Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the job elements and screen out listed below.
This job has a screen-out element which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. The Screen-out Element for this position is: Ability to do the work without more than normal supervision: 1) Installing, modifying, and repairing plumbing systems. (e.g., sewage, water, oil, air, and gas distribution systems, water closets, tubs, back flow prevention devices/assemblies, fire sprinkler systems, and showers); 2) Determining equipment, tools, and parts needed for plumbing repair work; and 3) Reviewing blueprints, building plans, or specifications to determine plumbing work details or procedures.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=WG-4200
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, 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.
Requires knowledge of how various supply, disposal, and utility systems and equipment, such as water and gas systems, fire sprinkler equipment, and water closets, are installed and operated. Employee may be required to work on high and low pressure systems such as steam, compressed air lines, water, etc. as listed in the Major Duties section,
Ability to plan and lay out the installation and modification of various systems and equipment, for example, the routing, openings, slant, and level of gas and water lines, and the location and arrangement of water closets, sinks, and fire sprinkler equipment.
Ability to interpret and apply building plans and blueprints and apply shop mathematics to determine and lay out piping systems and plumbing to include angles, arcs, and circles.
Skill in the use of the accepted trade methods and techniques, such as wiping and pouring lead joints, soldering, seating equipment, and installing combinations of couplings, unions, and joints needed for the proper operation of the systems.
Skill in the use of tools and equipment such as plumb bobs, mercury gauges, dividers, closet augers, hydrostatic pumps, and lead pots.
The work involves making repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms, and where the parts of systems worked on may be in hard-to-reach places. This requires standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions. May be required to lift, carry, and set up parts and equipment that weigh up to 40 pounds.
The work is done inside and outside, and is usually dirty, dusty, and greasy. May be required to make repairs and installations outside in bad weather. May occasionally make repairs in areas where bad smelling fumes are present. May occasionally be exposed to the possibility of broken bones and/or scrapes, burns, and infections.