Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation. *This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT until March 6, 2026.  Applicants will be reviewed on a bi-weekly basis until the position is filled.

Duties Include but are not limited too:

• Installing and operating high- and low-pressure piping systems, plumbing systems, and related equipment (such as steam heating, steam generators, vacuum systems and circulating pumps).
• Installing plumbing fixtures such as sinks, water closets, drinking fountains, hot water tanks, and hot water equipment such as dishwashers and laundry equipment.
• Installing valves, traps, and unions needed for proper system operation.
• Installing and operating relief valves, check valves, pressure regulators, expansion joints and other pressure supporting and controlling devices to control pressure, flow, and circulation.
• Figuring pressures and fixtures units within a system and ensuring that piping, valves, fittings and equipment are proper for the work.
• Installing the proper braces and supports to control movement and vibration while allowing for expansion and contraction.
• Performing work assigned orally and through written or electronic work orders based on building plans and blueprints.
• Determining the proper placement and elevation to install steam generators, vacuum and condensate pumps and radiators.
• Planning and laying out the installation, modification and repair of new and existing piping systems, plumbing systems and equipment.
• Laying out and installing piping, risers and flexible branches at the proper level and incline.
• Planning and laying out the needed routing, placement, pitch, incline and elevation of systems and equipment.
• Using welding, brazing and other tools to lead joints of cast iron pipes and solder copper tubing.
• Using hand tools common to the pipefitting trade, including wrenches, sliding squares, measuring tapes, dividers, chalk lines, plumb bobs.
• Using power tools common to the pipefitting trade, such as drills, grinders, pipe threaders and cutters.
• Testing systems and equipment for proper circulation, flow, pressure, leak-free joints and proper drainage
• Diagnosing plumbing system issues by isolating the problem, checking through the system, and making appropriate repairs or modifications.
• Using resources, such as cameras and other tools, to find the root cause of a problem or system failure, correct the failure and prevent future re-occurrences.
• Tracing and troubleshooting pipe lines, systems and equipment to locate and repair leaks and trouble spots
• License required ASSE and CAWS

Work Schedule: 7:00 am-3:30 pm; Monday - Friday
Position Description Title/PD#: Pipefitter/PD10202A
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Yes
Physical Requirements: The pipefitters make repairs and installations from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and platforms, and where the systems and equipment worked on are in hard-to reach places in hot and cold work areas. This requires the pipefitters to stand, stoop, bend kneel, climb and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. The pipefitters frequently handle, lift, carry, and set up parts and equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds. Must handle heavy tools at arm's length and overhead from time to time. Must unload from trucks and place on storage racks such heavy and bulky materials as metal pipes and other types of materials. Incumbent must work throughout all areas of the Health Care System. In some cases they must go in out-of-the-way areas such as boiler/mechanical rooms, pipe chases, roofs, attics, basement, etc., which may require kneeling, bending, stooping, crawling, etc. Project demands may require work at other than normal administrative hours
Working Conditions: Pipefitter must be in good physical condition as the incumbent must be able to tolerate temperature extremes, restricted confined spaces, and dirty and dusty environments. Incumbent is issued safety-toed footwear gloves, eye protection, and other personal protective equipment. It is the responsibility of the incumbent to use the personal protective equipment appropriately during the course of the assigned work. Use of personal protective equipment is used to avoid injury or burn by steam, heat, or hot water. Some Work is performed in the shop areas. Incumbent is required to work in close, tight areas at times. Incumbent is exposed to hazards of working from heights, falling materials, steam and hot water lines, sometimes exposed to electrical shocks. Incumbent is subject to working out in all kinds of weather conditions and temperatures and in confined dusty and dirty areas.Outdoor work is normally done in good weather. Incumbent may occasionally work in dirty, dusty, hot or cold environments such as crawl spaces and attics. Incumbent is exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises, scrapes, broken bones, and serious burns caused by electrical shock, high voltage, and hot components while working around equipment. At times, works around extremely high noise and vibrations sources. Work in ward areas around sick patients. Incumbent may be called upon to work overtime and call-back in case of emergencies

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Position requires licensing at the Journeyman Plumber level and American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) certification for medical gas systems. Must be certified by American Welding Society (CAWS) to connect by welding medical gas piping. Journeyman plumbing license required at time of hire. ASSE and CAWS certifications must be obtained within two years of employment start date if not held at time of hire.

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

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Position requires licensing at the Journeyman Plumber level and American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) certification for medical gas systems. Must be certified by American Welding Society (CAWS) to connect by welding medical gas piping.

Documents Accepted:

• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Documents Required:

• Resume
• Journeyman Plumbing License

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and 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.

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