The Pipefitter position is assigned to the Engineering Service at the Fargo VA Health Care System in Fargo, ND. The Pipefitter/Plumber provides journeyman level pipefitting and plumbing support to the facility.
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 may include: Installs replacement heating and hydronic equipment; Performs maitenance and repair on all heating and hydronic equipment having steam, condensate, chilled water supply, chilled water return, glycol chilled water supply, glycol chilled water return, glycol hot water supply, glycol hot water return, hot water heating and hot water heating return connections, such as radiators and convectors, variable air volume box reheat coils, fin tube radiation, etc. for occupant comfort, laboratory equipment, such as stills, and equipment in the Laundry and Nutrition and Food Service; Removes, cleans, reinstalls, or replaces fitting, joints, and other components; Inspects, adjusts, cleans, and repairs plumbing fixtures and systems, steam operated equipment, heating and water systems, waste lines, kitchen and laundry equipment, air compressors, medical compressed air systems, vacuum systems, oxygen systems, and natural gas distribution systems; Reads and interprets blueprints and manufacturers' specifications for installing and repairing equipment; Conducts safety and preventive maintenance inspections of utility systems and equipment in accordance with VA regulations and National Codes; Interprets and applies building plans and blueprints to layout angles, arcs, and circles; Utilizes tools and equipment such as sliding squares, measuring tapes, dividers, and chalk lines; Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD40237A Physical Requirements: Work requires standing and walking for most of the working day; with constant stooping, crouching and kneeling when making installation and repairs, and frequently in cramped and difficult working positions. Lifting heavy tools and using arm muscles in tightening connections, also places a physical demand on the worker, frequently handling equipment up to and occasionally over 50 pounds. Makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and where the parts of systems worked on are in hard-to-reach places. Requires standing , stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Physical Expectation: 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: May be subjected to cuts from sharp-edged tools and burns from hot water, blow torch, molten solder and steam. There is a possibility of falling from ladders and of strain from lifting pipes, components and fixtures. Work is performed indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions. Work involves stooping bending, crouching in cramped and difficult positions as wall as lifting and carrying heavy tools and equipment. Work is mainly in a hospital where there is always potential for being exposed to all types of disease. Work is done inside and outside , and is usually dirty, dusty, and greasy. At times repairs and installations are made outside in bad weather. Occasionally makes repairs in areas where bad smelling fumes are present. Subject to work under buildings, in tunnels, and in cramped locations. Occasional exposure to the possibility of broken bones and has frequent exposure to the possibility of scrapes, burns, and infections. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.