This Pipefitter position is located in the Facility Maintenance Service Line at the Central Western Massachusetts VA Medical Center, located in Leeds MA and under the HVAC & Mechanical Pipe Shop Supervisor. This position, modifies, maintains and repairs a variety of high, medium and low pressure piping systems. This is an open-continuous announcement that is open until 12/06/2024.

Duties

This is an open-continuous announcement and is open until 12/06/2024. Positions will be filled as they become available. The first cut-off date to consider applications for referral to the selecting official will be 9/13/2024, the remaining cut-off dates will be at 2-week intervals S/he cuts, threads and installs pipe, hangers, pipe insulation, condensate tank and pump assemblies, steam & hot water heating devices, heat controls, condensate traps, circulating pumps, radiators, on demand and electric hot water heaters and other devices. The incumbent installs, plumbs and maintains a wide variety of lines (copper, cast & black iron, steel, brass and corrosive resistant plastic), drains, vents, fixtures, food service & medical equipment. Major duties include but are not limited to: Designing, inspecting, installing, modifying, repairing, and completing maintenance of compressed air systems, natural gas systems, high and low pressure steam systems, plumbing drain waste and vent systems and hot and cold domestic water systems. Using building plans, blueprints, sketches, and work orders to accomplish project work. Packing, adjusting, and repairing steam valves of various types. Repairing pipe leaks, clearing obstructions in piping, and making necessary adjustments for proper system operation as required. Operate grinders, pipe threading machines, oxygen/acetylene torches, hand tools, electric sewer augers, fans, pumps, welders, and other trade related tools and equipment. Works off ladders, scaffolds, and man lifts when needed to reach work areas. Supporting FMS management, engineering technicians, and project managers as the station pipefitting/plumbing journeyman through design consultation, code consideration, and installation guideline support of plumbing and piping systems as required by the Uniform Plumbing Code, Manufacture's installation guides, industry engineering standards, and the needs of Facility Management Service. Inspecting the fabrication and installation of steam systems, plumbing systems, and high-pressure/high-purity pipe/medical gas systems as needed. Assisting engineers and other FMS professionals in responding to operational issues including troubleshooting problems of specialized piping systems to ensure the mission continuity. Carry out work assignments with minimal supervision that is, to install, repair, and replace hospital piping/plumbing and supporting systems including all pipe, fixtures, valves, and apparatuses used in the construction, repair and replacement of all water, waste, vent, air, hydraulic, gas, high pressure and low pressure steam, high purity medical gas/vacuum pipe systems and the fixtures and apparatuses they serve. Working with outside suppliers and vendors to ensure material markups are within industry standards, while also working to enhance VA vendor and contractor relationships. Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm, EST. Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD00436A Physical Requirements: There is heavy lifting involved with this position. Assistance is usually available for the handling of heavier material and equipment. Heavy exertion is required at frequent intervals. Incumbent can work in noisy, confined areas, and on intermittent slippery or uneven surfaces. Incumbent may receive minor cuts or abrasions while performing these duties. Work can also require long periods of standing or sitting depending on the work scheduled provided by the HVAC/Plumbing Shop Supervisor. Preferred Experience: Commercial Pipefitting or Plumbing work in a Healthcare Setting and Current Pipefitter or Plumber License issued from any US State. Note: This position is a Bargaining Unit Position. Current Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• 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. 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, RepairInterpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)Measurement and LayoutTechnical PracticesTroubleshootingUse and Maintain Tools and EquipmentWithout 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Northampton VA Medical Center 421 North Main Street Leeds, MA 01053 US
• Name: Emily Wayne-Lane
• Phone: 781-687-2000 (6764)
• Email: [email protected]