Summary

This Pipefitter position is in the Utility Systems Section of the Engineering Service at the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks (VHSO), Fayetteville, Arkansas. This position modifies, maintains, and repairs a variety of high, medium, and low-pressure piping systems.

Duties

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Major duties and responsibilities include:

• Checking, troubleshooting, repairing, replacing all types of high, medium, and low-pressure piping and steam systems and equipment, fittings, pressure regulating valves, hand or automatic valves and auxiliaries of the steam distribution system, hydraulic systems, steam generators, flash and expansion tanks, condensate, vacuum and circulating pumps, radiators, dietetic steam-heated cookers, ovens, convectors, and various types of sterilizers in the hospital.
• Troubleshooting, repairing, and diagnosing problems with facility steam traps and heating control devices.
• Estimating necessary materials such as pipe or fittings and assemblies needed.
• Identifying and marking locations through which pipes will pass or be installed, works from mechanical drawings, specifications or manufacturing data and improvises/makes modifications to systems in compliance with all safety codes and regulations.
• Work involves aspects of plumbing including clearing clogged drain lines, replacing, or installing toilets, sinks, faucets, water fountains, water heaters, showers, bathtubs, eyewash stations and all aspects of pipefitting to include but not limited to piping, fittings, valves, fixtures, fire suppression systems, back flow prevention and controls.
• Performing preventative maintenance (PM) on all types of steam fixtures, piping systems, back flow preventors, following manufacturers and/or VA recommendations.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00am to 4:30pm (Subject to change based on agency needs).

Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD03330A

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK CONDITIONS: The Pipefitters make repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and where the systems and equipment worked on are in hard-to-reach places. 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 pounds). Occasionally, the Pipefitters may lift and carry items that weigh over 23 kilograms (50 pounds).Work is done inside and outside. It is usually dirty, dusty, and greasy. May be required to make repairs and installations outside in adverse weather conditions. Occasionally make repairs in areas where unpleasant odors are present. Subject to cuts, bruises, scrapes, sprains, and strains from handling tools and installing equipment. Subject to burns from hot components and solder. Required to wear safety clothing and equipment appropriate to the tasks being performed.

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

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

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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.

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.