The Pipefitter works within the Maintenance Division of Facilities Engineering Services at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVHCS). Employee will perform journeyman level duties to install, repair, remove, modify, align, calibrate, overhaul, and perform preventive maintenance on systems and equipment at the MVHCS.
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. Examples of qualifying related experience include but are not limited to: installing, repairing, and performing preventive maintenance on systems and equipment; welding; piping steam systems; replacing chilled water lines; troubleshooting high-pressure and standard piping, water, gas, fire suppression, sterile processing equipment, vent systems; identifying safety hazards associated with confined spaces; replacing faulty fittings or sections of pipe; interpreting blueprints and sketches; and laying out/installing various kinds of piping risers. 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.
Major duties include but are not limited to: Replace broken underground domestic and chilled water lines up to 8" in diameter. Assist with site excavation and setting of a trench box for cave-in protection. Cut out defective piping and weld in new. Modify air handler piping to install new steam traps. Cut and weld in new steel piping to retrofit new units. Remove existing steam traps and install a steam trap/condensate pump system to increase efficiency and promote energy savings on select air handling units. Cut, weld, and thread piping. Install new complete run of copper piping to existing building air supply. Seek to cost-effectively meet or exceed compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental, public health, and resource protection laws, regulations, and VA requirements. Eliminate leaks by replacing faulty fittings or sections of pipe. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD60277A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive: Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Physical Requirements: The pipefitters make repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and where the systems and equipment worked on are in hard-to-reach places. This requires the pipefitters to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The pipefitters frequently handle, lift, carry, and set up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. On occasion, the pipefitter may lift and carry items that weigh over 50 pounds. You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Working Conditions: Work is performed inside and outside during the winter and summer, is usually dusty, dirty, and greasy. Frequently in wet, cold, cramped locations. Pipefitters are subject to burns from steam pipes, gas burning equipment, welding, torches, and molten solder. Pipefitters are subject to infection from unsanitary working areas such as sewers, waste traps, and lines. Also, working around areas where bad smelling fumes are present.