Summary The primary purpose of this position is to conduct pipefitting activities as required for the Main Campus and all Outpatient Clinics assigned to the VASNHCS. The incumbent plays a vital role in the overall maintenance of the water, fire protection, sewer, and steam systems of the VASNHCS. Responsibilities Repairs plumbing systems. The work involves installing, modifying, and repairing new and existing utility, supply, and disposal systems. Repairs equipment such as sewage, water, oil, and gas distribution systems and water closets, tubs, fire sprinkler systems, and showers. Works from building plans, blueprints, and sketches, to plan and lay out the routing, placement, slant, slope, fall, and proper operation, of systems and equipment. Uses tools and equipment such as plumb bobs, mercury gauges, dividers, closet augers, hydrostatic pumps, and lead pots. Major duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to: The Pipefitter receives work assignments from the supervisor through work orders, oral instructions, building plans, blueprints and sketches. The pipefitter works on steam piping, valves, steam straps, steam powered equipment, pressure regulators and many other items connected with steam. The incumbent works on disposal and utility systems, such as waste, placement, slant, slope and fall of systems. The pipefitter installs and performs maintenance on all plumbing fixtures and equipment and works with all types of piping and valves (copper, galvanized, black, cast iron, PVC, ABS, glass and fuse seal). The incumbent does rough-in, set and finish, and soft and silver solders and many other items connected with plumbing. The Incumbent also does mechanical work such as assembling and repairing wheel chairs, beds, stands, lockers, dietetic, lab, surgical and housekeeping equipment. The incumbent does welding repair by use of electric arc, oxyacetylene, and tig and many other items connected with mechanics. Duties of this position require a good knowledge of the proper use and care of power operated equipment such as pipe threading machines, drill presses, core drills, roto hammers, power saws, grinders, welders and hand tools. Strong credit card skills required for processing invoices. Assignments include periodic NFPA and JCAHO mandated preventive maintenance inspection of all systems and their components affiliated with the pipefitting trade on a basis set up by the supervisor or management. On installation of new work, or correction of a deficiency in the pipefitting utility system, the incumbent may be assigned to plan and lay out the proposed work which will include estimating materials required such as types and amounts; labor required and provides the supervisor with an estimated shut-down time. May perform minor HVAC work which includes repairing, adjusting room thermostats, replacing air filters, replacing V belts and cleaning refrigeration condensers. May perform minor electrical work which consists of replacing defective fluorescent ballasts, fixtures, lights, switches and outlets. Uses PC to enter work orders, enter preventative maintenance work orders, and to order parts. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 07:00am - 04:00pm Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD04916A Physical Requirements: The incumbent works from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms and where equipment worked on are in hard to reach places. This requires him to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The pipefitter frequently handles, lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that up to 50 pounds, occasionally may be required to lift and carry items that weigh over 50 pounds. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 28, 2024 The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be January 30, 2024 with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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 A supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. 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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.