This position of Plumber is assigned to the Maintenance and Operations Unit of the Facility Management Service at the VA Medical Center in Manchester, NH. This is an open and continuous job opportunity announcement. Certificates are issued on an unannounced periodic basis based on requests from management. Applications will be evaluated and referred for selection as vacancies occur within the organization. This announcement may close at any time once all positions are filled.

Duties

This position of Plumber is assigned to the Maintenance and Operations Unit of the Facility Management Service at the Manchester VAMC. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The work involves installing, modifying, maintaining, and repairing, troubleshooting, and testing of new and existing water and drain piping, low pressure steam line, including steam traps, radiators, and strainers. Shall modify, repair, and troubleshoot utility systems, supply, and disposal systems, including equipment such as water closets, tubs, showers, lavatories, and any other equipment involved in sewage, water, oil, gas distribution systems and medical gas systems, as well as backflow prevention systems. Performs preventive maintenance work as necessary to keep building piping systems in good repair. Performs annual Back Flow Prevention (BFP) Testing and Certification and BFP repairs as required. Keeps all hand and power tools in good working order. Maintains safe working conditions in shops and other working areas. Advises shop supervisor on material stocks and materials for completion of assigned work. SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE Must have knowledge of domestic water systems as installed in a hospital setting. This includes water booster pumps, water heaters, check valves, and manifolds. Must be skilled in repairs to lavatories with infrared motion sensing toilets with water saving flushometers, showers, housekeeping sinks and cleaning agent dispensing systems. Must be skilled and knowledgeable on the maintenance and repair of sewage and storm water sewer systems. Must be expert at drain cleaning with power augers for two-inch to eight- inch drain lines. Must be certified to test Backflow Preventers or willing to become backflow certified and to make repairs to backflow preventers. Must know how to plan and layout water and sewer systems and locate equipment as to placement and elevation of components is concerned. Must have the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, set up piping routing, locate and cut openings through obstacles and place hangers at proper pitch and elevations. Must be skilled in aligning pipes, valves, and fittings to reassemble portions of systems requiring repairs or modifications; and skilled in the placement of braces and supports to control movement, expansion or contraction, and vibration of piping systems. Must be knowledgeable of how water distribution and recirculating systems, natural gas, hydraulic and other mechanical systems are installed and operated. Must be skilled in installation, repair, and maintenance of kitchen and food service equipment, and steam sterilizers. Must be skilled in the use of all hand and power tools of the plumbing trade. Must be able to weld, braze, solder and silver solder various types of metal piping and fittings in the shop and onsite in difficult to reach locations. It is desirable for incumbent to have a valid State Journeyman Plumber License. Must have the skill and knowledge to track, record, and report on the ongoing maintenance of domestic water systems and equipment within the Medical Center's Environment of Care program. Must have journeyman knowledge of and the skills to apply the standards of plumbing, steam, and mechanical codes, as well as other standards, such as Lockout/Tagout programs, permit required confined space entry, fall protection procedures, and hot work permits. Applies skill and knowledge in practicing infection control, interim life safety, and other risk mitigation measures during the routine execution of their work. Must read and interpret technical instruction manuals, troubleshooting and operating guides, installation manuals, building, plumbing, and mechanical codes, Medical Center policies, blueprints and drawings, work orders, and other written guidance. Written and graphical products require a journeyman level of education and experience to properly interpret and follow. Must have the requisite memory, judgment, and ingenuity to quickly learn the intricacies of the Medical Center's existing physical plant. Existing systems are often poorly documented and so require skill and determination to trace, follow, and understand their unique characteristics. Distribution systems are typically hidden from view, so the employee must make and test inferences about routes and possible unexpected connections. Prepares drawings and sketches, develops bills of materials, estimates costs, and clearly communicates with supervisors, engineers, purchasing agents, and others on the resources needed to complete required work. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Position Description Title/PD#: Plumber/PD608-03327-O

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

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. It is desirable for incumbent to have a valid State Journeyman Plumber License. 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: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal SupervisionAbility to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading)Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and EquipmentKnowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.Measurement and LayoutTechnical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)Troubleshooting Must be certified to test Backflow Preventers or willing to become backflow certified and to make repairs to backflow preventers. 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. Physical Requirements: Makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and where the systems and equipment worked on are in hard-to-reach places, such as pits, tunnels, and behind obstructions. This requires the employee to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Frequently handles, lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds). Occasionally, may lift and carry items that weigh over 23 kilograms (50 pounds). Operates power and hand tools in awkward and uncomfortable positions in proximity to hazards such as steam and electrical lines. Occasionally, must work at a computer terminal to research parts, repair, and operating manuals, make entries in the leave and attendance system, or to attend training. If qualified, may occasionally be asked to operate snow and ice control equipment, such as snowplows, snow blowers, and snow shovels. Working Conditions: The work is done inside and outside, and is usually dirty, dusty, and greasy. The position is sometimes required to make installations and repairs in areas where bad smelling fumes are present. There is frequent exposure to the possibility of uncomfortable heat and cold conditions. Is frequently exposed to the possibility of strains, cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, and infections. They are occasionally exposed to the possibility of broken bones. The work environment exposes the employee to the possibility of electrical shock and scalds from high pressure steam. There is potential exposure to substances, such as lead, asbestos, solvents, and adhesives that are known to be hazardous to human health. Routinely uses Personal Protective Equipment, such as surgical masks, hearing protection, eye protection, and other devices necessary to preserve their health and safety. Participates in the Medical Center's hearing conservation and respiratory protection programs, as well as other programs designed to protect worker health and safety. While the position normally works during first shift, supervisors may occasionally require the incumbent to work overtime during weekends, holidays, evenings, and nights. Occasionally, the supervisor may require the employee to change their tour to provide coverage during extended vacancies in positions that ordinarily work second or third shift. Is subject to occasional unplanned call back to the Medical Center to assist emergencies related to the physical plant.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Manchester VA Medical Center 718 Smyth Road Manchester, NH 03104 US
• Name: Jonathan Montgomery
• Phone: 734-905-2529
• Email: [email protected]