Summary This position is located in the Mechanical Unit of the Engineering Section Service Line. The incumbent has journeyman-level skill in the maintenance, repair, or installation of mechanical systems, including steam heat, chilled water, hot water heating, domestic water systems, fire sprinkler piping, medical gas systems for air, oxygen, or vacuum, and applications with large air handling equipment. Responsibilities Installing and operating high- and low-pressure piping systems, plumbing systems, and related equipment (such as steam heating, steam generators, vacuum systems, radiators and circulating pumps). Installing plumbing fixtures such as sinks, water closets, drinking fountains, hot water storage tanks, and hot water producing equipment such as dishwashers and laundry equipment. Aligning pipes, valves, fittings and joints for accurate match Installing and operating relief valves, check valves, pressure regulators, expansion joints and other pressure supporting and controlling devices to control pressure, flow, and circulation Figuring pressures and fixtures units within a system and ensuring that piping, valves, fittings and equipment are proper for the work. Installing the proper braces and supports to control movement and vibration while allowing for expansion and contraction. Interpreting and applying building plans and blueprints to use shop mathematics to lay out angles, arcs and circles. Performing work assigned orally and through written or electronic work orders based on building plans and blueprints. Determining the proper placement and elevation to install steam generators, vacuum and condensate pumps and radiators. Planning and laying out the installation, modification and repair of new and existing piping systems, plumbing systems and equipment Laying out and installing piping, risers and flexible branches at the proper level and incline. Planning and laying out the needed routing, placement, pitch, incline and elevation of systems and equipment. Using welding, brazing and other tools to lead joints of cast iron pipes and solder copper tubing. Using hand tools common to the pipefitting trade, including wrenches, sliding squares, measuring tapes, dividers, chalk lines, plumb bobs and template Using power tools common to the pipefitting trade, such as drills, grinders, pipe threaders and cutters. Testing systems and equipment for proper circulation, flow, pressure, leak-free joints and proper drainage Diagnosing plumbing system malfunctions by isolating the problem, checking through the system, and making appropriate repairs or modifications Using resources, such as cameras and other tools, to find the root cause of a problem or system failure, correct the failure and prevent future re-occurrences. Work Schedule: 07:00a - 3:30p , Mon - Fri Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD13884A Physical Effort : Makes repairs and installations using ladders, scaffolding, in crawl spaces, and on platforms, where the systems and equipment worked on are in hard-to-reach places. Stands, stoops, bends, kneels, climbs, and works in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Frequently handles, lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds). Occasionally, lift and carry items that weigh over 23 kilograms (50 pounds). Working Conditions: Work is done inside and outside, and is usually dirty, dusty, and greasy. Sometimes required to make installations and repairs in areas where fumes are present and or require oxygen level verification. The incumbent is occasionally in small and confined spaces. The incumbent may need to wear a respirator or a positive air pressure respirator. Frequently exposed to the possibility of uncomfortable heat conditions, live steam, equipment in operation with moving parts, and hot pipes. The incumbent is frequently exposed to the possibility of strains, cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, and infections. The incumbent is occasionally exposed to the possibility of broken bones. The incumbent may also work in areas known to contain asbestos. 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 There is no education requirement at this grade level. 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.
