Summary

This position is located at the VA Western Colorado Health Care System in the Facilities Management Services. The primary purpose of the position is to perform the full range of duties of a journeyman-level pipefitter in the installation, modification, maintenance and repair of high and low pressure piping systems and associated equipment. These systems include, but are not limited too, medical gas, steam, heating, water, sewer, plumbing, and other utility and facility pipiing systems.

Duties

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Duties Include but are not limited too:

• Installing and operating high- and low-pressure piping systems, plumbing systems, and related equipment (such as steam heating, steam generators, vacuum systems and circulating pumps).
• Installing plumbing fixtures such as sinks, water closets, drinking fountains, hot water tanks, and hot water equipment such as dishwashers and laundry equipment.
• Installing valves, traps, and unions needed for proper system operation.
• Installing and operating relief valves, check valves, pressure regulators, expansion joints and other pressure supporting and controlling devices to control pressure, flow, and circulation.
• Figuring pressures and fixtures units within a system and ensuring that piping, valves, fittings and equipment are proper for the work.
• Installing the proper braces and supports to control movement and vibration while allowing for expansion and contraction.
• Performing work assigned orally and through written or electronic work orders based on building plans and blueprints.
• Determining the proper placement and elevation to install steam generators, vacuum and condensate pumps and radiators.
• Planning and laying out the installation, modification and repair of new and existing piping systems, plumbing systems and equipment.
• Laying out and installing piping, risers and flexible branches at the proper level and incline.
• Planning and laying out the needed routing, placement, pitch, incline and elevation of systems and equipment.
• Using welding, brazing and other tools to lead joints of cast iron pipes and solder copper tubing.
• Using hand tools common to the pipefitting trade, including wrenches, sliding squares, measuring tapes, dividers, chalk lines, plumb bobs.
• Using power tools common to the pipefitting trade, such as drills, grinders, pipe threaders and cutters.
• Testing systems and equipment for proper circulation, flow, pressure, leak-free joints and proper drainage.
• Diagnosing plumbing system issues by isolating the problem, checking through the system, and making appropriate repairs or modifications.
• Using resources, such as cameras and other tools, to find the root cause of a problem or system failure, correct the failure and prevent future re-occurrences.
• Tracing and troubleshooting pipe lines, systems and equipment to locate and repair leaks and trouble spots
• License required ASSE and CAWS

Work Schedule: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm; Monday - Friday

Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD10202-A

Physical Requirements: The pipefitters make repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and platforms, and where the systems and equipment worked on are in hard-to reach places in hot and cold work areas. This requires the pipefitters to stand, stoop, bend kneel, climb and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The pipefitters frequently handle, lift, carry, and set up parts and equipment that weigh up to 23 kilograms (50 points). Must handle heavy tools at arm's length and overhead from time to time. Must unload from trucks and place on storage racks such heavy and bulky materials as metal pipes and other types of materials. Incumbent must work throughout all areas of the Health Care System. In some cases they must go in out-of-the-way areas such as boiler/mechanical rooms, pipe chases, roofs, attics, basement, etc., which may require kneeling, bending, stooping, crawling, etc. Project demands may require work at other than normal administrative hours.

Working Conditions: Pipefitter must be in good physical condition as the incumbent must be able to tolerate temperature extremes, restricted confined spaces, and dirty and dusty environments. Incumbent is issued safety-toed footwear gloves, eye protection, and other personal protective equipment. It is the responsibility of the incumbent to use the personal protective equipment appropriately during the course of the assigned work. Use of personal protective equipment is used to avoid injury or burn by steam, heat, or hot water. Some Work is performed in the shop areas. Incumbent is required to work in close, tight areas at times. Incumbent is exposed to hazards of working from heights, falling materials, steam and hot water lines, sometimes exposed to electrical shocks. Incumbent is subject to working out in all kinds of weather conditions and temperatures and in confined dusty and dirty areas. Work is usually done in well lighted, heated and ventilated areas. Outdoor work is normally done in good weather. Incumbent may occasionally work in dirty, dusty, hot or cold environments such as crawl spaces and attics. Incumbent is exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises, scrapes, broken bones, and serious burns caused by electrical shock, high voltage, and hot components while working around equipment. At times, works around extremely high noise and vibrations sources. Work in ward areas around sick patients. Incumbent may be called upon to work overtime and call-back in case of emergencies

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
• 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. 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.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Position requires licensing at the Journeyman Plumber level and American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) certification for medical gas systems. Must be certified by American Welding Society (CAWS) to connect by welding medical gas piping.

Qualifications

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

Position requires licensing at the Journeyman Plumber level and American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) certification for medical gas systems. Must be certified by American Welding Society (CAWS) to connect by welding medical gas piping.

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

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

"Employees promoted, transferred, or otherwise assigned, for the first time, to supervisory or managerial positions shall be required to serve a probationary period. If an employee is required to concurrently serve both a probationary period in a supervisory or managerial position under 5 C.R part 315 subpart I, and a probationary or trial period following initial appointment or reinstatement in accordance with Civil Service Rule 11, the latter takes precedence and fulfills the requirements of the EO."

• At least 60days prior to the end of each employee's initial probationary or trial period, management officials shall, to the extent practicable, meet to discuss the employee's performance and conduct (based in part on input from the employee's supervisor) the needs of the agency, and whether their continued employment would advance the public interest, the organizational goals of the agency, and the efficiency of the service.
• Within 30 days prior to the end of each employee's probationary or trial period, management officials shall determine whether to finalize the employee's appointment to the Federal service, or whether to terminate their service. Before the employee is terminated, they shall be notified in writing of the effective date of the action.

"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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.

VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview 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 https://www.opm.gov/.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

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

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.