The WG-9 Plumber position is assigned to one of the three Maintenance Units within the Engineering Service of the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. The incumbent performs a variety of tasks involved in the upkeep and repair of building, grounds, and related structures, fixtures, and utilities.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/12/2025. 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: Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Measuring Instruments Physical Strength and Agility Shop Practices Use Hand Tools - Machine Shop Without more than normal supervision Work Practices For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Major duties include but not limited to: Incumbent must have a comprehensive knowledge in the testing and repairing of backflow assemblies. The incumbents' work shall also include installation, maintenance repair, or replacement on piping that serves HVAC systems, up to the point where the piping enters the HVAC equipment. Incumbent must connect threaded pipe, mechanical joints, compression fittings, and other coupling devices and will also perform brazing at appropriate times and according to accepted trade codes. Incumbent must have the skill to interpret and analyze data from recorders, gauges, computers, meters, etc. and make required adjustments to controls to maintain safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operation of the utility systems. Incumbent must have the skill to use a vast assortment of hand tools, pipe threaders, hammer drills, core drills, and other tools of the trade. The incumbent shall routinely prepare requests for parts, materials, and operating supplies using manufacturers pamphlets or commercial trade catalogs. The incumbent, by accepted trade methods and techniques, must independently plan and layout installations and modifications of various piping systems and equipment. Incumbent works from building plans, blueprints, sketches to plan and lay out the routing, placement, pitch, elevation, pressure reduction, expansion and operation of various piping systems and equipment. The incumbent shall maintain, repair and/or install all forms of piping and related systems. The incumbent shall maintain and repair systems and equipment such as, but not limited to the following: supply and distribution systems for domestic potable hot and cold water; condensate and condensate return lines; medical gas, air and vacuum piping and pumps; compressors; de-ionized and other process water lines and systems; internal and external soiled and waste pipe; external water mains and roof and storm drainage systems and all related devices and equipment such as drains, drain traps, clean-outs, faucets, lavatories, water closets, showers, tubs, grease traps, urinals, drinking fountains, surgical scrub sinks and other associated valves, pump systems, etc. Incumbent shall have and be able to demonstrate basic plumbing skills and knowledge. Incumbent must have a complete and thorough knowledge of the facility plumbing system and take immediate corrective action to ensure continued service, and avoid adverse conditions such as flooding caused by stoppages and/or plumbing failures. The incumbent may be required to troubleshoot and solve problems with specialty supply lines, such as medical oxygen, medical air, vacuum lines, and nitrogen lines. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Position Description/PD#: Plumber/PD602830 Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized