Summary This position is located in the Construction Shop in the Engineering Section and reports to the Construction/Structural Supervisor. The incumbent performs installation of insulating materials, and completes documentation of insulating work installed on pipes, tanks, boilers, ducts and other surfaces. Responsibilities Major Duties include but not limited to: Install a variety of insulating materials on surfaces which have common flat, square, or cylindrical shapes; regular curves; and straight runs as well as those with curved surfaces, irregular curves and planes. Develop patterns and layouts, cut, form, join, assemble, and safely install all @types of insulating materials on such items and systems as turbines, air ducts, heaters, generators, pumps, evaporators, refrigeration units, boilers, and a variety of other conventional or one-of-a-kind enclosures that have straight and curved surfaces, and irregular curves and planes. Reference, interpret and utilize a variety of blueprints, drawings, and other specifications to construct the insulating forms into desired shapes, allowing for seams, joints, thickness and shrinkage. Select the materials and equipment to be used independently without direction. Transport tools, equipment and materials appropriate to work assignments to and from work shop and storage areas; keeps work shop areas and equipment clean, secure and orderly. Utilize safety practices and procedures, following established safety rules and regulations while maintaining a safe and clean work environment. Responsible for completion of job and equipment maintenance records accurately and timely; assembles lists of materials and supplies needed for assigned work and drafts purchase requests; assesses needs and writes clear work descriptions; and accurately accounts for time and materials used. Knowledge of how to evaluate the installation areas and estimate the @type (insulating plastics, fiberglass, etc.) and amount of insulation required while considering such factors as size, shape, temperature, accessibility, environment, and physical appearance requirements of the items or systems to be insulated. Skill to fill cracks and smooth rough spots with cement and trowel, and apply fiberglass cloth/fabric to cover the insulation, using cement, needle and twine or copper wire to complete the installation. To prepare for final visual inspection, apply knowledge of various cleaning applications of insulated objects completed. Work Schedule: 7:00a.m. - 3:30p.m. - Monday - Friday Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Available Position Description Title/PD#: Insulator/PD024730 Requirements Conditions of Employment 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 (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) 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 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 or trial 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, 05/01/2026. 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: Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading) Knowledge of Materials Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic) 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: Work requires moderate exertion, except when utilizing specialized safety equipment (protective masks, boots, gloves, etc.) during times when working with insulation containing micro fibrous materials, when exertion may be strenuous. Utilizes safety equipment for prolonged periods. Work includes moving up and down ladders, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, and at times, working in cramped and awkward positions. Much of the work is done on ladders, scaffolds, platforms and interstitial spaces. Incumbent must have the ability to lift hand tools and materials (wet and dry) weighing from 50 to 100 pounds. Assistance is available when lifting items that exceed 40 pounds or when lifting items awkward to handle. Incumbent is standing or walking much of the time and must be in good overall physical condition. Physical capability to regularly walk long distances, dexterity, accurate hand-eye coordination, and corrected 20/20 vision with accurate color perception is required. Working Conditions: Installation and removal work is performed in confined areas, usually indoors. Workers may be exposed to extreme cold or heat and work may be performed outside on rooftops in various weather conditions. Workers are exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises or broken bones. The installation and removal of insulating materials frequently creates airborne dust particles which require the wearing of respiratory safety devices and other protective apparel which is restrictive and uncomfortable. Workers are exposed to typical noise levels caused by the commercial use vacuum cleaner and higher level noise levels caused by building service equipment. Hearing, respiratory, and eye protection apparel are provided and must be worn per work safety policies and procedures. Education Additional Information 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. 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.
