This position is located in the Engineering Service at the West Texas VA Health Care System. The work involves installing, modifying, and repairing new and existing high-pressure piping systems and equipment such as steam heating, steam generation, and hydraulic pumps and radiators. The Pipefitters work from building plans, blueprints, and sketches to plan and lay out routing, placement, pitch, elevation, pressure reductions, expansion, and operation of various piping systems and equipment.
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.
Major Duties: Installing, modifying, and repairing new and existing high-pressure piping systems and equipment such as steam heating, steam generation, and hydraulic systems, steam generators, flash and expansion tanks, condensate, vacuum, and circulating pumps, and radiators. Lay out and install various kinds of piping, risers, and flexible branches at the proper level and incline; determine the placement and elevation and Install steam generators, vacuum and condensate pumps, and radiators Lay out the routing, placement, pitch, elevation, pressure reduction, expansion, and operation of various piping systems and equipment. Conducts minor welding repairs and fabrication requiring the use of oxygen, acetylene, arc welding, and pipe welding; Inspects, adjusts, cleans, and repairs plumbing fixtures and systems, steam operated equipment, heating and water systems, waste lines, 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 Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD70115A Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, and carrying 45 pounds and over; pulling hand over hand; reaching above shoulder, use of fingers; both hands required; walking 8 hours; standing 8 hours; crawling 2 hours; kneeling 2 hours; climbing legs only; climbing use of legs and arms; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Mental and Emotional Stability Working Conditions: Outside and inside; dust; solvents; grease and oils; Slippery or uneven walking surfaces; Working around machinery with moving parts; Working on ladders or scaffolding; Working below ground; Working with hands in water; Working closely with others; Working closely with others.