About this role
Job SummaryThis position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Health Administration, Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), at a VA Medical Center in Richmond, VA in the Mechanical Section of Facilities Management Service. The primary purpose of this position is to install, repair and maintain the piping and plumbing systems throughout the medical center.
QualificationsTo 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. Preferred Experience: 5 plus yrs. Experience working in a Commercial / Industrial or Hospital setting Maintenance and Repair Journeyman plumbing license Med-Gas certification 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.
Major DutiesDuties may include, but are not limited to: Installs, modifies and repairs new and existing high-pressure piping systems and equipment such as steam generating and distributing equipment and systems, steam heating radiators and systems, hydraulic and high-pressure, compressed air and gas equipment and systems, flash and expansion tanks, etc. Plans pipe routes, equipment locations, methods of support and installation, material and tooling requirements for accomplishment of assigned jobs. Repairs, replaces and installs new expansion joints, pressure reducing valves, globe and gate valves, steam traps, gauges, thermometers and all types of fittings and joints involved with steam and high-pressure piping systems. Cuts pipe route openings, places hangers for proper pitch and elevations, cuts, threads and welds pipe and fittings, as needed, and seals around pipes and equipment where penetrations were made through walls, ceilings and floors, and installs pipe covering and other protective materials Tests systems and equipment for proper pressure and leak-free joints. Incumbent works with all equipment and systems on station that are connected to steam or high-pressure gas, air and fluid sources. The incumbent installs, repairs, maintains and adjusts plumbing systems and fixtures such as low-pressure piping systems, water closets, lavatories, sinks, dishwashers, laundry equipment, sprinkler and standpipe systems, sanitary and storm drain systems, pumps, water heaters and all other hospital equipment and systems that distribute and/or require connection to low-pressure water and/or gas sources. Incumbent is required to maintain and install all water distribution systems and waste systems. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Varied Work Schedule Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD01619A Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to lift and carry heavy objects (occasionally in excess of 40 pounds) and hold them in awkward positions while they are being installed or removed. Incumbent must be able to work for prolonged periods while kneeling, crouching, stooping and/or standing in awkward positions and to climb and work from ladders, man lifts, scaffolding and roofs.RequirementsU.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.