Pipefitter (Plumber)

Incumbent serves in Maintenance & Operations within Engineering Service for the South Texas Veterans' Healthcare System, covering leased and owned facilities. Responsible for installing, modifying, testing, maintaining, repairing, inspecting, and troubleshooting all facility piping systems, including steam, gas, water, waste, drainage, fire suppression, and related equipment.

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
• Plumbing and Pipefitting
• Technical Practices
• 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.

Drivers License: Required to have a valid driver's license

Responsibilities:

Primary Duties

• Installs, modifies, repairs, and maintains high- and low-pressure piping systems (steam, gas, air, water, fuel, hydraulic).
• Lays out and fabricates piping systems from blueprints, sketches, and specifications.
• Cuts, threads, bends, and assembles pipe using hand and power tools and shop equipment.
• Installs and aligns valves, regulators, gauges, meters, and control devices.
• Performs pressure tests, leak detection, and system balancing to ensure proper operation.
• Troubleshoots system malfunctions and determines repair methods.

Fabrication & Layout

• Plans and routes piping to avoid obstructions and meet system requirements.
• Measures, marks, and calculates pipe lengths, angles, and offsets.
• Fabricates complex pipe sections including nonstandard bends and configurations.
• Uses welding, brazing, and soldering as required.

Maintenance & Repair

• Diagnoses issues in existing systems and replaces defective components.
• Performs preventive maintenance on piping systems and related equipment.
• Repairs or replaces corroded, damaged, or worn piping and fittings.

Technical & System Knowledge

• Works with steam distribution, heating systems, compressed air, fuel systems, and water systems.
• Understands pressure relationships, flow rates, and system controls.
• Applies knowledge of codes, safety standards, and technical manuals.

Tools & Equipment

• Uses pipe threading machines, cutters, benders, welding equipment, and testing devices.
• Operates shop machinery and portable power tools.

Safety & Compliance

• Follows safety procedures related to high-pressure systems and hazardous materials.
• Ensures installations comply with applicable codes and regulations.
• Uses protective equipment and safe work practices.

Additional Responsibilities

• Coordinates work with other trades and engineering personnel.
• May lead or guide lower-graded workers.
• Maintains records of work performed and materials used.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm -or- 7:30am to 4:00pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter (Plumber)/PD00083A
Physical Requirements:

• Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds
• Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds
• Pushing, 1-hour
• Reaching above shoulder
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking, 1-hour
• Standing, 2-hours
• Crawling, 1-hour
• Kneeling, 2-hours
• Repeated bending, 2-hours
• Climbing, use of legs and arms
• Both legs required
• Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other
• Depth perception
• Ability to distinguish basic colors
• Hearing (aid may be permitted)
• Mental and emotional stability

Salary : $31