The Pipefitter works under the direct supervision of the Structural Shop Supervisor and is responsible for the coordination, scheduling and completion of all work assigned and ensures that all assignments are completed in a timely manner. The work involves installing, modifying, and repairing new and existing utilities, supply and disposal systems. Incumbent works from building plans, blueprints, sketches, and verbal instructions to plan and lay out the routing, placement, slant, slope, fall, and proper operation of systems and equipment. The Pipefitter tests and makes needed adjustment to systems and equipment for proper operation, flow, drainage, and sanitary conditions in accordance with VA and national Plumbing Codes.

Major Duties:

• Installs, modifies, repairs, and maintains high temperature water and high-pressure piping systems.
• Sets up system routes, places and cuts route openings, installs regulating devices, and places hangers for proper pitch and elevation.
• Determines and installs risers, flexible branches, expansion joints, pumps, gauges, and pressure regulators in the combination needed to support the pressures of the systems and proper operations of the systems.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, layout sketches, manufacturers literature and specifications for sizing, estimating, installing, and repairing new or existing piping systems.
• Replace sections of pipe, repairs steam traps and relief control valves. Cuts, threads, and connect pipes by means of union, flanges, and sweating.
• Fits pipe sections by screwing, bolting, brazing, welding, gluing, fusing, soldering, and caulking connection by forcing oakum and molten lead into joints. Tests systems and equipment for proper operation, circulation, flow, pressure, and leak free joints.
• Traces and troubleshoots pipes, lines, systems and equipment to locate and repair leaks and trouble spots. Performs safety and preventative maintenance inspections of systems and equipment.
• Performs maintenance, repair and alteration to fire sprinkler systems according to local and national codes.
• As necessary, constructs dust barriers and/or blocks off areas as needed for the safety and protection of patients, staff, visitors, and equipment. Ensures that the job site is clean of all debris and equipment upon the completion of work.
• Reviews blueprints, sketches, drawings, etc. for compliance with local and national codes and proper trade practices and procedures.
• Make recommendations for changes in proposed projects. Required to make rough sketches or prints of newly installed modified equipment or systems to be delivered to the Plumbing Work Leader for the purpose of updating the master piping and plumbing blueprints.

Work Schedule: 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD00108A
Physical Requirements: Pipefitter must be able to read and be familiar with all building and system blueprints, schematics, drawings, etc., to enable them to trace out, locate, and determine corrective action to take in the event of a system failure. Pipefitter must monitor and maintain Facilities Management Service (FMS) utility systems such as potable water, hot water, fire alarm, pumping stations, water conditioning units, medical oxygen/vacuum units, dental, medical, and utility air compressors. Monitors and controls the building systems and all associated equipment. Frequently handles, lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 lbs. Occasionally, lifts, carries, and up parts and equipment that weigh over 50 lbs. with help. Incumbent makes, repairs, and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and in hard to reach places. Stands, stoops, bends, kneels, climbs and works in tiring and uncomfortable positions.

Conditions of employment

• U.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.

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, Ability to perform the duties of the work of a Pipefitter (WG-10) without more than normal supervision, which 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.