The Pipefitter performs duties at the journeyman Maintenance Mechanic Pipefitter level in the maintenance section. This entails knowledge of plumbing, steam fitting and mechanical skills. The incumbent works on a variety of systems such as steam distribution, water supply, fire sprinklers, drainage and sewage, consumer gas, medical oxygen, air vacuum and nitrous oxide distribution and storage as well as on mechanical equipment and appliances.
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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, Poly Vinyl Chloride , Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, 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 time in grade 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 National Fire Protection Association and Joint Commission Accreditation Healthcare Organization 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 Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning 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, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD04057-A
Physical Requirements: Duties require the incumbent to climb ladders and to crawl around in cramped ceilings and subbasements, requiring a high degree of agility as well as long periods of work in standing, kneeling and other awkward positions. Climbing, crawling stooping and other forms of physical exertion are commonplace when working in pipe spaces. The incumbent must be able to work in extreme temperatures and moisture conditions for prolonged periods (up to four hours at a time)
- 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.
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:
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Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
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Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
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Technical Practices
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Troubleshooting
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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.
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
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.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.
Documents Required:
Documents Accepted:
- Cover Letter
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DD-214/ Statement of Service
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Disability Letter (Schedule A)
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Disability Letter (VA)
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License
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Other (1)
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PCS Orders
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Professional Certification
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Resume
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Separation Notice (RIF)
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SF-15
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SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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Transcript
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
