Pipefitter
: Job Details :

Summary This Pipefitter position is located in the Facility Maintenance Service Line at the Central Western Massachusetts VA Medical Center, located in Leeds MA and under the HVAC & Mechanical Pipe Shop Supervisor. This position, modifies, maintains and repairs a variety of high, medium and low pressure piping systems. This is an open-continuous announcement that is open until 12/06/2024. Responsibilities This is an open-continuous announcement and is open until 12/06/2024. Positions will be filled as they become available. The first cut-off date to consider applications for referral to the selecting official will be 9/13/2024, the remaining cut-off dates will be at 2-week intervals S/he cuts, threads and installs pipe, hangers, pipe insulation, condensate tank and pump assemblies, steam & hot water heating devices, heat controls, condensate traps, circulating pumps, radiators, on demand and electric hot water heaters and other devices. The incumbent installs, plumbs and maintains a wide variety of lines (copper, cast & black iron, steel, brass and corrosive resistant plastic), drains, vents, fixtures, food service & medical equipment. Major duties include but are not limited to: Designing, inspecting, installing, modifying, repairing, and completing maintenance of compressed air systems, natural gas systems, high and low pressure steam systems, plumbing drain waste and vent systems and hot and cold domestic water systems. Using building plans, blueprints, sketches, and work orders to accomplish project work. Packing, adjusting, and repairing steam valves of various types. Repairing pipe leaks, clearing obstructions in piping, and making necessary adjustments for proper system operation as required. Operate grinders, pipe threading machines, oxygen/acetylene torches, hand tools, electric sewer augers, fans, pumps, welders, and other trade related tools and equipment. Works off ladders, scaffolds, and man lifts when needed to reach work areas. Supporting FMS management, engineering technicians, and project managers as the station pipefitting/plumbing journeyman through design consultation, code consideration, and installation guideline support of plumbing and piping systems as required by the Uniform Plumbing Code, Manufacture's installation guides, industry engineering standards, and the needs of Facility Management Service. Inspecting the fabrication and installation of steam systems, plumbing systems, and high-pressure/high-purity pipe/medical gas systems as needed. Assisting engineers and other FMS professionals in responding to operational issues including troubleshooting problems of specialized piping systems to ensure the mission continuity. Carry out work assignments with minimal supervision that is, to install, repair, and replace hospital piping/plumbing and supporting systems including all pipe, fixtures, valves, and apparatuses used in the construction, repair and replacement of all water, waste, vent, air, hydraulic, gas, high pressure and low pressure steam, high purity medical gas/vacuum pipe systems and the fixtures and apparatuses they serve. Working with outside suppliers and vendors to ensure material markups are within industry standards, while also working to enhance VA vendor and contractor relationships. Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm, EST. Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD00436A Physical Requirements: There is heavy lifting involved with this position. Assistance is usually available for the handling of heavier material and equipment. Heavy exertion is required at frequent intervals. Incumbent can work in noisy, confined areas, and on intermittent slippery or uneven surfaces. Incumbent may receive minor cuts or abrasions while performing these duties. Work can also require long periods of standing or sitting depending on the work scheduled provided by the HVAC/Plumbing Shop Supervisor. Preferred Experience: Commercial Pipefitting or Plumbing work in a Healthcare Setting and Current Pipefitter or Plumber License issued from any US State. Note: This position is a Bargaining Unit Position. Current Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. 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. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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) 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. 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 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. 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 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