Job Information
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Pipefitter in West Roxbury, Massachusetts
Summary This Pipefitter position is located in Facilities Management at the VA Boston Healthcare System. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week. Responsibilities The purpose of the position is to perform assignments that include working with pipes and fittings from a range of high pressure to low pressure steam. Major Duties Learn trade practices and skills. Assist journey worker in inspecting, adjusting, cleaning, repairing, the following: plumbing fixtures and systems, steam operated equipment, heating and water systems, kitchen and laundry equipment, air compressors, medical compressed air systems, vacuum systems, oxygen systems and natural gas distribution systems. Learn how to read specifications for equipment. Learn how to use the full range of hand and power pipefitting tools, machines, equipment and techniques. Test, fabricate, install, maintain and repair high, medium and low pressure steam and hot water systems as well as plumbing equipment and utility supply, distribution and disposal systems. Install copper, steel, cast iron, PVC piping. Repair steam traps, pumps, pressure reducing stations, faucets, toilets. Assemble sinks, toilets, faucets, steam traps, filter stations, backflow preventers. Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, sketches, technical specifications. Work from written and oral instruction. Work accurately in trade mathematics. Layout work from blueprints and sketches. Read and understand various types of gauges, scales and meters standard to the trade. Operate torches, welders, reciprocating saws, hand and power drain clearing devices, pipe threading machines. Perform maintenance on hand and power tools, such as drills, saws, pipe threaders. Use ultrasonic and gas leak test equipment. Troubleshoot pneumatic, steam, water, sanitary and medical gas systems. Select the proper tools and materials to perform the tasks assigned. Inspect, test and adjust equipment and systems after completion of repairs, alterations or additions. Install, repair and test fire hydrants, sprinkler systems and fire mains. Write scopes of work, develop cost estimates, and provide evaluation of invoices for no payment, partial payment, or full payment. Perform duties such as tin knocking, welding, brazing, etc. Install and maintain oxygen, nitrous oxide, compressed air, vacuum and L.P. gas system; performs preventative maintenance of water tower and system; conducts weekly readings and ordering of medical gas. Perform all sampling and testing through a third party and conduct recordkeeping. Perform other related duties as assigned. Skill and Knowledge Ability to learn the proper use of tools and equipment of pipefitting work. Ability to learn the order of assembling parts and what tools and equipment are needed. Ability to learn how to read blueprints, specifications, and technical manuals. Ability to learn how to make adjustments and calibrations of pipefitting equipment. Ability to learn how to rebuild plumbing and piping fixtures. Work Schedule: To be determined by management Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD#523-02086-O Physical Requirements: The employee is required to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Working Conditions: The work is done inside and outside, and is usually dirty, dusty, greasy, and smelly. There is exposure to uncomfortable heat conditions. The employee is exposed to the hazards associated with the work. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Includes Blueprint Reading) Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc. Measurement and Layout Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic) Troubleshooting 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 Additional Information Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.