Pipefitter (Landscape Irrigation) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. CGA-2025-159 Department Architect of the Capitol
Salary $30.73 to $42.09 Grade 08 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/12/2025 Close Date 2/28/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

Are you interested in a career in Plumbing? The position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Superintendent Capitol Grounds and Arboretum, Maintenance Division, Plumbing Branch. The Pipefitter serves as an expert with emphasis on landscape irrigation, performing troubleshooting, repairing and installing pipefitting system components in assigned Capitol Complex work sites that include extensive grounds and arboretum, monumental historic buildings with a complex infrastructure.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

See Requirements section of this announcement for information on who may apply. Note: Please be advised that federal retired annuitant candidates may only be considered as a temporary employee if the role can be filled in that capacity.

Duties

Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday; 6am - 2:30pm

Duties quotes at the WG-11; this is a Career Ladder Position requiring the employee to perform progressively more responsible duties and responsibilities on a gradual basis to develop journey level skills in Plumbing and Pipefitting (Landscape Irrigation) to the WG-11.

Grounds Maintenance

  • Utilizes the electronic Building Automation System (BAS) to install, monitor, diagnose, repair and maintain multifaceted, diverse vendor products as required to sustain the operations of the U.S. Congress and preserve heritage assets in a protective interior climate, including moisture-controlled preservation requirements related to piping systems.
  • Calibrates a Hunter wireless valve controller and wireless valve programmer equipped with a solenoid that digitally programs zone watering requirements, including set points for starting and stopping and saturation levels. 
  • Operates Sentinel electronic controls to monitor the irrigation system of zones to turn water on and off at certain times and duration, monitoring the flow percentage of water used and alerting on malfunctions through sensors in the turf and flower-beds to avoid wasting water or under-watering.
  • Adjusts the timing of all automated irrigation systems throughout miles of piping to meet seasonal requirements. Renovates fountains with new pumps, electronic controls, variable frequency drives and electronic automatic chlorine dispensers.
  • Responsible for the installation of major 12 inch diameter, steel pipe for fire hydrant installations and repairs within the perimeter of the Capitol Grounds. Installs backflow preventers/backflow check valves, involving major excavation and the cutting and welding of steel pipe. Utilizes excavation equipment, including a Ditch-witch (for more than one mile of trenching), Bobcat, Tractors, Sewer Machine for catch basins, as well as the K50 snake. Ensures that fire hydrants meet D.C. Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) and AOC service testing requirements annually.
  • Installs, maintains and repairs complex landscape irrigation systems including electronically controlled large output heads for drip irrigation tape.
  • Performs, brazing, soldering and other hot work processes, such as welding in some jurisdictions, using accepted trade methods and a variety of manual hot work techniques to connect all types of commonly used metals in various shapes, sizes and thicknesses. 
  • Designs and installs piping and water delivery components; backflow prevention components; mechanical, hydraulic and electrical irrigation controls; and other irrigation system components.
  • Troubleshoots and repairs irrigation components and systems.
  • Collects site data in regards to landscape water requirements and use.
  • Makes maintenance recommendations and performs minor repairs.
  • Prepares installation sites, including layout, staking, excavation, boring, trenching, grading and backfilling.
  • Identifies and implements system upgrades and modifications and manages the control system to provide the most efficient irrigation possible.
  • Installs and maintains exterior drinking fountains.
  • Responsible to maintain the historic exterior ornamental fountains throughout the Capitol campus. 
  • Coordinates performance with other skilled trades such as masons and electricians in conjunction with ongoing maintenance and preservation of ornamental fountains.
  • Troubleshoots piping systems and related fixtures for water conservation efficiency. 

Environmental Waste Management

  • Employees may require knowledge of hazardous (e.g. lead paint and solvents), universal (e.g. lamps and batteries and/or non-hazardous (e.g. oil and polychlorinated biphenyl) waste management requirements to ensure compliance with environmental regulations in performance of duties (e.g. decide hazardous material is no longer needed and will be disposed, select containers for waste accumulation, add waste to containers, label containers, move waste to and from waste accumulation sites, manage waste accumulation sites, provide waste management guidance/answer questions concerning waste management.

Must follow all relevant safety rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures. Must utilize knowledge of and must comply with all OSHA and Office of compliance safety rules and regulations to ensure that work progresses in a safe manner. Receives training to ensure that all safety practices and equipment are fully utilized. Uses required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Performs other related duties as assigned.

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** This position is designated as “Emergency/Essential” and will be required to report to work during emergencies and inclement weather conditions and other emergency situations.**

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be able to pass a drug test.
  • Your resume and question responses must demonstrate job-related elements.

Requirements:

To be employed by the Architect of the Capitol in a paid position, an individual must meet one of the categories below:

  • A citizen of the United States;
  • A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B);
  • A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible;
  • A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408); or
  • A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States.

Qualifications

You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.

SCREEN-OUT: Ability to perform the work of the position without more than normal supervision which includes showing job responsibility and exercising initiative to include proper usage of tools and equipment of the trade; the order of assembling parts and what tools and equipment are needed; how to read blueprints, sketches and technical manuals to understand the functions of the parts or systems, to plan and lay out work and to aid in finding faulty parts or systems; repair techniques to be used including methods used in getting the right fit or tolerances; how to make adjustments and calibrations; and how to rebuild and make parts.

WG-8: Performs troubleshooting, repair and installing plumbing systems and components.

WG-10: Journey-level pipefitting experience to include installation or repair of irrigation systems.

WG-11: Journey-level pipefitting experience to include installation or repair of irrigation systems and experience utilizing automated irrigation systems

Additional information

Welcome Veterans. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans' preference rights in the legislative branch to certain veterans as applied by the Congressional Accountability Act. Veterans' preference is applied on this vacancy announcement. If you are a veteran and have been separated under honorable conditions, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility; SF-15, if applicable; and Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of disability, if applicable. For more information, please visit http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp#6.

If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information.

DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC’s suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide and cover the cost for the drug test.

The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol.

The Architect of the Capitol is an E-VERIFY Participant. E-VERIFY is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" electronic system. For more information on E-Verify, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm

The Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and/or disability.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Moving expenses are not authorized.

Relocation expenses are not authorized.

Probationary Period - A newly appointed selectee is subject to the completion of a one-year trial/probationary period, regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol.

All application materials become the property of the Architect of the Capitol.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holidays; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation; training and development opportunities, etc.

Selected applicant(s) may be eligible to earn a higher annual leave accrual rate credit towards annual leave accrual based on prior non-Federal or uniformed service work experience. The amount of service credit will be based on specialized experience or qualifying experience that is provided on the applicant profile submitted. As such, if you are a new employee to the Federal Government or a rehire, it is important that you provide a work history that lists all directly related positions held, and it must include the dates of employment (month/day/year).

The Architect of the Capitol offers eligible employees opportunity to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Review your resume and responses carefully. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self-assessment questions.

Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate the job elements for this position, possession of any specialized experience, and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement. The self-assessment questions relate to the following job elements and competencies:

--   Ability to perform the work of the position without more than normal supervision which includes showing job responsibility and exercising initiative. (Screen-out)

--   Basic plumbing and pipefitting methods and techniques.

--   Irrigation equipment experience.

--   Ability to interpret pipefitting instructions.

--   Measurement and layout skills.

Your responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions. Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume and optional cover letter. Your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions. Falsifying your background, education and/or experience is cause for non-selection or disqualification from further consideration.

Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the “Required Documents” section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application).


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) job application process is designed to ensure you only provide information necessary to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility for the position vacancy.

To apply for this position, you only need to submit: a) your resume and b) answers to the online vacancy assessment questionnaire. The online questionnaire contains eligibility and screening questions and other relevant information. No additional documentation or attachments are required at the time of application.

Your resume should list your education, training and work experience including job titles, employment dates, duties and accomplishments.

Nothing further is required until it is requested by AOC’s Human Capital Management Division. If additional documentation is required for the position, you will be asked to provide it during the interview or selection process. At that time, you may be asked to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume.

For example, you may be asked to provide a copy of your diploma, college transcripts, or proof of Federal employment status. If the position requires licensure or certification, you will be asked to provide proof at the time of selection.

If Veterans’ preference is claimed, you will be asked to submit proof (DD-214, and, if claiming a 10-point preference, a SF-15 and the proof required by that form).

Failure to provide the required documents will end further consideration and/or result in the withdrawal of any tentative job offers.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

You MUST apply online. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

If you are a new user to the USAJOBS Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJOBS user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help with setting up an account or for general assistance in using USAJOBS, go to USAJOBS Help Page.

NEED HELP?
If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! If you have problems completing your on-line application, contact the Monster Hiring Management Help Desk at 1-866-656-6831 or by e-mail at MGSHELP@monster.com. The help desk is available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may call and leave a voice mail message at all other times.

All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS “Saved Documents” feature.

If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions.

Agency contact information

Clarissa Anderson
Address
Architect of the Capitol
United States Capitol
Washington, District of Columbia 20515
United States

Next steps

You will receive a notice generated by the USAJOBS System when you have successfully submitted your application. We will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.

You can check the status of your application by logging into http://www.usajobs.gov. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJOBS Account, editing your profile and changing the ‘Notification Settings’ to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes. Information regarding the status of your application should be updated in the system within two (2) weeks after the closing date of this vacancy announcement.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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