Summary The WG-9 Plumber position is assigned to one of the 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 building, grounds, and related structures, fixtures, and utilities. Responsibilities Major duties include but not limited to: Incumbent must have a comprehensive knowledge in the testing and repairing of backflow assemblies. The incumbents' 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. Incumbent must connect threaded pipe, mechanical joints, compression fittings, and other coupling devices and will also perform brazing at appropriate times and according to accepted trade codes. Incumbent must have the skill to interpret and analyze data from recorders, gauges, computers, meters, etc. and make required adjustments to controls to maintain safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operation of the utility systems. Incumbent must have the skill to use a vast assortment of hand tools, pipe threaders, hammer drills, core drills, and other tools of the trade. The incumbent shall routinely prepare requests for parts, materials, and operating supplies using manufacturers pamphlets or commercial trade catalogs. The incumbent, by accepted trade methods and techniques, must independently plan and layout installations and modifications of various piping systems and equipment. Incumbent works from building plans, blueprints, sketches to plan and lay out the routing, placement, pitch, elevation, pressure reduction, expansion and operation of various piping systems and equipment. The incumbent shall maintain, repair and/or install all forms of piping and related systems. The incumbent shall maintain and repair systems and equipment such as, but not limited to the following: supply and distribution systems for domestic potable hot and cold water; condensate and condensate return lines; medical gas, air and vacuum piping and pumps; compressors; de-ionized and other process water lines and systems; internal and external soiled and waste pipe; external water mains and roof and storm drainage systems and all related devices and equipment such as drains, drain traps, clean-outs, faucets, lavatories, water closets, showers, tubs, grease traps, urinals, drinking fountains, surgical scrub sinks and other associated valves, pump systems, etc. Incumbent shall have and be able to demonstrate basic plumbing skills and knowledge. Incumbent must have a complete and thorough knowledge of the facility plumbing system and take immediate corrective action to ensure continued service, and avoid adverse conditions such as flooding caused by stoppages and/or plumbing failures. The incumbent may be required to troubleshoot and solve problems with specialty supply lines, such as medical oxygen, medical air, vacuum lines, and nitrogen lines. Work Schedule: Monday Thru Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Plumber/PD602830 Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job 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 Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary/trial period 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/06/2025. 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. 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. Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Physical Effort: The plumbing workers make repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and where the parts of systems worked on being in hard-to-reach places. This requires the employees to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The plumbing workers frequently lift, carry, and set up parts and equipment that weigh up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds). Working Conditions: The work is done inside and outside, and is usually dirty, dusty, and greasy. The plumbing workers are sometimes required to make repairs and installations outside in bad weather. The plumbing workers occasionally make repairs in areas where bad smelling fumes are present. The plumbing workers have occasional exposure to the possibility of broken bones. The employees also have frequent exposure to the possibility of scrapes, burns, and infections. Education Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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. 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.
