Pipefitter

Summary

This position is in the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Chillicothe VA Medical Center. The position is in the Pipe Shop, Facilities Management Service (FMS) and works under the direct supervision of the Pipe Shop Supervisor. The primary purpose of the position involves pipefitting and plumbing duties for the repair and maintenance of building piping systems.

Duties

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Install, maintain, modify, and repair new and existing high- and low-pressure steam, condensate piping systems, water steam and condensate distribution systems, plumbing systems, and equipment such as steam heating systems, steam generators, flash and expansion tanks, steam fired and electric domestic hot water heaters, steam traps, vacuum systems, circulating pumps, pipe insulation and pipe coatings, pipe hangers, and radiators. Perform miscellaneous welding repairs using electric arc welding, use of oxy-acetylene equipment for cutting metals, silver solder and braze welding. Work from building plans, blueprints, and sketches to plan and lay out the routing, placement, pitch, elevation, pressure reduction, expansion, and operation of various piping systems, plumbing systems, and equipment. Occasionally operates emergency repair truck on station, as well as at CBOC's and clinics. Plan and lay out the installation, modification, and repair of various new and existing piping systems, plumbing systems, and equipment. Determine the placement and elevation, and installs steam generators, vacuum and condensate pumps and radiators. Installs, repairs, and maintains heat exchangers, flash and expansion tanks, and automatic and manual control valves. Interpret and apply building plans and blueprints and to use shop mathematics to lay out angles, arcs, and circles. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Available at the discretion of the agency. Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD93668A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/16/2026. 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: Screen Out: Without more than normal supervision - Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision. Troubleshooting- Troubleshooting Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair - Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Technical Practices - Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic). Specifications (includes blueprint reading) - Ability to interpret instructions, specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading). Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment - Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment. Measurement and Layout- Measurement and Layout. 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. Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Incumbent makes repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and in areas where the systems and equipment worked on are in hard-to-reach places. This requires standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, and climbing while working in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Frequently handles, lifts, carries, and sets up parts and equipment that weigh over 50 pounds. Work is done inside and outside, in attics and crawlspaces, steam tunnels and manholes. These areas may be dirty, dusty, greasy, wet, hot, or cold. May be required to make installations and repairs in areas where malodorous are present. Frequently exposed to the possibility of strains, cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns, and infections. Incumbent may be required to work in areas that have asbestos containing materials and will, therefore, be required to use personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) including respirators and other equipment to prevent possible asbestos exposure. Incumbent will be responsible for completing respirator training, fit testing and training in the proper use and maintenance of general PPE.