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Pipefitter Helper

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
08/09/2022 to 08/22/2022
Salary
$21.61 to - $25.17 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 5
Location
Milwaukee, WI
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
ML-11604465-22-AM
Control number
670376500

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

ALL U.S. CITIZENS. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (COVID-19 - VA 002) in-accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3) and 5 CFR 337.205(b)(1)-(4).

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Duties

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This position is aligned under the Pipe and Electrical Shop, Facilities Management Division, at the Clement J. Zablocki Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI (695) - a Level 1a Complexity VHA Facility. The work involves assisting journey level Pipefitters with routine installing, repairing, troubleshooting, modifying and maintaining steam distribution systems, pneumatic heating systems, high-pressure piping systems, water distribution systems, and sewage systems.

Major Duties:
-Replaces defective plumbing parts on sinks, toilets, showers and other various plumbing systems associated with the facility. Unclogs drains using hand augers and powered sewer and jetter machines. Installs anchors and hangs pipe for Journey level pipefitter to make final connections.

-Assists journey level Pipefitters as assigned by performing the simpler and more routine duties of the pipefitter trade working with them as instructed. Prepares or gathers all necessary tools and equipment for project or assignment. Prepares worksite (e.g., sets up scaffold, ladders, stands, etc.) Covers work areas with protective materials to prevent damage from soil, grease, or stain marks. Assists in the removal, repair and installation of pipe components. Lifts and carries tools equipment, and pipefitting supplies. Hands tools to journey level pipefitters, as required. Installs anchors and supports for pipes.

-Uses and accounts for all tools and equipment, such measuring tapes, dividers, chalklines, plumb bobs, templates, star drills, grinders, flangers, hand and power pipe threaders and cutters, pipe wrenches. Picks up all tools and equipment after completion of project or assignment. Cleans, oils, and greases all tools and equipment. Returns tools and equipment to designated compartments, racks, bins, carts, lockers, etc. Sweeps, dusts and removes trash to keep work area clean and orderly.

-Performs shop support work as instructed. Prepares record of actions and time taken on work order requests, preventive maintenance schedules, written instructions, etc. and obtains required coordination and signatures. Prepares and submits listing to supervisor of needed replacement parts, materials, and supplies. Receives parts, materials, and supplies. Validates stock numbers, quantity, and nomenclature on associated paperwork. Notifies supervisor of discrepancies, Stores parts, materials, and supplies in proper bin or rack according to nomenclature, size, and available space.

-Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations to maintain a safe and clean work environment. Uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing.

-Operates equipment in a safe manner, applying established safety rules and regulations to minimize minor violations and to avoid major violations due to employee error or negligence. Observes all safety warnings and instructions. Informs the supervisor, journey level, or higher-grade employee of accidents and/or damages to supplies or equipment, or of any observed unsafe practices in accordance with established policies and procedures.

*After successful completion of a probationary period, the selectee will be required to participate in and successfully complete the Pipefitter Apprenticeship program, which VA will fund.

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 7 AM-3:30 PM, and may be required to be present to provide off-hours support for utility outages, maintenance and projects support, etc.
Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter Helper/21057O

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
  • Subject to a background/suitability investigation
  • Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
  • May serve a probationary period
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

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.

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.

Physical Requirements: May handle or carry weights up to 50 pounds, and occasionally more. Assistance is usually available for handling of heavier material and equipment. Heavy exertion is required at frequent intervals. Work requires pushing, pulling, lifting, reaching, walking, climbing, and stooping. Must have physical capacities for working inside and outside in excessive heat and cold, excessively noisy or confined areas, in inclement weather, and on intermittent slippery or uneven surfaces that can be found at or in transit to/from worksites. May receive minor cuts, abrasions while performing these duties. Must be able to work from ladders, scaffolds, and platforms and to work in awkward and/or uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time to accomplish assigned tasks.

Working Conditions: Incumbent will be subject to working in varying temperatures between working in poorly ventilated areas or under inclement outdoor weather conditions. Assigned work will subject employee to the possibility of burns due to exposure to high temperatures in the steam and water systems, broken bones, cuts & bruises, exposure to dust, foul odors, dampness, asbestos, and the hazards of power machinery. May also be subject to falls from ladders/scaffolds during performance of duties. Incumbent will wear government issued uniforms and safety shoes on a daily basis, along with other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) applicable to tasks being performed. Exposed to the possibility of burns from hot water and steam while repairing leaks in high-pressure steam lines. The incumbent may work both indoors and outdoors and in pipe tunnels. Will encounter high ambient temperatures and humidity conditions exist. Will be regularly exposed to and work on, very high pipe pressures and will encounter extremely high water and steam temperatures.


Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

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.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and 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.

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.

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. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

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