Pipefitter

Summary

Provides journeyman-level pipefitting services for the Kansas City VA Medical Center. Installs - modifies - and repairs new and existing pressure piping systems - including steam - heating - generators - pumps - hydraulic systems - natural gas lines - compressed air systems - and sprinkler systems. Reads blueprints and layouts to ensure safe - leak-free - code-compliant piping installations.

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: Inspect Interpret Instructions - Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Measurement and Layout 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.

Duties

• Major duties include - but are not limited to the following: Installs - modifies - and repairs new and existing pressure piping systems for steam - heating - steam generators - heat exchangers - circulating pumps - water pumps - condensate and vacuum pumps - radiators - hydraulic systems - natural gas lines - flash and expansion tanks - compressed air systems - and sprinkler systems
• Reads and follows blueprints - sketches - and building plans when planning and laying out piping systems
• Sizes and determines proper pitch - elevation - and placement of piping to ensure correct pressure - reduction - expansion - and safe operation of piping systems and related equipment
• Routes piping installations and ensures installations are mechanically correct by selecting proper pipe strips - hangers - and performing routine cutting tasks
• Joins - seals - and tests all piping joints to ensure leak-free performance and proper system operation
• Uses hand and power tools of the pipefitter trade - including pipe threaders - sewer augers - acetylene torches - drills - pipe cutters - wrenches - and other common tools - to complete installation and repair work safely and efficiently
• Ensures all work complies with VA standards - safety requirements - and established trade practices
• Preferred Experience: Ability to diagnose system issues - perform corrective actions - and coordinate with engineering - maintenance - and operations teams to minimize downtime
• Knowledgeable in OSHA and VA safety requirements - lockout/tagout procedures - and proper material handling for industrial environments
• Extensive experience in commercial and industrial pipefitting - including installation - maintenance - and repair of complex piping systems
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 7:00am-3:30pm Compressed Schedule: This position may be eligible for a Compressed Work Schedule (CWS) in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 6120 et seq
• and Agency policy
• Participation in CWS is voluntary - subject to supervisory approval - and may be approved after entrance on duty based on operational needs
• Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD10575A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Physical Requirements: Incumbent works on ladders - scaffolds - platforms and hard to reach places
• Works in locations and positions which are uncomfortable
• Stands - stoops - kneels - climbs and often must lift objects weighing 50 lbs
• or more - is exposed to scalding - bruises - abrasions and lacerations which could cause infection - rashes and diseases
• Is exposed to noxious and caustic odors and fumes
• Working Conditions: Work is performed inside and outside and is usually dirty - dusty - and greasy and very often in extremely warm or cold environments
• Assignments are required to be performed outside in inclement weather - crawl spaces - tunnels and other locations where the ambience is challenging.