Summary 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. Responsibilities 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/PD4057A 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). 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) Technical Practices Troubleshooting 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. 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.