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Pipefitter

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
This job announcement has closed

Summary

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
03/29/2022 to 04/19/2022
Salary
$28.19 to - $33.02 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 10
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Marion, IN
1 vacancy
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position to conduct site visits, inspections and/or training.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
10
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CBSR-11441250-22-RWS
Control number
645616600

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

1st Area of Consideration current, permanent employees of VA Northern Indiana Health Care System; Including permanent Canteen staff and employees eligible to apply under the VA/OPM interchange agreement and 2nd Area of Consideration current, permanent VA Nationwide employees.

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Duties

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Engineering Service is seeking Pipefitters to perform installations, modifications, maintenance and repairs of new and existing utility systems at the medical center. Incumbents complete work with little to no check during their progress or upon completion. Incumbents will work under the direct supervision of the Maintenance and Operations Supervisor.

Pipefitters will diagnose various types of problems, make decisions and troubleshoot issues to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity of high temperature water and high-pressure piping systems. Incumbents will also utilize safety and security practices to maintain a safe, clean and healthy work environment. Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Layout, install, test, adjust, and maintain several types of piping systems and allied equipment such as pumps, heat exchanges, chemical feed systems and filters.
  • Perform installations, modifications, repairs and maintenance to hydraulic, nitrogen, oxygen, steam heating, and steam generating systems.
  • Install and repair water, high/medium/low pressure steam, medical gases, compressed air and other piping systems.
  • Perform installations, repairs and maintenance to plumbing systems such as hot water heaters, pressure reducing valves, drinking fountains, showers, urinals, etc.
  • Apply accepted steam fitting and pipe fitting/plumbers trade methods and techniques.
  • Perform safety and preventive maintenance inspections of systems and equipment.
  • Interpret and work from building plans, blueprints, and sketches to plan and lay out the routing, placement, pitch, elevation, pressure reduction, expansion, and operations of various piping systems and equipment.
  • Maintain and repair storm sewer catch basins, and curb inlets and outlets.
  • Respond to work orders and repair defective parts of utility, supply, and disposal systems.
  • Use own judgment to decisions and determine appropriate placement, pitch, incline, and elevation of systems and equipment.
  • Other related duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: The tour of duty for this position is typically, Monday through Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm. (Schedule may change based on the needs of the service). Additional information may be provided during interview process.
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD #00117-O
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to background/security investigation
  • Pre-employment physical required
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
  • You must possess a current valid state drivers license.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/19/2022.

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. While a specific length of training and experience is not required, your responses to the questionnaire must be supported by detailed descriptions of your experience on your resume.

NOTE: This position entails both plumbing and steam piping duties. If your resume does not detail both types of experience, you will not receive consideration for the position.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

  • Possess and maintain a valid, current Journeyman's Plumbing/Pipefitter License in any state.
  • Master (or better) Pipefitter or 4 years job experience (up to 2 years can substituted for formal education or Associate of Applied Science Degree in Plumbing and Pipefitting).
  • Certificate of Completion in Plumbing and Pipefitting.
WG-10 QUALIFICATIONS: The job requires the ability to perform the duties of a Pipefitter without more than normal supervision. Your background must demonstrate as a Pipefitter, WG-4204-10. Some of the knowledge, skills and abilities of a Pipefitter include:
  • The incumbent performs all duties of a journeyman Pipefitter and is assigned to the Pipe Shop with-in the Maintenance and Repair Section of Facilities Management Service (FMS). The work involves installing, modifying, repairing, and maintaining new and existing low, medium, and high-pressure piping systems and equipment such as steam heating, steam generation, and hydraulic systems, steam generators, flash and expansion tanks, condensate, vacuum, circulating pumps, and radiators. Also covers existing utility, supply, and disposal systems and equipment such as sewage, water, oil, and gas distribution systems, and water closets, tubs, fire sprinkler systems, and showers.
  • The incumbent works from building plans, blueprints, and sketches to plan and lay out the routing, placement, pitch, elevation, pressure reduction, expansion, and operation of various piping systems and equipment as described above.
  • The incumbent installs, modifies, and repairs systems like those described above by setting up system routes, placing and cutting route openings, placing hangers for proper pitch and elevation, and determining and installing such things as risers, flexible branches, expansion joints, pumps, gauges, pressure regulators, valves, traps, and unions in the combination needed to support the pressures and proper operation of the systems. Also installs plumbing fixtures, vents, drains, mixing valves, flush valves, etc. Incumbent installs or repairs new or existing copper, galvanized, black iron, cast iron, and PVC pipes for utilities and medical gases.
  • The incumbent also installs equipment like that described above by planning and completing the routing and placement of systems leading to the equipment, determining and placing the equipment at the proper levels and points in the systems, and joining, sealing, and testing systems and equipment for proper pressures, leak-free joints, and operation. The supervisor and/or work leader checks the incumbent's overall work to see that it meets accepted trade standards. The incumbent is subject to recall for emergency repairs during non-administrative hours.
Please ensure you answer all questions accurately. Your responses are subject to verification. In support of your responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, your resume should include verbiage that describes your experience relative to the position for which you are applying and provide examples that show the depth of knowledge, level of skill, or degree of ability you possess. If your application does not support your responses to the questionnaire or your application is not complete, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration. We will not re-rate your application due to errors on your part.

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.
  • You must have a valid state issued driver's license. (SCREEN OUT)
  • You must have the ability to perform the duties of the Pipefitter without more than normal supervision. (SCREEN OUT)
The potential eligible 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


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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must pass a pre-employment physical examination as required by VA Handbook 5019. This examination is administered by VA Occupational Health. Makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and 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 50 pounds. Occasionally, lifts and carries items that weigh over 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 bad smelling fumes are present. Frequently exposed to the possibility of uncomfortable heat conditions, live steam, and hot pipes. Frequently exposed to the possibility of strains, cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, and infections. Occasionally exposed to the possibility of broken bones.

Education

There are no educational requirements for Federal Wage System positions.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

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.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:

Job Title
Duties (be as detailed as possible)
Month & Year start/end date (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
Full-time or Part-time status (include hours worked per week).

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Financial disclosure not required.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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