Pipefitter

About the role

This position is located in Engineering Service at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, WI, a complexity level 1B facility.

Responsibilities

- Welding repairs and fabrication requiring the use of oxygen, acetylene, arc welding, and pipe welding. - Inspecting, adjusting, cleaning, repairing, the following: plumbing fixtures and systems, steam operated equipment, heating and water systems, kitchen and laundry equipment, air compressors, medical compressed air systems, vacuum systems, oxygen systems and natural gas distribution systems. - Reading and interpreting blueprints and manufacturers' specifications for installing and repairing equipment. - Making safety and preventive maintenance inspections of utility systems and equipment in accordance with VA regulations and National Codes. - Performing other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

- The supervisor assigns work orally and through work orders, building plans, and blueprints. - The employee tests systems and equipment after completing work. - The supervisor checks work to see that it meets accepted trade standards.

Physical Requirements

- The employee is required to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. - The employee works from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms where the systems and equipment worked on are in hard to reach places. - The employee handles, lifts, carries and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. Occasionally items may weigh more than 50 pounds. - The work is done inside and outside, and is usually dirty, dusty, greasy, and smelly. - There is frequent exposure to the possibility of uncomfortable heat conditions. - The employee is exposed to the possibility of strains, cuts, scrapes, bruises, bums, and infections. - The employee is occasionally exposed to the possibility of broken bones.

Working Conditions

- The work is done inside and outside, and is usually dirty, dusty, greasy, and smelly. - There is frequent exposure to the possibility of uncomfortable heat conditions. - The employee is exposed to the possibility of strains, cuts, scrapes, bruises, bums, and infections. - The employee is occasionally exposed to the possibility of broken bones.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/25/2026. 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. Repairs, modifies, maintains, installs and performs maintenance and preventive maintenance on medical gas, air and vacuum distributions systems and equipment as well as hot and cold water and steam distribution systems and equipment, including piping, lagging, hangers, expansion joints, various types of valves and control devices. 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: 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. Physical Requirements: The employee is required to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The employee works from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms where the systems and equipment worked on are in hard to reach places. The employee handles, lifts, carries and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. Occasionally items may weigh more than 50 pounds. Working Conditions: The work is done inside and outside, and is usually dirty, dusty, greasy, and smelly. There is frequent exposure to the possibility of uncomfortable heat conditions. The employee is exposed to the possibility of strains, cuts, scrapes, bruises, bums, and infections. The employee is occasionally exposed to the possibility of broken bones. There is no educational substitution at this grade level.