Summary The incumbent is assigned to the Utilities Section, Engineering Service, Central Alabama Veterans' Health Care System.. The functions of this position includes, but is not limited to, maintenance, repair, modification operation functions of the , utilities distribution systems, building service equipment, machinery, metal work. CAVHCS consists of two primary campuses, Montgomery, Tuskegee, community-based outpatient clinics Dothan, Dothan Mental Health, Fort Rucker Wiregrass and Monroeville. Responsibilities Pipefitting - 40 % Performs the full range of tasks associated with the journeyman level pipe fitter. Installs, modifies, repairs, cleans, adjusts and maintains new and existing high pressure piping systems and equipment such as steam heating, hot water and steam generation, radiators, steam sterilizers, heat exchangers, hot water and condensate tanks. Performs work on a variety of high pressure piping systems and equipment. Repairs/replaces a variety of system components and parts to include piping, expansion joints, condensate and circulating pumps, regulators, valves, coils, diaphragms, steam filters, traps, fittings, gauges and thermostats, etc. working from blueprints, lay-out sketches and specifications, sets up system routes and locates and marks spots for openings through which pipes are to pass or in which equipment will be installed. Threads and bends pipe, assembles pipe sections and fittings, hangs or lays assemblies into position considering proper slant, slope, fall and operation of systems. Maintains clean working area and clears pipe with nitrogen after installation. Performs preventive maintenance as assigned on systems and equipment. Welding- 10% Performs standard previously done welding operations such as spot, seam and flash, using electric resistance welding machines; also uses manual gas torch welding process such as oxyacetylene to join a variety of different parts or components. Disconnects and reconnect motors. Installs, modifies, repairs, fabricates parts, disassembles and reassembles equipment and maintains new and existing plumbing, supply and disposal systems and equipment. Working from blueprints, lay-out sketches and specifications, sets up system routes and locates and marks spots for openings through which pipes are to pass or in which equipment will be installed. Locates and taps main lines, ensuring proper route, placement, level and slope. Places and connects sewage and water fixtures and such things as hydrants, water mains, water closets, lavato1ies, showers, sinks, fire sprinkler systems, dishwashing machines, unit gas heaters, various items of kitchen equipment etc. After repairs, alterations or installations are made, inspects and tests joints and pipes for leaks. Periodically checks, cleans and flushes existing systems, checking piping, fittings and fixtures for defective parts or connections ensuring that lines are free from debris. Plumbing - 40% Performs the full range of journeyman level plumbing tasks including estimating material requirements; i.e., pipe, fittings, and fixtures in the sizes, @types, or lengths needed; locating and making spots for opening through which pipes are to pass or in which equipment will be installed; threading, and pipe bending operations; determining and marking guide lines; placing and connecting air, natural or manufactured gas, sewage, and water fixtures and facilities such as hydrants, water mains, water closes, laboratories, showers, sinks, dishwashing machines, unit gas heaters, stoves, and air compression equipment; clearing difficult stoppages in drain pipe; directing or performing assembling of pipe sections and fittings, and hanging or laying of assemblies into position; testing joints and piping for leaks; directing or laying and joining concrete, clay, or iron pipe in ditches; installing and repairing valves; inspecting and testing piping after completing repairs, alternations, or additions; periodically checking piping, fittings, and fixtures for defective parts or connections; and disassembling and repairing damaged sections or fabricating replacements. Uses hand and power tools common to the trade. Miscellaneous Maintenance Work- IO% Performs maintenance and repairs on equipment includes autoclaves, sterilizers, coffee urns, pressure cookers, steam booster, heat exchangers, dish machines, century tubs and equipment, and other mechanical equipment as assigned including grounds maintenance equipment. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD09281A Physical Requirements: The incumbent must have use of all limbs, be able to stand, stoop, bend, climb, lift heavy objects, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time. Incumbent performs work from ladders, scaffolding and platoons. Must be able to identify different light indicators and wire colors. Requirements 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 (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. 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 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. Education 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 https://www.opm.gov/. 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.
