Pipefitter

Summary

This position is located at the Veterans Administration (VA) - Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - VISN 5 - VA Medical Center (VAMC) Beckley - West Virginia. It is organizationally aligned under the Facilities Management Service line. The primary purpose of this position is to install - modify maintain - and repair industrial or domestic high-temperature water and medium to high pressure piping systems and 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 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.

Duties

• MAJOR DUTIES: Installing - modifying and repairing new and existing medium to high pressure piping systems and equipment such as steam heating - steam generation - hydraulic systems - steam generators - flash and expansion tanks - condensate lines - vacuum and circulating pumps - and radiators
• Installs equipment by planning and completing the routing and placement of systems leading to the equipment - determining and placing equipment - determining and placing equipment at the proper levels and points int he system - and joining - sealing and testing systems and equipment for proper pressure - leak free\\e joints and operation
• Responsible for the total operation - repair - maintenance - and documentation of the reverse osmosis (R.O) system in the MC
• Responsible for the full implementation and continuous updating of the Engineering Service Automated Engineering Management System/Medical equipment Reporting System (AEMS/MERS) that apply to the Plumbing Shop
• Installs - maintains and repairs internal and external medical gas lines and well as the medical gas system in its entirety
• Accomplish work data entry - an understanding of the operation of the terminals - printers - and appropriate software is required
• Welds joints and fittings using metal inert gas (MIG) - tungsten inert gas (TIG) or electric arc welders
• Responsible for all required documentation relating to the medical gas system
• Ability to attend training and certification in asbestos removal - training and certification in testing and certifying all backflow devices - welding and piping to complete quality of work regarding installing - maintaining - and repairing piping systems and other associated equipment
• Knowledge of - and ability to use shop mathematics to determine the size and type of materials necessary to complete projects
• Knowledge of various supplies - disposal - utility systems and equipment sufficient to service water - natural and propane gas systems - fire control sprinkler systems - and water closets - are installed and operational
• Make tests and adjustments to systems and equipment after completion of work - for proper operations - flow - drainage and sanitary conditions
• Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm - Monday - Friday
• Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD003080 Physical Requirements: The work requires the pipefitter to make repairs and installations from ladders - scaffolding - and platforms - often in hard-to-reach areas
• The incumbent is required to stand - stoop - bend - kneel - climb - and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions for extended periods
• The work frequently involves handling - lifting - carrying - and setting up parts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms)
• Occasionally - the incumbent may lift or move heavier items with the assistance of lifting devices or other workers
• Dexterity and coordination are needed to install and repair systems where precise alignment and fit are essential - and where work must be performed in confined spaces or awkward positions
• Working Conditions: The work is performed both indoors and is frequently dirty - dusty - and greasy
• The incumbent is sometimes required to make repairs and installations in areas with unpleasant odors - confined or poorly ventilated spaces - or where exposure to fumes - steam - or hot surfaces occurs
• The incumbent is regularly exposed to the possibility of physical injury such as strains - cuts - abrasions - burns bruises - and infections
• Work areas may involve uncomfortable extremes of heat - humidity - or cold depending on the system or location being serviced
• Occasionally exposure to the possibility of broken bones or other serious injuries may occur when working with pressurized systems - welding equipment - or heavy components.