


Working Conditions: Work is performed inside and outside and is usually dirty dusty and greasy and very often in extremely warm or cold environments. Assignments are required to be performed outside in inclement weather crawl spaces tunnels and other locations where the ambience is challenging.