Pipefitter

About the role

This position is located at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center and serves as a Pipefitter under the general supervision of the Chief - Maintenance and Operation Section.

Responsibilities

• Figure pipe, joint, and valve sizes needed to support pressures of systems
• Set up and operate machine tools such as small lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and precision grinders to manufacture component parts or re-machine existing parts such as bushings, bearings, seals, couplings, and pistons
• Install, modify, and repair new and existing high‑pressure piping systems and equipment such as steam heating, steam generation, hydraulic systems, steam generators, water tanks, fire suppression loops, flash and expansion tanks, condensate, vacuum, and circulating pumps, and radiators
• Work from building plans, blueprints, and sketches to plan and layout the routing, placement, pitch, elevation, pressure reduction, expansion, and operation of various piping systems and equipment
• Repair and keep in good working order outside water, sewer drainage, and gas distribution systems (systems composed of cast iron pipe with mechanical and lead joints, copper, black steel, terra‑cotta, and concrete pipe)
• Install, modify, and repair new and existing utility‑supply and disposal systems and equipment such as sewage, water, oil, and gas distribution systems and water closets, tubs, fire sprinkler systems, and showers
• Align pipes, valves, fittings, and joints for accurate match

Requirements

Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement. A specific length of training and experience is not required, but evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the work must be shown on the resume. Applicants will be rated according to the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

The qualifications are first evaluated against a screen‑out element (usually question 1 in the online questionnaire). Those who meet the minimal acceptable qualification proceed to further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and eliminated.

Remaining job elements include:

• Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
• Equipment Assembly – Installation – Repair
• Interpret Instructions – Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Materials
• Measuring Instruments
• Technical Practices
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment

Experience includes paid and unpaid work, volunteer work through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work is credited and helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills that translate to paid employment. A full year of work is considered 35‑40 hours per week; part‑time experience is credited proportionally. Applicants must clearly indicate the nature of duties, responsibilities, and weekly hours for each position to receive credit.

Physical requirements: Pipefitters make repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, often in hard‑to‑reach places, requiring standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions. They frequently handle, lift, carry, and set up parts and equipment weighing up to 23 kg (50 lb) and occasionally lift items over 23 kg. They can perform work while wearing a respirator or other breathing apparatus.

Working conditions: Work is performed inside and outside, often dirty, dusty, and greasy. Pipefitters may be required to work in areas with bad‑smelling fumes, are frequently exposed to uncomfortable heat conditions, and are frequently exposed to the possibility of strains, cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, and infections. They are occasionally exposed to the possibility of broken bones and hazardous materials. The position is subject to the hazards normally encountered in the trades and must be able to work during any emergency repair, day or night, and work long hours until the job is completed or service to the medical center is adequately restored.

Skills

• Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
• Equipment Assembly – Installation – Repair
• Interpret Instructions – Specifications (includes blueprint reading)
• Materials
• Measuring Instruments
• Technical Practices
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment

Schedule

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, subject to change based on the needs of the facility.